Contributed by Melissa Thompson and Michelle McCue
The Planet Of The Apes franchise has seen five feature films from the original movies, one from Tim Burton in 2001, a successful prequel series starring the amazing Andy Serkis, a live-action television series, an animated Saturday morning series, comic books, trading cards, action figures, you name it.
50 years ago in 1974 20th Century Fox came up with the clever idea to offer all five movies at once to select movie theaters, and program them together as a “Go Ape!” movie marathon.
Inventive marketing at the time, the films starred the incomparable Roddy McDowall, who played Cornelius and Caesar, in 4 out of the 5 movies. All the movies can now be found on streaming services.
In 2024, POTA fans were offered the chance to see the film on May 8th at the special Fan Event and “Go Ape” again!
WAMG hit 20th Century Studios’ KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES screenings in California and in Texas and caught these excited fans with the special posters handed out at the theaters, as well as a film props exhibit at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.
Once again, the marketing for the latest chapter has been genius! From the Hollywood premiere to having apes on horseback, the publicity is in high gear.
KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES opens exclusively in theaters worldwide on May 10 and will be available in IMAX®, Dolby Cinema®, 4DX, ScreenX, and premium screens everywhere.
The world premiere of KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES took place in Hollywood earlier this month, which kicked off with a cavalcade of apes on horseback walking the red carpet.
Cast members Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, William H. Macy, Travis Jeffery, Lydia Peckham, Eka Darville, Neil Sandilands, Ras-Samuel, director/producer Wes Ball, screenwriter Josh Friedman, producers Joe Hartwick, Jr., Jason Reed, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver, and executive producer Peter Chernin were all there.
A view at the World Premiere of 20TH Century Studios’ “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood, CA on Thursday, May 2, 2024
(photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)A view at the World Premiere of 20TH Century Studios’ “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood, CA on Thursday, May 2, 2024
(photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)
A view at the World Premiere of 20TH Century Studios’ “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood, CA on Thursday, May 2, 2024
(photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 02: (L-R) Peter Macon, Kevin Durand, Owen Teague, Freya Allan, William H. Macy and Wes Ball attend the Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California on May 02, 2024. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for 20th Century Studios)Kevin Durand attends the World Premiere of 20TH Century Studios’ “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood, CA on Thursday, May 2, 2024
(photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)
Director Wes Ball breathes new life into 20th Century Studios’ global epic franchise set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, in which apes are the dominant species living harmoniously, and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.
KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES is directed by Wes Ball (the “Maze Runner” trilogy) and stars Owen Teague (“IT”), Freya Allan (“The Witcher”), Kevin Durand (“Locke & Key”), Peter Macon (“Shameless”), and William H. Macy (“Fargo”). The film is written by Josh Friedman (“War of the Worlds”), based on characters created by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver (“Avatar: The Way of Water”), and the producers are Wes Ball, Joe Hartwick, Jr., p.g.a. (“The Maze Runner”), Rick Jaffa, p.g.a., Amanda Silver, p.g.a., Jason Reed, p.g.a. (“Mulan”), with Peter Chernin (the “Planet of the Apes” trilogy) and Jenno Topping (“Ford v. Ferrari”) serving as executive producers. The score is from composer John Paesano.
The first trailer and teaser poster (with Caesar’s window symbol) for “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” 20th Century Studios’ all-new action-adventure spectacle is here and it’s glorious!
A new entry in the studio’s global, epic (and this geek’s favorite) franchise, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” will open exclusively in theaters nationwide May 24, 2024.
Director Wes Ball breathes new life into the global, epic franchise set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, in which apes are the dominant species living harmoniously and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is directed by Wes Ball (the “Maze Runner” trilogy) and stars Owen Teague (“IT”), Freya Allan (“The Witcher”), Kevin Durand (“Locke & Key”), Peter Macon (“Shameless”), and William H. Macy (“Fargo”).
Terrific! And to think Battle for the Planet of the Apes, the fifth and final installment of the original film series was released 50 years ago in 1973. This sequel follows the chimpanzee Caesar years after a global nuclear war has destroyed human civilization. Living with his wife, Lisa and their son, Cornelius, Caesar creates a new society while trying to cultivate peace between the apes and remaining humans. Caesar is opposed by an aggressive gorilla general named Aldo, who wants to imprison the humans who freely roam Ape City while doing menial labor. The running thread throughout the films – the amazing Roddy McDowall as Cornelius and Caesar.
The screenplay for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is by Josh Friedman (“War of the Worlds”) and Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver (“Avatar: The Way of Water”) and Patrick Aison (“Prey”), based on characters created by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver, and the producers are Wes Ball, Joe Hartwick, Jr. (“The Maze Runner”), Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Jason Reed (“Mulan”), with Peter Chernin (the “Planet of the Apes” trilogy) and Jenno Topping (“Ford v. Ferrari”) serving as executive producers. The score is from composer John Paesano.
To celebrate the epic final showdown between apes and humans in the upcoming War for the Planet of the Apes, Twentieth Century Fox Film will give audiences a chance to experience a special Planet of the Apes triple feature on Wednesday, July 12th.
For one price, Planet of the Apes fans will be able to see Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2D, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes in 3D, and be among the first to see the upcoming War for the Planet of the Apes in 3D. An exclusive commemorative item with artwork by Shepard Fairey in collaboration with Studio Number One will be available to all guests who attend the Planet of the Apes triple feature in RealD 3D, while supplies last.
In War for the Planet of the Apes, the third chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise, Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel.
After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.
Twentieth Century Fox Film will release War for the Planet of the Apes in theaters everywhere July 14th.
