With the release of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” the sci-fi franchise has entered a new phase, marking the fourth film in the rebooted series. Director Wes Ball, known for his work on the Maze Runner films, has taken the series in a bold direction by skipping ahead “many generations” to bring the story closer to the original film’s timeline. This move sets the stage for a significant shift in the narrative, moving away from the end of the human world and Caesar’s story towards the beginning of a new era for the apes.
One of the most fascinating aspects of “Kingdom” is the exploration of different ape groups developing their civilizations independently. The protagonists in the film are unaware of Caesar’s legacy, while the antagonists fight in his name. This dynamic sets the stage for a complex narrative that delves into the evolution of ape society and the conflicts that arise within it. Ball’s vision for the franchise involves expanding on this concept, with the potential for new ape characters and tribes to be introduced in future films.
A Long-Term Vision
Despite the success of the rebooted franchise, Ball’s ultimate goal is to bring the series full circle back to the original 1968 film. He envisions a gradual build-up towards the events of that film, rather than a direct remake. This approach would involve telling new stories within the established universe, leading up to the iconic moment of Charlton Heston crashing down to Earth. While this ambitious plan is still in the early stages, Ball acknowledges that it may not come to fruition and that there are many more stories to be told before reaching that point.
An interesting development in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is the gradual progression towards apes wearing clothes, as seen in the original 1968 film. While ape society has not yet reached that point in the current film, there are subtle hints of this transition. Characters like Raka and Proximus Caesar begin to adorn themselves and take cues from human history, signaling a shift towards a more advanced ape civilization. This evolution adds depth to the world-building of the franchise and hints at future developments in ape culture.
The future of the Planet of the Apes franchise looks promising with “Kingdom” setting the stage for a new era of storytelling. Director Wes Ball’s ambitious vision for the series offers a fresh perspective on the established universe, exploring the complexities of ape society and laying the groundwork for future installments. As the franchise continues to evolve, fans can look forward to seeing how the narrative unfolds and whether it will ultimately lead back to the iconic moments of the original film.
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