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."