Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: Release Date, Cast, Story & Everything We Know (2025)

Alright, let's talk apes. Seriously, who else is buzzing about the next Planet of the Apes movie? That ending to War for the Planet of the Apes left us all with so many questions. Caesar was gone, the apes found their promised land... but humans were still out there, crippled by that simian flu. Where does the story go from here? I've been digging deep, sifting through every scrap of news, every interview, every tiny leak about this upcoming film. Consider me your friendly neighborhood ape intel gatherer. I've loved this franchise since I stumbled upon the original as a kid, and this new trilogy? Absolutely blew me away. So, let's dive into the jungle of information surrounding the **next Planet of the Apes movie**.

Seriously, the anticipation is real. After that stunning reboot trilogy concluded in 2017, the wait for more felt long. But finally, wheels are turning.

The Official Lowdown: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

First things first, we have a title! Disney (who now owns 20th Century Studios) officially announced the movie as Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. That title alone sparks so much curiosity. What kind of "kingdom" are we talking about? Ape? Human? Something else entirely?

Here’s the concrete stuff we know:

Okay, so we know it's coming in May 2024. That feels both close and far away. Wes Ball taking the helm is interesting. His Maze Runner films had a definite gritty survival vibe, which could mesh well with this world. Honestly, I was initially a bit skeptical – stepping into Matt Reeves' shoes is no small feat after Dawn and War. But hearing how passionate Ball is about the franchise settled my nerves. He gets it. And crucially, having Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver back writing? That’s huge continuity. They've been the architects of this reboot saga from the very beginning with Rise.

The biggest relief? Wētā FX is back on visual effects. Those guys are wizards. Remember Caesar's subtle expressions? Maurice's soulful eyes? Koba's terrifying rage? All them. Phew. The bar is sky-high.

When's It Actually Hitting Theaters? Mark Your Calendars!

You want dates? We've got 'em. The **next Planet of the Apes movie**, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is officially scheduled to swing into theaters on May 10, 2024.

That puts it firmly in the summer blockbuster corridor. Good move. This franchise deserves that spotlight. It was originally slated for May 24th, but got bumped up by two weeks. Nice! Less waiting. Filming wrapped principal photography in February 2023, meaning they've had over a year for the massive post-production workload – all that intricate motion capture performance refinement and world-building.

Thinking about tickets already? I know I am. Expect pre-sales to pop up a few weeks before release, likely late April 2024. Keep an eye on major chains like AMC, Regal, Cinemark, and online platforms like Fandango. IMAX is a no-brainer for this, trust me. Seeing Caesar's world on that scale was breathtaking last time.

Jumping Ahead: The Story & Setting

This is where things get juicy and speculative. The studio has been a bit cagey, but we've got key details and some intriguing official teases.

The most crucial piece of info: This film takes place many generations after Caesar's death. We're not talking a few years. Think decades, possibly even centuries. Think myth and legend.

Here’s the official synopsis released by 20th Century Studios:

"Director Wes Ball breathes new life into the global, epic franchise set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, in which apes are the dominant species living harmoniously and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike."

Let’s break this down:

This leap forward is brilliant. It sidesteps the impossible task of directly replacing Andy Serkis's Caesar immediately. Instead, it explores the consequences of his legacy. Caesar becomes a Moses-like figure – his teachings ("Ape not kill ape") potentially distorted or outright corrupted over time. That "tyrannical ape leader" building an empire? That screams someone twisting Caesar's ideals for power. Reminds me a bit of how Koba twisted Caesar's message earlier, but potentially on a grander scale.

The young ape protagonist, Noa, is fascinating. He represents a generation who never knew Caesar, living with only stories. His journey sounds like a classic hero's quest combined with an unraveling of historical propaganda. Imagine discovering everything you were taught about your people's origins is... incomplete or even wrong? Heavy stuff.

The humans being "reduced to living in the shadows" aligns with the original 1968 film's premise. Have they devolved further? Lost language? The trailer glimpses them as primitive, almost animalistic figures. But you know there's got to be more to it. Maybe pockets of smarter survivors? The synopsis mentions choices defining a future for *both* apes and humans, hinting at potential complexity.

Honestly, the potential for world-building here is immense. What does ape society look like centuries later? Cultures? Technology? Architecture? How deep does the corruption of Caesar's ideals go? I'm hoping for something truly expansive and alien, yet rooted in believable ape behavior and social structures.

Who's Who: Meet the Cast (Apes and Humans)

Gone are the familiar faces of Caesar, Maurice, Rocket, and Bad Ape (RIP, Steve Zahn's hilarious and tragic character). We're meeting an almost entirely new cast of ape characters, generations removed. On the human side? Still largely mysterious.

Here's the confirmed cast list and their roles:

Owen Teague as Noa is a fantastic choice. If you've seen him in It or Mrs. Fletcher, you know he brings a lot of thoughtful intensity. Playing a young ape finding his way in a complex world? Perfect fit.

