The National Treasure 2 cast brings together a mix of returning adventure-seekers and major franchise newcomers. Released in December 2007, National Treasure: Book of Secrets reunited director Jon Turteltaub and producer Jerry Bruckheimer to expand the historical treasure-hunting lore. The story follows Benjamin Franklin Gates as he attempts to clear his great-great-grandfather’s name from the Lincoln assassination conspiracy, blending fast-paced clues with high-stakes family dynamics.
Knowing who plays whom helps map out the intricate family feuds, rivalries, and federal investigations driving the plot. This breakdown details every major actor, their specific character arc, and how they shape the sequel.
The Core Adventurers
Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Franklin "Ben" Gates
Nicolas Cage returns as the franchise's anchor, Ben Gates. As a historian, cryptologist, and obsessive treasure hunter, Ben drives the narrative by tracking down cryptic markers from Paris to London and deep beneath Mount Rushmore. Unlike the first movie, Ben’s primary motivation shifts from national wealth to personal family honor, facing off against public disgrace when his ancestor is tied to John Wilkes Booth. Cage balances academic enthusiasm with desperate heroics, anchoring the high-concept historical puzzles.
Diane Kruger as Dr. Abigail Chase
Diane Kruger reprises her role as Dr. Abigail Chase, the Director of Document Conservation at the National Archives. At the start of the sequel, Abigail and Ben are separated, and she has moved on with a new partner working in the White House. Despite the breakup, her exceptional knowledge of historical documents, artifact preservation, and puzzle-solving proves vital when the team needs to infiltrate Buckingham Palace and the White House.
Justin Bartha as Riley Poole
Justin Bartha provides comedic relief and technical muscle as Riley Poole. In this outing, Riley is riding high on the success of his published book detailing the events of the first film, though he complains about still living in a modest apartment and driving a standard car. Riley's computer hacking skills, digital tracking maneuvers, and nervous energy keep the team moving forward when historical riddles stall out.
The Gates Family Dynamics
Jon Voight as Patrick Henry Gates
Jon Voight returns as Patrick Henry Gates, Ben's father. Patrick spends much of the film bickering with his ex-wife and pushing back against Ben's reckless pursuits. His relationship with the rest of the family forms an emotional core, particularly as past resentments surface during their international race against time.
Helen Mirren as Dr. Emily Appleton-Gates
Academy Award winner Helen Mirren joins the National Treasure 2 cast as Dr. Emily Appleton-Gates, Ben's mother and Patrick's estranged ex-wife. A brilliant professor of Native American studies, Emily has spent decades estranged from Patrick due to an academic dispute over a translation. Her expertise becomes the missing puzzle piece required to decode the final clues leading to the mythical city of gold, Cibola.
The Rivals and Authorities
Ed Harris as Mitchell "Mitch" Wilkinson
Ed Harris steps in as the primary antagonist, Mitchell "Mitch" Wilkinson, a ruthless black market antiquities dealer. Mitch possesses a page from John Wilkes Booth's missing diary that implicates the Gates family. Rather than just seeking pure destruction, Mitch is motivated by a desire to cement his own family name in history by finding the golden city. His parallel pursuit forces Ben into dangerous cat-and-mouse games across international borders.
Harvey Keitel as FBI Special Agent Peter Sadusky
Harvey Keitel returns as Peter Sadusky, the veteran FBI agent who pursued Ben in the first film but ultimately grew to respect him. Now possessing a more relaxed dynamic with the crew, Sadusky operates inside the bounds of the law while quietly giving Ben leeway to prove his family's innocence.
Bruce Greenwood as The President of the United States
Bruce Greenwood plays the unnamed President of the United States, who holds the ultimate key to the mystery: access to the infamous "Book of Secrets". Ben kidnaps the President during a birthday dinner at Mount Vernon to gain entry to the secret presidential ledger, leading to a tense yet cooperative interaction highlighting executive secrecy.
Supporting Roles and Cameos
- Ty Burrell as Connor: Abigail's pretentious White House curator boyfriend, who serves as an administrative roadblock for Ben's infiltrations.
- Alicia Coppola as Agent Spellman: An FBI agent assisting Sadusky in tracking down the rogue treasure hunters.
- Armando Riesco as Agent Hendricks: Sadusky's dependable subordinate who tracks digital breadcrumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't Diane Kruger's character stay with Ben at the start?
Abigail split up with Ben because of his stubbornness and lack of communication, leading her to start a relationship with a White House curator. However, old habits die hard, and she quickly gets pulled back into the chaotic world of historical conspiracies.
Is the "Book of Secrets" a real government document?
No. While the White House and executive branch keep extensive classified records, the specific leather-bound volume containing presidential confessions, alien cover-ups, and hidden historical sites shown in the film is entirely fictional.
Did Helen Mirren perform her own stunts?
While Mirren handled most of her dramatic and academic scenes, stunt doubles stepped in for physical sequences, such as wading through underground water tunnels and navigating collapsing platforms in the final chamber.
How does the sequel connect back to the first film?
The sequel continues the exploration of secret American societies and historical bloodlines, shifting the focus from Freemason and Templar symbols tied to the Founding Fathers to the Lincoln assassination conspiracy and presidential ledgers. You can read more about franchise production histories via Disney.
