In a recent interview with Collider, director Wes Ball shed light on the significant role played by actor Andy Serkis in the upcoming film Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Although Serkis won't be portraying a character in the film, his influence on the project has been immense. Ball revealed that he sought Serkis' advice during the development phase, discussing the script, showing him concept art, and ensuring that the ideas aligned with the vision they had for the movie.
Having previously worked with Serkis, Ball was familiar with his talent and dedication. In fact, Matt Reeves, the director of the previous two films in the franchise, had praised Serkis as the best actor he has ever worked with. It was no wonder then that Ball considered bringing Serkis on board to play a new character, which could have been an exciting surprise for fans. However, it seems that the decision was ultimately made to utilize Serkis' expertise in a different capacity.
One aspect in which Serkis has had a significant impact is the portrayal of ape leader Caesar throughout his life stages. Ball acknowledges the progression in Caesar's communication skills across the trilogy, from limited speech in the first film to full sentences in the third. They aimed to continue this evolution, gradually moving closer to the 1960s original film where the apes are depicted engaging in everyday activities, even holding dinner parties.
To maintain this continuity and authenticity, Serkis has been instrumental in providing guidance on the cadence of ape speech. Rather than having flawless and fluid communication, the apes' speech in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes will have a slight offbeat quality. Sign language will still play a role in their communication, striking a balance between the two forms.
Serkis, renowned for his mastery of motion capture, also led the ape-training sessions for the film. He generously shared his knowledge and experience with the new cast, teaching them how to truly embody the essence of being an ape. This involved overcoming the challenges of wearing motion capture suits, making ape-like noises, and fully embracing the authenticity of their performances.
Ball expressed his gratitude for Serkis' involvement, acknowledging the immense value he brought to the project. With Serkis being a veteran of motion capture technology through his iconic performances as Gollum and King Kong, his guidance proved invaluable. Serkis graciously spoke to the cast, sharing his insights and lessons learned, helping them navigate the unique demands of acting in a motion capture setting.
The actors underwent six weeks of intensive 'ape camp,' immersing themselves in improvisation exercises and fully embracing their ape counterparts. While it initially presented a challenge, they ultimately embraced the journey and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
As Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes approaches its release date, fans can anticipate a film that not only continues the legacy of the franchise but also benefits from Andy Serkis' invaluable contributions. With his guidance and the dedication of the cast, this installment promises to be a worthy addition to the Planet of the Apes universe.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is set to hit theaters on May 10, 2024, courtesy of 20th Century Studios. Be sure to check out the new trailer below for a glimpse into the epic ape-driven adventure that awaits.
