The Planet of the Apes saga is far from over. Following the critical and box office success of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes in 2024, 20th Century Studios has officially greenlit a direct sequel, aiming for a 2027 release. The studio’s president, Steve Asbell, confirmed that the next installment is already in active development—fueling speculation and excitement over where this post-apocalyptic narrative will go next.
A Legacy Reimagined
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes marked a bold step forward for the franchise, taking place centuries after Caesar’s death in War for the Planet of the Apes (2017). While Caesar’s legacy remains central, the world he helped shape has fractured. The 2024 film introduced audiences to a complex new ecosystem of ape civilizations—some preserving Caesar’s vision, others distorting it—and hinted at a human resurgence previously thought impossible.
The central narrative followed Noa, a young and idealistic chimpanzee from the Eagle Clan, who journeys across a crumbling world after his people are enslaved by Proximus Caesar, a self-appointed tyrant exploiting Caesar’s name. Teaming up with Raka, a wise orangutan, and Mae, a human with access to lost technology, Noa emerges as a new kind of leader—one who must balance old values with the unpredictable realities of a changed world.
Where the Sequel Could Go
While official plot details remain secret, the end of Kingdom clearly laid the groundwork for multiple threads the sequel could explore. Here are some of the likely directions:
| Plot Thread | Potential Development |
|---|---|
| Noa’s Leadership | With Proximus defeated, Noa’s rise as a unifying figure may be tested by other ape factions and external threats. |
| Human Resurgence | Mae’s connection to a surviving tech-savvy human enclave and her possession of a satellite decryption key suggest humanity is regrouping. |
| Inter-Species Diplomacy | Can apes and humans coexist, or are they destined for another war? The sequel may explore political and philosophical tensions. |
| Caesar’s Divided Legacy | Different ape clans interpret Caesar’s teachings in conflicting ways. Will a new Caesar emerge to restore balance—or fracture it further? |
Behind the Camera: Will Wes Ball Return?
Director Wes Ball, best known for The Maze Runner trilogy, is expected to return though not yet confirmed. Ball has hinted that this sequel could be “the Empire Strikes Back” of the new trilogy—heavier, darker, and more emotionally charged. In interviews, he’s expressed excitement about the narrative seeds planted in Kingdom and the opportunity to take the saga to more ambitious thematic territory.
Long-Term Vision: A Nine-Film Epic?
Writers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, who helped reboot the franchise in 2011 with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, have hinted at a long-term roadmap that could stretch the current timeline into a nine-film series. If Kingdom is the fourth entry, and the 2027 sequel is the fifth, that leaves room for at least four more films in this continuity—each potentially exploring new regions, conflicts, and stages in the ape-human relationship.
Critical and Commercial Success
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes struck a balance between philosophical depth and blockbuster spectacle. The film earned over $397 million globally, including $171 million from North America. It holds an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its world-building, visual effects, and motion-capture performances—especially those of Owen Teague (Noa) and Kevin Durand (Proximus Caesar).
While some critics felt it lacked the emotional intensity of the Caesar trilogy, others celebrated it as a brave new direction with compelling character work and lore expansion.
Streaming and Awards Recognition
The film was released to PVOD platforms in July 2024, with a wider streaming debut on Hulu (U.S.) and Disney+ (international) in August. A physical release followed, including an alternate version that showcased unedited motion-capture scenes—offering fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the performance-driven storytelling.
It received multiple award nominations, including an Oscar nod for Best Visual Effects and a win at the Annie Awards for Best Character Animation in a Live Action Production.
Merchandising and Fan Culture
The resurgence of the franchise has also been a boon for collectibles. Popular items include:
- Weta Workshop’s “Apes Through the Ages” Miniature – A high-end collectible honoring ape leaders from the entire franchise.
- NECA’s Gorilla Soldier Action Figure – A hit among long-time fans.
- Planet of the Apes “Going Ape” Retro T-Shirt – Featuring classic characters like Cornelius and Dr. Zaius.
A deluxe Blu-ray edition of Kingdom includes special features such as raw mo-cap footage, director commentary, and concept art galleries.
With a sequel in the works and more films potentially on the horizon, the Planet of the Apes universe is entering an ambitious new phase. If the themes of legacy, survival, and coexistence remain at the heart of the narrative, the next chapter could prove to be its most meaningful yet.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: Movie Overview
The much-anticipated “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is set to hit theaters on May 10, 2024. This new chapter in the beloved franchise takes place many years after the reign of Caesar, introducing audiences to a world where apes are the dominant species and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. The film follows a young ape who embarks on a journey that challenges everything he’s been taught about the past and forces him to make choices that will shape the future for both apes and humans.
Directed by Wes Ball, the movie stars Owen Teague, Kevin Durand, and Freya Allan in leading roles. Fans in some regions will get early access to the film, with Belgium scheduled for a May 8, 2024 release. For those who prefer streaming, the movie is expected to arrive on Hulu on July 9, 2024, though this date may vary depending on theatrical performance.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” continues the successful franchise with a new chapter set decades after the events of “War for the Planet of the Apes.” The film explores evolving ape societies and the remnants of human civilization.
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes released in theaters on May 10, 2024, with some international markets like Belgium getting early access on May 8.
- The story follows a young ape questioning the established order in a world where apes rule and humans struggle to survive.
