In a thrilling revelation for fans of the Planet of the Apes franchise, the highly anticipated “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is set to mark the beginning of a new cinematic trilogy, according to details shared by Empire Magazine. Director Wes Ball, the creative force behind this ambitious project, sheds light on the vision driving this fresh chapter in the iconic series.
“From the beginning, we thought about this as a trilogy,” explains Ball. “We had these grand ideas of where it could ultimately go and how it could fit into the legacy of these movies. So I’m certainly talking to [the studio] right now about the next story.”
The narrative of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is slated to unfold approximately 300 years after the events portrayed in 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes.” This film concludes a trilogy that commenced with 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” and continued with 2014’s “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.”
The director’s revelation offers a glimpse into the overarching theme of renewal that will define this trilogy. Ball, who is currently involved in directing a live-action adaptation of “The Legend of Zelda,” expressed uncertainty about his future involvement in the Apes franchise but emphasized that “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is all about new beginnings.
“Those last three movies were about the end of something,” Ball explains. “They were about the end of this Moses story. They were about the end of humanity. And we thought, ‘From the ashes of those previous movies, we’re gonna grow a new tree to climb.’ This movie is very much about the beginning of something.”
Accompanying these revelations is an exclusive photo released by Empire Magazine, giving enthusiasts a sneak peek into the world of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.”
EXCLUSIVE 🐵
Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes sets up a new trilogy nearly 300 years after Caesar's death.
'The last three movies were about the end of something,' Wes Ball tells Empire. 'This is very much about the beginning of something.'
READ MORE: https://t.co/t6zaHNZrgo pic.twitter.com/WBgoQ5mtsW
— Empire Magazine (@empiremagazine) December 15, 2023
What to Expect from “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”?
In a dynamic preview, the recently released trailer sets the stage for an epic adventure, showcasing the dawn of a new era in the franchise. Director Wes Ball revitalizes the global, epic narrative set several generations in the future, following Caesar’s reign.
The official synopsis offers a tantalizing glimpse into the plot: “As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.”
Starring a stellar cast including Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Travis Jeffrey, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is slated for release in United States theaters on May 24, 2024.
As fans eagerly await the cinematic spectacle, it’s evident that “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is not just another sequel but the genesis of a new era, promising a captivating blend of continuity and innovation in this beloved franchise.