In 2011, the cinematic panorama witnessed the awe-inspiring rise of the planet of the apes through the perspective of a primate brought to life by an astounding performance. The subsequent trilogy chronicled the evolution of this character alongside the spreading simian revolution. Fast forward to the present day, and the much-anticipated “Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes” takes a bold leap forward, ushering in a new epoch in the saga.
Directed by a visionary filmmaker, “Kingdom” is a narrative departure from the immediate aftermath of the demise of the ape leader in “War For The Planet Of The Apes.” Instead, the film catapults us approximately 300 years into the future, where the leadership of the ape character is now a distant legend. This temporal shift sets the stage for a fresh perspective on the world of apes and the enduring legacy of their departed leader.
The focal point of this new chapter is a young ape hero brilliantly brought to life by an actor known for a memorable role in other movies. Oblivious to the leader’s legacy, the protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery, attempting to decipher the meaning behind the iconic phrase “apes together strong.” The actor remarks, “The character has no idea who that is,” emphasizing the pivotal role legacy plays in shaping the identity of this emerging protagonist.
However, not everyone in the Kingdom is ignorant of the teachings of the departed leader. Enter a chimp donning a crown and harboring ambitions that may not align with the greater good of ape-kind. The human counterpart of this character sheds light on the character’s motives, stating, “The leader is almost a religious figure, and the character has taken on the name because it was the highest position held in ape society.” The actor underscores the thematic recurrence of tyrannical figures throughout history, drawing a parallel between ape and human struggles for power.
“Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes” is not merely a continuation of the Rise saga; it is a cinematic metamorphosis, introducing a new narrative beast with a broader story to tell. The director envisions “Kingdom” as the commencement of a trilogy, showcasing grand ideas that extend beyond the confines of the screen. The director remarks, “From the beginning, we thought about this as a trilogy,” hinting at ongoing discussions with the studio about the next installment. Despite involvement in other projects, including the much-anticipated movie, the director sees a promising future for this evolving era of apes.
“The last three movies were about the end of something,” explains the director. “They were about the end of this story. They were about the end of humanity. And we thought, ‘From the ashes of those previous movies, we’re going to grow a new tree to climb.’ This movie is very much about the beginning of something.” As audiences prepare to be captivated by the unfolding narrative, one thing is certain: “Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes” promises a wild and thrilling ride into uncharted territory. Strap in, for it’s about to get bananas.
