The Road to the Kingdom
In February 2020, director Wes Ball confirmed this wouldn't be a simple reboot. Instead, it would explore the legacy left behind by Caesar, the wise ape leader. The producer team was also solidified with Joe Hartwick Jr., David Starke, and Peter Chernin joining the crew. Chernin's involvement marked one of the last films his company would produce for 20th Century Studios before switching to Netflix.
The scriptwriting process took an interesting turn. Ball teamed up with Josh Friedman, and together they crafted the story virtually using Zoom calls. This became their routine even as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The heavy use of CGI in the film meant that virtual production could still move forward despite the challenges. Ball emphasized that this wouldn't be a direct sequel to the previous movie, "War for the Planet of the Apes," but more like a continuation of the overall story.
By March 2022, the studio was expecting a completed script and aiming to start filming later that year. The search for the lead actor began in June, following the script's finalization.
A New Chapter Takes Shape
September 2022 brought a big reveal: the film's title - "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes." We also learned it would take place centuries after the events of "War." The writing team expanded to include Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, and Patrick Aison, with Ball no longer credited as a screenwriter. Producer and executive producer roles were also filled by Jason Reed and Jenno Topping, respectively.
The Story Unfolds
Ball described the movie's setting as a kind of "Dark Ages" for apes, where they rediscover forgotten objects from the past. Our protagonist, Noa, isn't quite a child or an adult, but rather a young ape thrust into extraordinary circumstances. He lives in a nomadic tribe and is deeply inspired by Caesar's legacy of unity.
The antagonist, Proximus, is an interesting character. Actor Kevin Durand compared him to inventor Thomas Edison, who rediscovered electricity - a lost technology in this ape "Dark Ages." Proximus uses his knowledge to build an empire, twisting Caesar's message to suit his own goals.
The inspiration for the extended timeframe came from the movie "Apocalypto," which offered Ball a chance to explore a completely new story arc. Producer Joe Hartwick Jr. hinted that the film would center around Noa venturing out and exploring a world he's never known before.
Imagine a world 300 years after Caesar, the wise ape leader, carved out a peaceful haven for his kind. "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" isn't just another sequel; it's a giant leap forward. Here's the lowdown:
Apes Ascend, Humans Regress: Centuries have passed, and ape society has blossomed. Various ape tribes have emerged, some living in harmony. But humanity? Not so lucky. The once-dominant species has regressed to a feral state, forced to scavenge in the shadows.
A New Caesar Rises (But Not Really): Remember Caesar's message of unity? Toss it out the window. Proximus Caesar, a brutal ape king with a twisted interpretation of the original Caesar's teachings, has risen to power. He's wielding rediscovered human tech to build an empire and enslave other ape groups. Talk about a power trip.
An Unlikely Duo Emerges: Enter Noa, a young chimpanzee hunter from a peaceful tribe. His world gets flipped upside down when Proximus' forces capture his people. In the chaos, he meets Mae, a feral human girl with her own reasons to flee the ape dominion. This unlikely pair, thrown together by circumstance, embarks on a dangerous journey.
Questioning the Past, Shaping the Future: Noa's mission is twofold: free his tribe and dismantle Proximus' tyrannical regime. Mae, meanwhile, just wants to survive in this new world order. Their adventure will force Noa to confront the history of apes and humans, shattering everything he thought he knew. The choices he makes will determine the destiny of both species – a heavy burden for a young ape hunter.
This film promises to be a thrilling exploration of power, legacy, and the unexpected bonds that can form in the face of adversity.
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