In a recent press Q&A session, director Wes Ball provided intriguing insights into the upcoming film, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Set many generations after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes, this installment brings audiences closer to the world established in the original 1968 movie while building on the foundation of the recent trilogy.
One of the notable elements discussed by Ball is the motivation behind the film's antagonist, Proximus Ceasar. Rather than labeling him as a traditional villain, Ball suggests that Proximus is actually right in many of the things he says throughout the movie. He holds a genuine fascination for humanity and its incredible achievements. Proximus recognizes the potential of humans, their ability to accomplish great feats like shaping mountains and communicating across great distances. He even admires their ability to fly, comparing it to the majestic flight of eagles.
What makes Proximus Ceasar distinct from other villains in the franchise is his extensive knowledge of humans. He has dedicated himself to studying their past and has become more informed about humanity than any other ape character in the series. This comprehensive understanding of human history gives him a twisted view of Ceasar's teachings. Proximus sees himself as the true successor to Ceasar's legacy, dubbing himself the new Ceasar and positioning himself as the first ape King.
Unlike Koba, the antagonist in the previous films who acted out of fear, prejudice, and trauma, Proximus is inspired by the accomplishments of humanity. He desires for apes to possess the same technological advancements that humans once had. In a way, Proximus seeks to emulate elements of human history and become a leader who combines the best of both ape and human societies.
Proximus Ceasar's quest for power extends beyond the domination of his own clan. He aims to become the leader of all apes, envisioning a unified ape kingdom. This ambition is a significant step towards the more human-centric ape society depicted in the original Planet of the Apes movie. Proximus is not merely a power-hungry antagonist; he represents the complex twists and turns that good intentions can take over time.
Director Wes Ball's acknowledgment that Proximus is right in many ways demonstrates the multifaceted nature of this character. He is not a conventional villain, but rather an individual who manipulates his knowledge to further his own agenda and to build a kingdom in his image. In merging the world of the original film with the recent trilogy, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes explores the darker aspects of both, and Proximus Ceasar serves as a fitting embodiment of this integration.
In this new installment, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, audiences will delve into a world where ape clans have settled in the oasis once sought by Ceasar. However, the absence of humans has caused the human survivors to revert to a primal state, leading to a battle for dominance and freedom.
As we follow the young hero Noa on his journey, he will uncover the truth about the past world and the genuine beliefs of Ceasar, shaping the destiny of both humans and apes. With its captivating storyline and compelling characters like Proximus Ceasar, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes continues to expand the rich and thought-provoking Apes saga, merging history, ambition, and the profound complexities of humanity and apekind.