Kevin Durand as Proximus Caesar... oh yeah. Durand excels at intimidating, often complex villains (think Blob in X-Men Origins: Wolverine or Little John in Robin Hood (2010)). A bonobo warlord is inspired – bonobos are often seen as more peaceful than chimps, so flipping that for a tyrant adds great contrast. His name is a giant red flag – "Proximus" meaning "next" or "nearest," clearly positioning himself as Caesar's heir. This sets up a core ideological conflict: What did Caesar *really* stand for?

Peter Macon as Raka the orangutan feels like a spiritual successor to Maurice (RIP Karin Konoval, who was phenomenal). Orangutans representing wisdom and historical memory is a strong franchise tradition. Hoping Raka brings that gravitas.

Freya Allan (The Witcher) as Mae is the biggest human wildcard. The trailer shows her captured, looking fierce, interacting tensely with Noa. Is she just a survivor? Or does she hold knowledge or abilities that challenge the ape hierarchy? William H. Macy's role is a total mystery, but you don't cast him for nothing. Is he a cunning human leader clinging to old world tech? A figure from hidden history?

Missing Andy Serkis? Sure, who isn't? But this fresh start needs fresh perspectives. The mocap performances in this franchise are always top-tier, so expect these actors to disappear completely into their ape roles.

Decoding the Trailer: Clues and Speculation

The first full trailer dropped in November 2023 and gave us a much richer taste of this new world. Let's dissect key moments:

Noa's World

Opens with serene shots of apes living high in massive tree structures within a lush canyon. They seem peaceful, part of an "Eagle Clan" – we see them expertly training and flying with eagles. This feels idyllic, almost Edenic. Noa is shown interacting warmly with his clan. Gorgeous visuals, establishing a unique ape culture distinct from Caesar's forest or the colony in War.

The Fall

Darkness descends. Masked ape raiders on horseback (a terrifying image!) attack Noa's village at night. Chaos ensues. Structures burn. The brutality is immediate and shocking. Proximus Caesar's forces? Almost certainly. This raid seems to be the inciting incident, destroying Noa's home and likely capturing or killing his people.

Proximus Caesar Emerges

We get glimpses of his imposing figure. Located in a coastal fortress built within the ruins of human civilization – think crumbling skyscrapers integrated with ape-made structures. Powerful imagery. He speaks: "Knowledge is power. The past can build the future." But his delivery is menacing, suggesting a ruthless drive to control history and technology. He seems to command apes clad in makeshift armor, wielding weapons. Definitely building that empire through force.

Noa's Journey & Companions

Noa escapes the attack. We see him traveling through diverse, often harsh landscapes. He eventually encounters Raka, the wise orangutan. Raka seems to recognize something significant about Noa. Crucially, Raka mentions Caesar directly: "He was not a king. He was just... a good ape." This line is pivotal! It hints that Caesar's legacy has been mythologized, possibly twisted into a justification for kingship by Proximus. Raka seems to hold the true history.

The Human Element: Mae

Noa discovers Mae, a human woman, seemingly alone and vulnerable. He captures her. Later scenes show tension – she fiercely spits at him. But also complexity – she saves him from drowning in a submerged human structure. There's clear distrust, but also a nascent, uneasy connection. She's seen later being presented *to* Proximus Caesar in his fortress. Why is she important to him? Does she speak? Does she possess knowledge or technology he wants?

Technology & The Past

The trailer emphasizes submerged human ruins and technology. Noa explores flooded buildings. Proximus seems obsessed with accessing old human knowledge/power ("What they kept from us"). Apes are shown struggling with human relics like guns – highlighting both their dominance and the lingering shadow of human tech. A shot of Mae seemingly operating an old computer terminal is intriguing. Is she accessing lost data?

The trailer's vibe? Epic scope, stunning visuals, a compelling young hero facing a terrifying new villain, the weight of history, and the complex question of human-ape relations reborn centuries later. It feels fresh yet deeply connected to the franchise's core themes. Very promising.

That shot of apes riding horses through flames? Chilling. Sets a very different tone from the opening serenity.

Deep Dives: Your Burning Questions Answered (FAQ)

Let's tackle the most common questions fans are asking about the **next Planet of the Apes movie**:

Is this a sequel, reboot, or something else?

It's a direct sequel to the previous trilogy (Rise, Dawn, War), but set many generations later. Think of it as a new chapter in the same continuity, exploring the long-term aftermath of Caesar's revolution. It's not a reboot of the original 1968 film.

Who is directing the upcoming Planet of the Apes movie?

Wes Ball is directing. He's best known for directing the Maze Runner trilogy. While different in tone from the Apes films, those movies showcased his ability to handle young-adult ensemble casts in perilous, post-apocalyptic environments with strong action sequences. He's a passionate fan of the franchise.

Will Andy Serkis be in the new Planet of the Apes film?

No. Andy Serkis portrayed Caesar, who died at the end of War for the Planet of the Apes. Given that this new film takes place centuries later, Caesar himself won't appear physically. Serkis is also not involved behind the scenes on this specific project (to public knowledge). However, his groundbreaking mocap work and portrayal of Caesar remain the foundation of the franchise's recent success. His shadow looms large over the story thematically.

