In exciting news for fans of the Planet of the Apes franchise, the upcoming film Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes has decided to move up its release date by two weeks. Originally scheduled to hit theaters on May 24, 2024, the movie will now arrive on May 10, 2024. This strategic move allows the film to avoid direct competition with the highly anticipated Mad Max: Fury Road prequel, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
What makes this change even more intriguing is that Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes will be the first film in the Apes saga to receive an IMAX release. With the new release date, the movie will have a two-week window to make a significant impact before Furiosa rides in to captivate audiences.
Set 300 years after Caesar's War for the Planet of the Apes, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes introduces a new protagonist named Noa, portrayed by actor Owen Teague. Noa is described by director Wes Ball as being on the cusp of becoming the ape he is meant to be. This fresh perspective promises to bring a unique and compelling storyline to the franchise.
When asked about the potential for sequels, Ball hinted at the possibility, expressing that there is still much more story to be told. While the success of the film ultimately lies in the hands of the audience, Ball and his team have exciting ideas for continuing the Apes legacy and exploring the characters they have created.
In addition to Noa, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes introduces two other main characters who will join forces with the protagonist. Soona, portrayed by Lydia Peckham, and Anaya, portrayed by Travis Jeffery, were raised together with Noa in what is referred to as the 'Dark Ages.' This trio of heroes embarks on a grand adventure, rediscovering lost knowledge and facing the challenges of a world that has regressed over generations.
No story is complete without a formidable villain, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes delivers with Proximus, portrayed by Kevin Durand. Proximus is a chimpanzee antagonist who has rediscovered electricity, a power that holds immense fascination and potential for the apes. Ball describes Proximus as more than just a typical villain and believes audiences will find complexity and relatability in this intriguing character.
With its new release date and the promise of a captivating storyline, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of the franchise and moviegoers alike. Mark your calendars for May 10, 2024, as this epic adventure unfolds on the big screen. Stay tuned for more updates, exclusive images, and the film's official trailer as the excitement builds for this highly anticipated addition to the beloved Planet of the Apes series.