Just about everyone should be familiar with the "Planet of the Apes" movie series. Whether it's the classic movie from 1968 and its sequels or the three somewhat more modern reboots from the 2010s: There is something for nearly everyone's taste. After the dark and very popular "War of the Planet of the Apes" from 2017, we can soon look forward to a new release. We tell you everything you need to know about the upcoming action spectacle and hope you enjoy our new Original!

The Plot of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

As usual, there is a possibility of spoilers regarding the previous films - so be warned. We can expect that the story of "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" will follow more or less directly from its predecessor. We recall: at the end of the third movie, main character Caesar succumbs to his wounds after saving his tribe and defending it against an army of humans. Shortly before he passes away, the orangutan Maurice assures him that his son Cornelius will learn his father's name, thus passing on his rule as well. Caesar had previously led him and many other apes to an oasis, giving them a chance to survive in the hostile environment.

"War of the Planet of the Apes" was already rather dark and emotional, which fits perfectly with Caesar's quest for revenge, which he undertakes after his wife and son were murdered by humans. It can be assumed that "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" will likewise follow a similar pattern, as we already know from a first plot description by Deadline: Based on this, the movie will take place some time after the events of its predecessor. As revealed by a casting report, the film, which will be released in 2024, will feature several ape communities that have emerged from the oasis, while a small group of humans have slowly recovered from the ape flu. Caesar's legacy is said to be ambivalent: While some ape communities have never even heard of the hero, others turn history in their favor and establish their own empires based on false facts.

Due to this, we can assume that some time will have passed between Part 3 and Part 4. One of the many ape leaders is said to be particularly ruthless and enslave other apes for his own purposes in order to gain access to human technology. The main protagonist, probably Cornelius, fights with all means for the freedom of all apes and against their enslavement. Along the way, he meets a young human woman who accompanies him, but also has her own interests. It is not yet known whether she, like many of her kind, has become mute due to the flu.

As soon as we have more details about the story of "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes", we will keep you posted.

Cast & Production

Regarding the cast of "Planet of the Apes 4", there is already some info. Thus, for example, we will see Caesar's son Cornelius again, who will be played by "Black Mirror" actor Owen Teague. Apart from him, there are many confirmed actors with unknown roles, including newcomer Travis Jeffery, "The Witcher" star Freya Allan, "The Orville" actor Peter Macon, "Jessica Jones" actor Eka Darville and Kevin Durand, who played a part in "The Butterfly Effect". In February, The Hollywood Reporter also revealed that "Jurassic World Dominion" actress Dichen Lachman and "Shameless" star William H. Macy would be joining the cast.

There is speculation that Macy will take on the role of the villain, which would put him in good company with David Oyelowo, Gary Oldman and Woody Harrelson from the previous films. It is considered almost certain that Freya Allan will play the protagonist's human companion, while Durand and Macon are believed to play apes. For the other actors, it is unclear which side their characters will be on.

Filming on "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" began in October 2022 in Sydney, Australia, under the working title "Forbidden Zone" and was already concluded in mid-February 2023. The director this time is Wes Ball, after Rupert Wyat was in charge of the first part and "The Batman" director Matt Reeves directed the following two sequels. This is the first time since "Maze Runner 3" from 2018 that Ball has been back in the director's chair. The screenplay, which was also penned by Ball, was also contributed by "Avatar 2" writer Josh Friedman.

According to Caesar actor Andy Serkis, director Wes Ball is the perfect man for the job. He promised wholeheartedly that the end result would blow the audience away. We can't wait to see if the movie can keep that promise.

Planet of the Apes 4 Trailer & Release Date

Apart from some artwork, there hasn't been much to see from the project yet. Neither is there official news about a first trailer so far. Since filming has been done for more than three months, many fans would like to see at least a first teaser. However, one should not disregard the fact that the complex editing of the footage has just begun after the shooting was over. With such a special effects-heavy movie, that can definitely take some time. The previous movies are considered milestones of the performance capture technique, and the realistic portrayal of the apes and their emotions always caused great astonishment among the audience. It is to be expected that the new movie will strive for a similar quality. The final result can be seen next year: "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" is slated for a theatrical release on May 24, 2024.