Ben Gates, played by Nicolas Cage, hasn't been seen at all so far in National Treasure: Edge of History's first season, despite getting a nod. So where is he, and will we ever see him in future episodes?
Nicolas Cage's Absence in National Treasure: Edge of History
Cage hasn't commented on his absence from Edge of History, so it's unclear why he's not there. He has, however, most certainly had a hectic schedule this year.
He starred in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, which was a critical and commercial success. Cage also appeared in Butcher's Crossing, a Western film based on John Edward Williams' 1960 novel of the same name.
While Cage does not appear in Edge of History Season 1, other National Treasure characters do.
Justin Bartha, who played Riley Poole in the National Treasure movies, assists Jess in deciphering several clues. Harvey Keitel reprises his role as retired FBI agent Peter Sadusky, and Armando Riesco's Agent Hendricks remains on the job.
Fans Want to See Ben Gates in Edge of History
The first two episodes of National Treasure: Edge of History debuted on Dec. 14. The show centers on Olivera's Jess Valenzuela as she discovers a hint that might point to a Pan-American treasure with ties to her own father. Jess must locate the treasure with the aid of her pals before the cruel Billie Pearce (Catherine Zeta-Jones) can take possession of it.
The National Treasure movies' historical and puzzle-solving elements are captured in Edge of History, but it does it with a younger cast. While many fans like the new approach to the brand, some miss Cage.
"I normally would be interested in a National Treasure sequel or TV series. Since I'm a massive fan of the franchise. But seeing as though Nicolas Cage and Diane Kruger aren't in the film? I have no desire to watch that nonsense," a fan tweeted.
"The National Treasure Series is not all that bad but I think it just needs some Nicolas Cage," another fan quipped.
Even if Cage doesn't have a big part in National Treasure: Edge of History, a cameo could be enough to please loyal fans and tie the series to the movies.
Nic Cage Could Appear in Edge of History Season 2
National Treasure: Edge of History has yet to be announced. However, showrunner Cormac Wibberley already has a plan in place to bring Cage back as Ben Gates. Apparently, he and his wife Marianne Wibberley anticipate a Tony Stark and Peter Parker-style interaction between Jess and Ben.
"That's basically how we saw the relationship if Ben Gates ever showed up," Cormac told Entertainment Weekly. "She's basically Peter Parker to him and would be like, 'Oh my God, it's Ben Gates! What do I do?' That's how our universe is. We would love to bring any of the other veterans if we get another season. We have roles for all of them."
New episodes of National Treasure: Edge of History air Wednesdays on Disney+.
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