Few science fiction movie franchises have as long a history as The Planet of the Apes. The original 1968 movie starring Charlton Heston was one of the most influential movies of its time. Since then the franchise has had some hits and misses, but in 2011 new life was injected into the series with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, a prequel set in modern times which depicted how the titular apes first began to take over the Earth.
Starring Andy Serkis as lead ape Caesar, the trilogy of films that began with Rise brought a level of depth that helped them connect with today’s audiences, in large part because of the stylistic filmmaking of director Matt Reeves, who helmed the second and third movies in the trilogy. They were hits for 20th Century Studios. But the story of Caesar, it seemed, came to its end with 2017’s War for the Planet of the Apes.
The Witcher’s Freya Allan will star in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Now, a new Planet of the Apes movie is on the way. It was first announced that another Apes movie would be made almost three years ago, per Syfy Wire, but this week marks the first time that 20th Century has actually revealed details about the project, including its title: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Set “many years” after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes, Kingdom will carry on Caesar’s legacy with a whole new cast of characters.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is set to go into production next month, and is projected to release in 2024. The movie has tapped some great genre talent, including The Witcher’s Freya Allen and The Orville’s Peter Macon. It star Owen Teague is slated to appear as the film’s new lead ape. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes will be directed by Wes Ball (Maze Runner), and will mark the beginning of a “new chapter” for the franchise.
To go along with the announcement, 20th Century also released a gorgeous piece of first-look concept art:
“Planet of the Apes is one of the most iconic and storied science fiction franchises in film history, as well as being an indelible part of our studio’s legacy,” 20th Century Studios head Scott Isbell said. “With Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes we are privileged to continue the series’ tradition of imaginative, thought-provoking cinema, and can’t wait to share Wes’ extraordinary vision for this new chapter with audiences in 2024.”
We’ll be waiting a little while to see the new installment in the Planet of the Apes trilogy, but if the previous three movies are any indicator, it’ll be worth the wait.
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