National Treasure: Edge of History Stars Zuri Reed & Lyndon Smith Uncover the Franchise’s Next Chapter on Disney+

The beloved National Treasure universe is expanding its thrilling legacy with the highly anticipated Disney+ original series, National Treasure: Edge of History. This captivating new installment introduces viewers to a fresh generation of adventurers, led by Jess Valenzuela, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a cryptic clue leading to a centuries-old treasure. This mysterious quest might also hold the key to understanding her long-lost father’s past. As Jess and her diverse group of friends embark on an exhilarating journey to unearth history’s greatest lost treasure, they simultaneously uncover deeply buried family secrets and navigate a world fraught with danger and intrigue.

In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, stars Zuri Reed and Lyndon Smith offered fascinating insights into their pivotal roles and how their characters navigate this expansive, treasure-filled world. Their discussions illuminate the unique blend of adventure, mystery, and modern twists that define this exciting new chapter of the National Treasure saga, promising both familiar excitement and fresh perspectives for fans old and new.

Zuri Reed, who portrays the character of Tasha Rivers, elaborated on her role, emphasizing Tasha’s distinct blend of technological prowess and skeptical outlook. “I play Tasha Rivers, a very tech-savvy, sharp, and influential young social media star,” Zuri shared with HollywoodLife. “Her popular platform is dedicated to educating her audience about the critical importance of internet privacy and digital security. Tasha is inherently the type of person who firmly believes that ‘the government is always listening,’ which naturally makes her very anti-FBI. This creates an interesting, often comedic, but also profoundly challenging dynamic with her best friend and roommate, Jess, who, ironically, is very much pro-FBI. In fact, Jess’s ultimate aspiration is to join the FBI, posing a significant ideological and personal challenge for Tasha. She finds herself needing to reevaluate her deeply held beliefs and principles to support her best friend’s ambitions and help her on this dangerous journey. Despite her initial reservations, Tasha’s unwavering loyalty shines through. She’s the kind of person who will always go to extraordinary lengths to assist and protect the people she loves, making her an indispensable member of Jess’s crew, even if it means confronting her own biases and stepping into situations she’d normally avoid.” Tasha’s unique skill set and moral compass are sure to be a highlight for viewers.

Meanwhile, Lyndon Smith steps into the shoes of Agent Ross, an FBI agent whose journey is initially separate from Jess and Tasha’s, yet inevitably converges with theirs. Agent Ross finds herself embroiled in the escalating mystery, connecting her directly to the rich legacy of the original National Treasure franchise characters. Lyndon explained the significance of her character’s role within the broader narrative and its echoes of the past.

“Our show, National Treasure: Edge of History, is truly a massive expansion of that original, beloved franchise,” Lyndon clarified. “We deliberately feature and honor those original characters, with one notable return being the iconic Harvey Keitel, reprising his role as Peter Sadusky. In the original movies, as devoted fans will recall, he played the diligent FBI agent relentlessly hunting down Ben Gates. So, Agent Ross essentially inherits and steps into that very same challenging role, becoming the new ‘Harvey Keitel’ to Jess’s ‘Ben Gates.’ When Jess and her friends arrive with this incredible, almost unbelievable story about a treasure, potentially involving a kidnapping, Agent Ross is immediately skeptical and deeply suspicious. She doesn’t know who to trust, if these individuals are friends or foes, or even if any part of their wild tale holds an ounce of truth. Agent Ross, therefore, embarks on her own parallel investigation, a determined hunt to uncover the facts. Her central questions are: Should we trust them? What exactly is going on? And will she ultimately transition from being an initial antagonist to a crucial ally in their quest? These are the mysteries that define her character arc, and as the series unfolds, time will reveal the answers to her pivotal role in this epic adventure.”

The intricate dance between the seekers and the pursuers is a cornerstone of the National Treasure narrative, and Agent Ross embodies this tension perfectly. Her unwavering dedication to protocol and law enforcement provides a necessary counterpoint to the more unconventional, often rule-bending methods employed by Jess and her team. This dynamic promises to deliver both nail-biting suspense and the potential for unexpected alliances, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as Agent Ross navigates the complex moralities of her duty versus the potential for uncovering a historical truth that could redefine everything she knows about the world and its hidden past.

