The upcoming “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” marks the 10th “Planet of the Apes” movie since 1968. The original franchise comprised five films released between 1968 and 1973, followed by a remake in 2001. The most recent trilogy ran from 2011 to 2017. Director Wes Ball confirmed that the new film ties directly into the previous trilogy, set centuries later. However, fans are speculating on its potential connections to the original films.
“Initially hesitant, Ball hesitated about a fourth installment due to the traditional “1-2-3-4″ structure. However, the concept of connecting the new film to the previous installments while maintaining its independence appealed to him, providing a sense of freedom. The key challenge was developing a compelling story worthy of the long-standing legacy of the franchise, which began in 1968.”
“The tone, characters, story, look, and style of the movie have changed due to the change in filmmaker. However, we aimed to maintain the essence of the franchise from the 1968 film to the previous trilogy directed by Reeves and Wyatt. The goal was to convey our connection to the beloved franchise.”
“We attempted to coexist in both worlds,” he stated. “The Ceasar trilogy and ’68 are our guiding principles, and we strive to find a balance between them.”
You can watch our interview with Wes Ball at the top of the page.
Are All of the Planet of the Apes Movies Canon?
While Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is tied to the 1968 movie and the most recent trilogy, it’s unclear if the original’s four sequels are considered “canon” to the new film. Previously, Ball explained to members of the press during an edit bay visit that canon has always been “loose” in this franchise.
Ball explained that he considers the movies canon but acknowledges inconsistencies in the timeline, particularly regarding time-traveling astronauts. He believes Reeves did not consider this concept in his films. Ball emphasizes that the new film does not include time machines sending apes back in time due to its different setting. However, he strives to maintain some connection to the previous films, incorporating elements that may evoke nostalgia for fans. Ball acknowledges that the canon in these movies has always been flexible.
Wes Ball’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” features Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy. It opens in theaters on May 10th.