- The film is available for streaming on Hulu
Plot and Anticipation
The story follows a young ape who embarks on a challenging journey that forces him to question everything he’s been taught about the past. This character, named Noa, becomes central to the narrative as he makes choices that will define the future for all apes.
The film is set many years after Caesar’s reign, in a world where the simian flu has devastated humanity. Multiple ape societies have developed in this time, creating a complex political landscape.
A new tyrannical ape leader has emerged and is building his empire, adding conflict and tension to the storyline. This power struggle becomes a central element as different ape factions navigate their new world order.
Release Date and Streaming Options
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” was released nationwide in theaters on Friday, May 10, 2024. The film had a simultaneous release in several countries, with some markets like Belgium and Germany receiving early releases on May 8, 2024.
The film faced competition on its opening weekend, with 14 other movies releasing on the same date. This created a crowded box office environment for the latest installment in the Planet of the Apes saga.
For those waiting to stream the movie at home, it will likely follow Disney’s typical release pattern for 20th Century Studios films. Viewers can expect it to arrive on Disney+ and Hulu approximately 45-70 days after theatrical release.
International viewers will be able to access the film on Disney+ Hotstar in regions where that service is available. Rental options on services like Prime Video will likely become available before the streaming release.
Cast, Crew, and Production Insights
The upcoming film “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” brings together talented actors and filmmakers to continue the beloved franchise. The production combines cutting-edge technology with compelling performances to create the next chapter in this sci-fi saga.
Leading Cast and Characters
Owen Teague leads the cast as Noa, a young ape embarking on a challenging quest that will shape the future of his species. His character must question everything he’s been taught about the past while making difficult choices. The motion-capture performance builds on the franchise’s tradition of realistic ape portrayals.
Kevin Durand and Peter Macon join the cast as prominent ape characters, bringing depth to the evolved simian society. Freya Allan takes on a significant human role, representing one of the few remaining humans after the devastating simian flu wiped out most of humanity.
The film is set many decades after “War for the Planet of the Apes,” showcasing multiple ape societies that have developed distinct cultures and hierarchies.
Behind the Scenes: The Filmmakers
Director Wes Ball takes the helm of this new chapter, bringing fresh vision to the franchise while respecting its legacy. Ball works from a screenplay with contributions from Josh Friedman, who helped craft the story’s exploration of power and society.
Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, key architects of the modern Planet of the Apes revival, remain involved as producers. Their consistent presence helps maintain the thematic and narrative continuity that fans appreciate.
The production team faced the challenge of advancing the story far beyond the Caesar trilogy while creating a world where ape civilizations have evolved significantly. They’ve developed new cultures, architectural styles, and social structures for the various ape communities shown in the film.
Visual Effects and Performances
The film continues the groundbreaking VFX work that made the previous trilogy so acclaimed. Motion-capture technology has advanced significantly, allowing for even more nuanced performances from the actors portraying apes.
The production blends practical effects with digital enhancements to create realistic ape societies. Actors underwent extensive training to master the movements and mannerisms of different ape species.
The visual effects team worked closely with the performers to ensure their emotional expressions translate accurately to their digital counterparts. This collaboration creates the believable world where audiences can connect with ape characters on an emotional level.
The film’s settings include lush forests, abandoned human structures, and newly built ape settlements, showcasing both natural environments and the emerging architectural style of ape civilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes has created quite a buzz among fans who have questions about its release details, plot, and connection to previous films. The movie continues the beloved franchise with new characters and storylines.
When can I purchase Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes on DVD?
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is expected to be available for DVD and Blu-ray purchase approximately 3-4 months after its theatrical release. Based on typical studio release patterns, fans might be able to own physical copies around August or September 2024.
The exact release date has not been officially announced by the studio. Pre-orders will likely become available a few weeks before the official home media release date.
What is the expected storyline for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes?
According to search results, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes follows “a young ape who goes on a journey that will lead him to question everything he’s been taught about the past.” This journey forces him to make choices that will define the future for both apes and humans.
The film marks the beginning of a new saga in the Planet of the Apes franchise. It explores themes of leadership, society, and the ongoing evolution of ape civilization.
Has Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes been made available for home viewing?
As of March 2024, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes has not yet been released for home viewing. The film is still in its theatrical run following its May 2024 release in cinemas worldwide.
Digital purchase and rental options typically become available 45-60 days after theatrical premieres. Fans should expect digital releases to precede physical media availability.
Which streaming services will offer Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes?
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes will likely first appear on Disney+ since 20th Century Studios (formerly Fox) is now owned by Disney. The streaming release would typically occur about 45-90 days after the theatrical run ends.
Other possible rental options will include Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Subscription availability on other platforms may vary by region and existing licensing agreements.
Are there any sequels announced following Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes?
No official announcements about sequels have been made yet. However, the search results indicate that this film is positioned as “the beginning of a new Ape saga.”
The studio will likely wait to evaluate box office performance and audience reception before formally announcing continuation plans. The Planet of the Apes franchise has historically developed as trilogies.
How does Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes connect to the previous films in the series?
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes follows the events of the previous trilogy that concluded with War for the Planet of the Apes in 2017. It is set several generations after Caesar’s reign, as established in the previous films.
The movie builds upon the world where apes have become the dominant species. It honors the legacy of Caesar while introducing new characters and conflicts in the evolving ape society.
