NICOLAS Cage is back as the
historian-turned-treasure-hunter in Walt Disney Pictures’
"National Treasure: Book of Secrets" and joining him are two
remarkable actresses portraying pivotal characters: Diane Kruger
("Troy") and recent Academy Award winner Helen Mirren ("The
Queen").
In this sequel to the 2004 blockbuster, Ben
Gates (Cage) once again sets out on an exhilarating,
action-packed new global quest to unearth hidden history and
treasures. A missing page from the diary of John Wilkes Booth
which surfaces, Ben’s great-great grandfather was suddenly
implicated as a key conspirator in Abraham Lincoln’s death.
Determined to prove his ancestor’s innocence, Ben follows an
international chain of clues that takes him on a chase from
Paris to London and ultimately back to America. This journey
leads Ben and his crew not only to surprising revelations – but
to the trail of the world’s most treasured secrets.
Returning for another adventure is Diane
Kruger who, as Abigail Chase, discovered the Templar Treasure
with Ben Gates in the first film. "I think the first film was
successful because it took history that everyone has heard of,
and put it in a brand new light of adventure and treasure
hunting," says the German-born Kruger. "It was a surprise to me
how successful ‘National Treasure’ was in Europe and the rest of
the world because of its American theme, but I guess
treasure-hunting goes a long way. I was excited by the idea that
the second film opened up to locations in London and Paris,
because everyone in the world can feel even more involved in the
story."
"At the end of the first film, we left Ben
and Abigail off falling in love and becoming a couple, and this
one starts with them breaking up," continues Kruger. "Abigail is
a curator, so she considers facts to be more important than
assumptions, and I think that’s one of the issues she has with
Ben. She’s more rational and realistic, and a little reluctant
to give in and go on a new treasure hunt."
The filmmakers had their fingers (and toes)
crossed when they decided to pursue Helen Mirren, one of the
world’s most celebrated and distinguished performers for the
role of Emily Appleton. "We had wanted to work with Helen for a
long time, but wanted to make sure that when we got our only
shot, we had a fully realized part for her," notes executive
producer Mike Stenson.
Says Mirren, "I loved the first ‘National
Treasure.’ I thought it was smart, very entertaining, and led
people into history in a very lively way, and that’s always a
good thing. Personally, I love historical documentaries because
they always push me back into history, and I thought this was a
very fun way of doing that."
Mirren found the idea of portraying Ben Gates’ mother, Dr.
Emily Appleton, more than engaging because of the character’s
intelligence and strength. "Emily is a very high level expert in
deciphering ancient languages, which really fits into the DNA of
that particular family, as both Ben and his father, Patrick, are
adventuresome types who are obsessed with history. But Emily has
resisted the whole concept of treasure-hunting, feeling that
it’s a waste of time, energy, and money. She’s hasn’t seen
Patrick in the 32 years since they were divorced, and they fall
straight into an argument the minute they have a reunion, as if
it all stopped just 30 seconds before."