Lyndon enthusiastically affirmed that the series is brimming with “absolutely” countless Easter eggs and heartfelt nods to the original movies, a feature meticulously designed to delight long-time fans while enriching the experience for newcomers. “We are very much living within the established world of National Treasure. We’re not attempting to recreate something entirely new; the foundation, the lore, and the spirit of the original films are all still very much present and influential,” Lyndon stated, reassuring fans about the show’s authenticity. “So, I would confidently say that in every single episode, our dedicated, original fan base will discover a little something special, a moment of genuine fan service. This could come in the form of a familiar character making a return appearance, or it might be one of those subtle, deeply woven, throughline Easter eggs that only the most diehard fans will instantly recognize. For instance, a particular phrase, a specific historical reference, or even a visual cue that calls back to iconic moments from the films. If you’re sharp enough to pick up on these intricate details, you’ll find yourself several steps ahead of everyone else, adding an extra layer of engagement and reward to your viewing experience.” This commitment to honoring the franchise’s roots while propelling the story forward ensures that National Treasure: Edge of History serves as both a respectful homage and a fresh, innovative adventure, expanding the beloved mythology.

The world has profoundly evolved since the last National Treasure film graced the big screen in 2007, and National Treasure: Edge of History thoughtfully reflects these contemporary changes. Zuri Reed highlighted how the series seamlessly integrates modern technology, making the treasure hunt feel current and relevant to today’s audience, particularly through characters like Tasha. “The technological landscape has shifted dramatically since the days when Nic Cage’s Ben Gates was sprinting through Philadelphia, navigating ancient clues and historical sites primarily with maps and cryptic symbols,” Zuri observed. “Our show, through characters like Tasha, is able to inject cutting-edge technology and innovative methods of hacking, cracking complex digital codes, and skillfully breaking down both digital and physical barriers. These advanced capabilities simply didn’t exist in the same way back then. We’ve truly modernized the treasure-hunting genre, leveraging today’s tech advancements to create a fresh and engaging experience. This includes not just sophisticated digital tools and surveillance countermeasures but also a variety of other cool, contemporary factors that unfold throughout the adventure, ensuring the series resonates with a new generation while still honoring the spirit of the original films. It’s about how ancient puzzles interact with modern problems.” This modernization isn’t merely cosmetic; it fundamentally alters the methods of discovery and the types of challenges the characters face, adding layers of complexity and excitement to the narrative.

A crucial element of the series’ intrigue stems from the enigmatic figure of Billie Pearce, portrayed with captivating complexity by the incomparable Catherine Zeta-Jones. Both Jess’s crew and Agent Ross find themselves drawn into intriguing and often perilous dynamics with Billie, whose motivations remain shrouded in mystery. Lyndon teased the fascinating “cat-and-mouse game” that unfolds between Agent Ross and Billie, promising intense confrontations and unexpected twists. “For Agent Ross, it’s a constant puzzle. She’s continually asking herself: Who exactly is this Billie person? What are her true intentions? Why does she repeatedly appear in my investigations? How is she so consistently intertwined with this unfolding mystery?” Lyndon explained. “Initially, all of Agent Ross’s attention and suspicion are directed towards Jess and Tasha, seeing them as potential criminals. But as events progress, Billie Pearce’s name keeps surfacing, seemingly connected to every major development, creating an undeniable and troubling pattern. There has to be something significant connecting her to all of this. So, a major part of Agent Ross’s arc involves meticulously trying to discern whether Billie is an ally or an adversary, a friend or a foe, or perhaps something even more complex. This ambiguous and high-stakes relationship adds a rich layer of suspense and moral gray areas to the series, making Billie a formidable and unpredictable force.”

The intricate web of relationships, from Jess and Tasha’s unwavering friendship to Agent Ross’s professional pursuit and her wary interactions with Billie, forms the emotional core of National Treasure: Edge of History. The series expertly explores universal themes of trust, loyalty, the weight of history’s legacy, and the courage required to forge one’s own path while respecting and learning from the past. It’s a tale designed not just for thrill-seekers and puzzle enthusiasts, but for anyone captivated by the idea of uncovering hidden truths and forging deep connections that transcend time and circumstance.

This exciting new chapter in the National Treasure saga promises to deliver all the high-stakes adventure, complex historical puzzles, and shocking revelations that fans have come to expect, all while introducing a vibrant new cast and modern narrative sensibilities. Viewers can join Jess, Tasha, Agent Ross, and the rest of the intriguing characters on their incredible quest as new episodes of National Treasure: Edge of History are released every Wednesday, exclusively on Disney+, offering a weekly dose of discovery and suspense.