The Reign of the Planet of the Apes: A $1.68 Billion Franchise Continues to Thrive

Any doubts about the future of the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes franchise following the previous film's satisfying conclusion have been dispelled even before the release of the new movie. Set in a world where apes have established dominance and human civilization has regressed to a primitive state, the storyline of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes revolves around a chimpanzee named Noa who rebels against the oppressive rule of the ape dictator, Proximus Caesar. Proximus Caesar has perverted the teachings of Caesar to fulfill his own ambitious vision of a world ruled by apes.

From a business standpoint, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes marks a fresh start for the franchise, aiming to kick off a new trilogy to prolong the series. However, in terms of the narrative, it serves as a continuation rather than a complete reboot. Unlike Rise of the Planet of the Apes, which started from scratch over ten years ago, Kingdom picks up where Caesar's uprising left off. Concerns that the new film might undermine the legacy of the previous trilogy or tarnish its flawless conclusion have already been addressed through the storytelling choices and captivating marketing strategies employed by Kingdom.

Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes Timeline Means It Won't Hurt War's Ending

Caesar carries his son on his back in War for the Planet of the Apes. - Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes Timeline Means It Won't Hurt War's Ending

When Disney announced that its first Planet of the Apes movie since acquiring 21st Century Fox would be a sequel to War for the Planet of the Apes, there were some concerns that the Mouse House would run the franchise into the ground. War for the Planet of the Apes was a perfect ending for Caesar’s journey, and for the prequel storyline that this Planet of the Apes trilogy had forged in the backdrop of the original saga. It ended with Caesar saving the apes he could save and leading them to an oasis, where they established a new civilization.

By making a sequel to that movie, Disney risked ruining that ending and dragging Caesar’s story out for longer than it needed to. But Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is set nearly 300 years after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes, so it’s not a true sequel. It’ll feature all new characters and kickstart a new Planet of the Apes story for a new trilogy to tackle. In retrospect, that was a really smart choice on the studio’s part. Now, there’s no risk of Kingdom hurting War’s ending or undoing the finality of it.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is set to be released on May 10, 2024.

Wes Ball Looks To Have Done An Amazing Job With Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes

Proximus Caesar addressed his colony in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes - Wes Ball Looks To Have Done An Amazing Job With Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes

The last two Planet of the Apes movies were helmed by Matt Reeves, who elevated the series to new levels of brilliance through a raw, gritty realism. However, Reeves is currently occupied with The Batman franchise, leaving the directorial duties for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes in the hands of someone else. This shift raised worries that a new director might struggle to maintain the delicate blend of sci-fi grandeur and philosophical depth that Reeves had mastered.

Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes Is Striking The Right Balance With The Original & Reboot Movies

But those concerns have been squashed, too. Reeves has been replaced by Wes Ball, the director of the Maze Runner trilogy. Based on the trailers, Ball has done an amazing job with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. All the visuals revealed in the marketing campaign have been immersive and breathtaking. Ball seems to have the same visionary sensibility as Reeves, and his own idiosyncratic take on the dystopian future of the Planet of the Apes franchise. It won’t be the same as Reeves’ movies, but it could be just as great.

Proximus Caeser staring at Noa in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes - Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes Is Striking The Right Balance With The Original & Reboot Movies

Based on the images and story details released so far, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes appears to have found a perfect balance between paying homage to the original series and aligning with the tonal shifts and plot progressions of the reboot trilogy. The narrative is expanding on the story arcs from the prequel trilogy, with Caesar's legacy casting a significant influence on the new characters - even the new villain has taken on his name. However, there are also evident indications that this film is moving towards the original timeline.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes appears to serve as a bridge between the prequel trilogy and a fresh interpretation of the original narrative. The film progresses from the events of the prequels while setting the stage for a new direction. The ongoing struggle between the apes and the remaining humans from the prequel trilogy is a central focus, but it is hinted that the arrival of astronauts may soon lead to a case of mistaken identity, with Earth being perceived as an alien planet under ape domination.

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" film has sparked both excitement and apprehension among fans of the franchise. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the movie, addressing concerns about the continuity and legacy of the previous trilogy. It highlights the clever narrative approach, set nearly 300 years after "War for the Planet of the Apes," ensuring that the film's timeline does not undermine the satisfying conclusion of the previous installment. This strategy allows for a fresh start while maintaining a connection to the prequel trilogy.

Moreover, the article acknowledges the departure of Matt Reeves as director and the appointment of Wes Ball, raising concerns about maintaining the high standards set by Reeves. However, it reassures readers that Ball has demonstrated an impressive ability to balance the franchise's core elements with his unique vision, as evidenced by the visually stunning trailers. Overall, the article instills confidence that "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" will not only honor the original series but also forge its own path, introducing a new chapter in this captivating sci-fi universe.