Is there a trailer for the next Planet of the Apes installment?

Yes! The first official teaser trailer was released on November 2, 2023. You can find it on the official 20th Century Studios YouTube channel and major movie trailer sites. A second, longer trailer is highly likely in early 2024.

When does the next Apes movie premiere?

Theatrical release date is May 10, 2024, worldwide. Expect premieres and advanced screenings in major cities like Los Angeles and New York a few days prior.

Will this movie connect to the original 1968 Planet of the Apes?

The reboot trilogy has always existed in its own separate continuity from the original films. However, by jumping centuries into the future and showing apes as the dominant species with humans living feral in the shadows, Kingdom is explicitly moving the story closer to the societal setup of the 1968 film. It's not a direct prequel to that specific movie, but it's definitely evolving the world towards a similar state. Whether iconic elements like the Statue of Liberty appear remains to be seen!

What kind of ape is the villain, Proximus Caesar?

Proximus Caesar is a Bonobo. This is a significant choice. Bonobos are genetically very close to chimpanzees but are typically characterized by more peaceful, matriarchal social structures compared to the sometimes aggressive chimpanzees. Casting a bonobo as a tyrannical warlord subverts expectations and highlights how power can corrupt any being, regardless of species stereotypes.

Who is the human girl in the trailer?

Her name is Mae, played by Freya Allan. Details are sparse, but she appears to be a key human character. The trailer shows her captured by Noa initially, displaying fierce resistance, but also saving him later. She is presented to Proximus Caesar, suggesting she holds value to him – perhaps knowledge, the ability to use old technology, or something else entirely. She seems more aware than the feral humans glimpsed elsewhere.

Is the simian flu still around?

This is a huge unknown. The virus mutated in War, causing humans to devolve and lose speech. The trailer shows humans acting feral and primitive, consistent with the effects seen in War. It's highly likely the mutated virus is still present, either actively affecting new generations or having caused permanent genetic damage to surviving human populations centuries ago. Whether any humans have evolved immunity or retained higher function (like Mae potentially) is a key question.

Will Maurice, Rocket, or Bad Ape appear?

Extremely unlikely. Like Caesar, these characters lived at the end of the previous trilogy (though Rocket and Bad Ape's ultimate fates weren't explicitly shown after they escaped the Colonel's camp with the other apes). Given the massive time jump of "many generations," they would have died of old age long before the events of Kingdom. Their legacy, or the legacy of Caesar's original group, might be referenced or mythologized.

Is Cornelia or Caesar’s son Cornelius in the movie?

Cornelia died before the events of War. Cornelius was a newborn at the end of War. While he survived and presumably lived on with the apes in their new oasis, the centuries-long time jump means he would be long deceased by the time of Kingdom. He might be part of the mythologized history of Caesar, but a physical appearance isn't plausible.

The Legacy and the Future: Why This Movie Matters

This **next Planet of the Apes movie** carries a significant weight. Caesar's trilogy set a ridiculously high bar – critically acclaimed, visually groundbreaking, emotionally powerful, and commercially successful. It proved blockbusters could be smart, thoughtful, and driven by performance and themes, not just explosions. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes has the daunting task of honoring that legacy while boldly stepping into uncharted territory.

By leaping centuries ahead, Wes Ball and the writers have given themselves immense creative freedom. They can build entirely new ape civilizations, cultures, and conflicts, exploring how Caesar's ideals fare over the long arc of history. It's a fascinating premise ripe with potential:

• The Corruption of Ideals: How do good intentions and noble teachings become twisted into tools of oppression? Proximus Caesar seems like the embodiment of this.
• History vs. Myth: How is the past remembered? Who controls the narrative? Noa's journey seems central to uncovering suppressed truths.
• Coexistence... Again: Centuries after the war, are apes and humans destined for eternal conflict, or is a new path possible? Mae’s role seems crucial here.
• Technology & Power: Proximus's obsession with old human tech highlights its lingering danger and allure. Will apes repeat human mistakes?

Visually, with Wētā FX returning, we can expect nothing less than stunning photorealism and emotional depth in the ape characters. The glimpses of the Eagle Clan's treetop homes and Proximus's coastal fortress promise breathtaking world design.

Potential pitfalls? Sure. Living up to the emotional core established by Serkis's Caesar is tough. The young cast needs to deliver compelling mocap performances. The plot needs to balance epic scale with intimate character moments. And the human characters need to be more than just plot devices this time around.

But honestly, based on the talent involved, the intriguing premise, and the absolutely killer trailer, my hopes are way up. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes feels like it has the potential to be both a worthy successor and an exciting new beginning for the franchise. It’s not just continuing the story; it’s evolving it towards the iconic status of the original film, but through its own unique path.

Mark May 10th on your calendar. This is one jungle journey I definitely won't miss. The wait for the **next Planet of the Apes movie** is almost over.