The legacy of Caesar lives on in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the latest installment in the iconic science fiction franchise. Directed by Wes Ball, this new chapter introduces audiences to a post-Caesar world where apes reign supreme and humanity teeters on the edge of extinction.
Set 300 years after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes, the story follows Noa, a young chimpanzee from a peaceful clan with a sacred connection to eagles. When his community is destroyed by a brutal warlord named Proximus Caesar, Noa embarks on a harrowing journey to rescue his people. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with a human woman, Mae, who holds secrets that could reshape both ape and human history.
Starring Owen Teague as Noa, Freya Allan (The Witcher) as Mae, and Kevin Durand as the menacing Proximus Caesar, the film combines breathtaking visuals with a deeply emotional narrative. It explores themes of memory, leadership, and the distortion of history in a way that resonates with modern audiences.
Critics have praised the film for its strong performances, stunning motion-capture effects by Wētā FX, and the way it expands the franchise’s mythology. With an 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s already being celebrated as a worthy continuation of the series.
Since its release on May 10, 2024, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes has grossed nearly $400 million globally, signaling strong interest in the franchise’s future. Producers have confirmed that this film is the beginning of a new trilogy, setting the stage for deeper conflicts and philosophical dilemmas in upcoming sequels.