Is there a Night at the Museum 3?
There is no third theatrical Night at the Museum feature film released as of 2025, and no active production on a new theatrical entry has been announced by 20th Century Studios. The main story concluded with Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014), though the franchise continues in other forms, including a Disney+ series. This overview clarifies the film’s status, outlines prior entries, and explains where the brand currently stands.
Status and current activity
Feature film status
Since the 2014 finale Secret of the Tomb, there has been no new theatrical Night at the Museum movie. There are no officially confirmed projects in active development for a third theatrical film. Announcements from studio, creators, or cast regarding a new feature have not materialized.
What has followed the films
- Disney+ series: In 2022, the Disney+ series Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again revived the concept in animated form, focusing on new characters and stories.
- Theme park and merchandising: The films remain part of broader Night at the Museum attractions and merchandise offerings, keeping the brand present in experiential contexts.
Key cast and creative context
The live-action films were led by Ben Stiller as Larry Daley, supported by a large ensemble that included Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais, and Hank Azaria. Creative leadership came from director Shawn Levy and writers David Guion and Michael Handelman, based on the children’s book by Milan Trenc. No new cast or crew announcements tied to a third feature have been made.
Documented milestones and releases
| Title | Release year | Format | Notable notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night at the Museum | 2006 | Feature film | Introduction to Larry Daley and museum exhibits coming to life |
| Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian | 2009 | Feature film | Expansion to national museums and increased stakes |
| Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb | 2014 | Feature film | Conclusion of the original live-action trilogy |
| Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again | 2022 | Disney+ animated series | New story in the same universe, not a theatrical sequel |
What a Night at the Museum 3 would require
- Studio greenlight: 20th Century Studios would need to announce development, which has not occurred as of 2025.
- Creative participation: Key cast members, especially Ben Stiller, would need to be attached, with no current indications of involvement.
- Narrative direction: A new premise would be required that justifies returning to the live-action format beyond what the 2022 series addressed.
Current availability and legacy
The trilogy remains available on streaming platforms, digital storefronts, and physical media, ensuring continued audience access. The animated series on Disney+ extends the brand to younger viewers and offers fresh stories without resetting the live-action continuity. Marketing and theme park integrations continue to leverage the original films’ nostalgia.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Night at the Museum 3 in production? No, there is no confirmed production or announced start date for a third feature film.
- Where can I watch the existing films? The films are widely available on major streaming services, purchase, and rental platforms.
- Does the Disney+ series replace a third movie? No; the series offers additional stories within the universe but does not serve as a cinematic sequel to the theatrical trilogy.