The Planet of the Apes trilogy is finally back with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes which is coming to cinemas in the Philippines next week.
In case you missed it, this new movie in the beloved sci-fi franchise is a follow-up of the Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy which began with Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011. The trilogy features three critically-acclaimed movies which are definitely fitting versions of the iconic sci-fi story.
This new film is set 300 years after War for the Planet of the Apes, meaning it features an all-new cast. Of course, while watching the trilogy will give you the best experience, you should be able to follow the events of this film without much issue.
To give you a better idea of what to expect, check out the film’s trailer here:
It has been nearly seven years since the last movie in the series, and so we won’t blame you if you’ve already forgotten some of the details from the previous trilogy. In case you need a quick primer, here’s a short rundown of what happened in the Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy:
A lab, Caesar’s birth
The story of Caesar and the franchise traces back to Gen-Sys, a biotech lab researching cures for Alzheimer’s and other diseases. A violent incident involving Bright Eyes, Caesar’s mother, led to the project’s closure, revealing her maternal instinct to protect her newborn son.
Raised by research scientist Will Rodman and his father Charles, Caesar’s peaceful life took a turn when he was sent to an animal control facility, prompting him to organize a rebellion to liberate apes from human control and forge their own destiny.
A virus, human extinction
One of the drugs being developed in the laboratory, ALZ-113, prematurely approved for human trials, turned out to have adverse and deadly effects on humans. This led to the Simian flu pandemic, which almost wiped the entire human race and signaled the beginning of the war for survival between apes and humans.
A home, Caesar’s last breath
Caesar’s reign concluded in War for the Planet of the Apes, with him successfully finding a safe place at last – a new home – for the apes to live in peacefully. With his loyal friend Maurice by his side, Caesar finally finished his long and arduous quest of finding a home for him and his fellow apes.
Apes together strong
Unity stands as a central theme in the Planet of the Apes saga, showcasing the journey of Caesar and his fellow apes as they strive for a peaceful existence. Among them, Maurice emerged as Caesar’s trusted advisor and loyal companion, providing wisdom and support until the very end. Koba, once Caesar’s staunch comrade, underwent a tragic transformation, scarred by a lifetime of human cruelty. Rocket, initially a foe, evolved into one of Caesar’s closest allies, standing by his side through the times of rebellion and war.
Meanwhile, Cornelius, Caesar’s youngest son, embodied innocence and hope for the future of the apes. What happened to him after his father’s death? What significance would he bring in the new timeline of the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes?
This film is directed by Wes Bell and stars Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, William H. Macy, Travis Jeffery, Lydia Peckham, and Neil Sandilands.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes will be released in cinemas in the Philippines on May 8, 2024, on IMAX, 4DX, and 2D screens.