The latest installment in the Planet of the Apes franchise, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, marks a significant milestone as the series now boasts double-digit movies. With four films in the modern iteration, it comes close to matching the five movies released during the franchise’s original run in the 1960s and ’70s. Director Wes Ball takes a bold step by moving the storyline “many generations” ahead in time, bridging the gap between the rebooted series and the original film. This shift is part of Ball’s vision to close the franchise at the same starting point, with astronaut Charlton Heston crash landing on a future Earth, unaware of the ape takeover. While Kingdom is not the final chapter, it sets the groundwork for the endgame Ball envisions for the series.
Ball believes that the previous three films served as the conclusion of one era, focusing on the downfall of humanity and the ape leader, Caesar. In contrast, Kingdom serves as the genesis of a new era for the apes, providing essential context for the current narrative. By distancing the movie from its predecessors, Ball aims to give the audience an opportunity to rediscover Caesar’s legacy, the evolving human world, and the varying ape civilizations. The emergence of different ape groups with distinct cultures and beliefs creates a compelling backdrop for the story’s development, offering a fresh perspective on the ape society.
The diverse ape factions and their unique evolutionary paths serve as a captivating canvas for the filmmakers to explore in Kingdom. With protagonists oblivious to Caesar’s existence and adversaries fighting in his name, the narrative takes on a new dimension. The introduction of the Noa character and her tribe adds depth to the storyline, hinting at the vast potential for future narratives. Ball’s focus on long-term storytelling becomes evident as he hints at the distant goal of aligning the storyline with the original 1968 film, although he acknowledges the uncertainty of reaching that point anytime soon.
While Ball’s aspirations for the franchise’s future are ambitious, he remains pragmatic about the challenges ahead. The prospect of eventually reaching the events of the 1968 film underscores the complexity of the storytelling process. Ball’s preference for building up to the original movie rather than remaking it highlights his creative approach to extending the franchise’s legacy. The gradual evolution of the ape society towards wearing clothes in the future films reflects the meticulous planning behind Ball’s vision for the series, ensuring a seamless transition towards the iconic imagery of the original film.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes represents a significant turning point in the franchise’s evolution, signaling a new chapter in the saga of the apes’ rise to dominance. Director Wes Ball’s deliberate decision to propel the narrative forward in time sets the stage for future developments, introducing fresh challenges and opportunities for growth. As the series continues to expand and explore new horizons, fans can look forward to an exciting journey that honors the legacy of the original films while charting a course towards an uncertain yet promising future.
Leave a Reply