AceShowbiz - The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes movie, released in 2024, marked a new chapter for the enduring sci-fi franchise originally inspired by Pierre Boulle’s 1963 novel. Since the debut of the original film in 1968, directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and starring Charlton Heston, the Planet of the Apes series has evolved through multiple iterations, including the original five films, Tim Burton's 2001 remake, and the recent reboot trilogy.

As of now, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes stands as the latest installment in the reboot series, following Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014), and War for the Planet of the Apes (2017). Directed by Wes Ball, this film is a standalone sequel to War for the Planet of the Apes and the first to be produced under Disney after their acquisition of 20th Century Fox.

Critically, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes was well received, holding an 80% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing. However, the commercial success of such a large-scale franchise is equally important. With a production budget reported at $160 million, the film needed to earn roughly $350-400 million worldwide to break even. According to Box Office Mojo, it grossed approximately $397.3 million globally, placing it comfortably within the break-even range and making it a modest box office success.

This financial performance has encouraged Disney to consider continuing the franchise beyond Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Although no official announcement has been made regarding a direct sequel, plans for a follow-up movie have been hinted at by key industry figures. In October 2024, Steve Asbell, President of Production at 20th Century Studios, mentioned in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that a new Planet of the Apes film is slated for release in 2027. This aligns with earlier reports from the summer of 2022, when Disney intended for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes to launch a new film series within the franchise.

The narrative of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is set approximately 300 years after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes. The story centers on Noa (played by Owen Teague), a young chimpanzee hunter who embarks on a perilous quest to rescue members of his tribe after an attack by the despotic ape leader Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand). Along the way, Noa encounters Mae (Freya Allan), a highly intelligent human who becomes his unlikely ally despite their differing perspectives on ape-human relations.

The film’s conclusion lays the groundwork for further exploration of the complex dynamics between apes and humans, as well as the political and social tensions within this evolving universe. The anticipated 2027 sequel is expected to continue this storyline, expanding the new trilogy while maintaining ties to the previous rebooted films. This upcoming movie will likely delve deeper into the themes of coexistence and conflict that have defined the franchise.

While the intention is to build a trilogy around this new timeline, the long-term future of the franchise remains contingent on the box office results of the second installment. A disappointing financial performance for the next movie could prompt Disney to reconsider or alter its plans for subsequent sequels, as is common in the film industry.

Overall, the Planet of the Apes franchise continues to be a significant presence in the sci-fi genre, blending thought-provoking storytelling with blockbuster appeal. With its foundation in classic literature and decades of cinematic history, the series has demonstrated an ability to reinvent itself for new audiences while honoring its roots. The next chapter, beginning with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and expected to continue in 2027, aims to further this legacy by exploring new narratives set centuries after the original conflicts.

Sources for this information include Variety, Box Office Mojo, and The Hollywood Reporter, all of which have reported on the film’s production, reception, and future prospects. As the franchise moves forward, fans and industry watchers alike will be keeping a close eye on how the story unfolds and how the series adapts to the evolving landscape of blockbuster cinema.