The legendary 1968 science fiction masterpiece “Planet of the Apes” will return to the big screen, crash landing in U.S. cinemas on July 24 and 27 as part of Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies’(TCM) yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series.
As part of this special presentation, TCM host Ben Mankiewicz will provide exclusive commentary before and after the feature, offering an inside look at the out-of-this-world classic. The event will screen at more than 650 select movie theaters nationwide, four times only, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time each day.
Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall star in this legendary science fiction masterpiece. Astronaut Taylor (Heston) finds himself on a distant planet ruled by apes who use a primitive race of humans for experimentation and sport. Soon, Taylor finds himself among the hunted, his life in the hands of a benevolent chimpanzee scientist (McDowall).
When it was released in February 1968, the film was a commercial and critical success, also breaking ground with its revolutionary prosthetic makeup techniques created by artist John Chambers. The “Planet of the Apes” franchise is still going strong today with the 2011 reboot and its 2014 sequel achieving box office success and strong support amongst critics. The highly anticipated third film in that trilogy will debut in 2017.
FATHOM EVENTS AND TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES PRESENT TCM BIG SCREEN CLASSICS: PLANET OF THE APES
WHO: Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies and Twentieth Century Fox
WHAT:TCM Big Screen Classics: Planet of the Apes
WHERE: In more than 650 select movie theaters nationwide. Tickets are available online at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of participating theaters, click on the “Theater Locations” tab.
“You did it. You cut up his brain, you bloody baboon! “
The Original PLANET OF THE APES screens Midnights This Weekend (September 25th and 26th) at The Tivolias part of their ‘Reel Late at The Tivoli’ series.
The original PLANET OF THE APES from 1968 is a witty, cynical masterpiece that more than stands the test of time. Sure, some of the jokes are a bit creaky, but they reinforce that the film is not meant to be read as a realistic piece of speculative sci-fi. Rather, it’s a winking, cautionary fable or satire (it was written by Rod Serling after all). Coming from the late sixties, the beginning of that great cinematic age when mainstream movies simultaneously entertained and challenged, PLANET OF THE APES is still as fun as it is thought-provoking. The technical elements continue to impress: the stylish art direction, pioneering makeup, and wonderfully out-there score are all as enjoyable now as they were then. And though Roddy McDowell and Charlton Heston continue to be the actors most associated with this series, it’s really Maurice Evans, non-actress Linda Harrison, and Kim Hunter who turn in the best performances. In particular, Hunter’s work in this and the other `Apes’ films has never been properly recognized. Her Zira is a full-blooded, completely believable creation; I would even call her the most human character in the film, and surely she is one of the great original female characters from this period. I highly recommended everyone check out PLANET OF THE APES when it plays this Friday and Saturday (September 25th and 26th) midnights at The Tivoli as part of their ‘Reel Late at the Tivoli’ midnight series.
The Tivoli is located at 6350 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis 63130. Admission is $8.
A facebook invite for this event can be found HERE
“Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape!”
Ted the talking teddy bear will be so excited! Another brilliant lineup of midnight movies for the ‘Reel Late at The Tivoli’ for the rest of the season. It’s a typically good variety of titles that will draw the late night movie buff crowd and a couple of retro surprises are to be found. The Midnight Movie experience has always catered to a college-age crowd and that’s the way it should be. FLASH GORDON starring the one and only Sam Jones kicks off the new schedule on September 18th and 19th. The oldest film this time is the original PLANET OF THE APES from 1968 and the most recent is this year’s WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, the vampire roomies mockumentary that I suspect will end up on a lot of Top Ten lists. Of course, we’re ending the season with ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW with live shadow cast with the Samurai Electricians.
Reel Late at the Tivoli takes place every Friday and Saturday night and We Are Movie Geeks own Tom Stockman (that’s me!) is there with custom trivia questions about the films and always has DVDs, posters, and other cool stuff to give away. I can’t wait to write FLASH GORDON trivia! Ticket prices are $8 (except ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW which is $10). We hope to see everyone late at night in the coming weeks.
The Tivoli is located at 6350 Delmar in The Loop. Visit Landmark’s The Tivoli’s website HERE
Science fiction, by its very nature, seeks to innovate in storytelling. Restricted only by the boundaries of their imaginations and the limits inherent to their craft, filmmakers of this genre use complex cinematic effects and fantastical plotlines to create worlds outside time. These films are notable for their craftsmanship as well as their embedded social and political messages, which later serve as reflections of the time periods during which they were produced. For enthusiasts of film, culture, and recent American history, classic science fiction movies provide a window into the past while predicting the course of society’s future
1. Metropolis (1927)
At date of its release this was the most expensive silent film ever made. Unfortunately, in the time since its initial debut in Weimar Germany, nearly a quarter of the original film has been lost. Legendary German director Fritz Lang, a notorious control freak, used inventive practical effects to evoke a Utopian city with decay at its core. The result is one of most visually innovative sci-fi movies of all time. The oft-replicated scene of Maria’s transformation stands alone as one of the first and only depictions of a female robotic imagery in early science fiction.
2. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
This philosophical parable starring Oscar winner Patricia Neal tells the story of a visitor from another world who lands unexpectedly at the White House. Klaatu bears a prophetic message for all international leaders, but the state of world politics being what they were in 1951, is ignored. He then poses as a human named John Carpenter, and is resurrected after being wounded. Sound like anyone you know?
3. Forbidden Planet (1956)
Surprisingly intelligent for a 50’s B movie – and starring a dashing young Leslie Nielsen! – Forbidden Planet was also the first film to feature a self-aware robot or human interplanetary travel. This cinema landmark also snagged an Oscar nod for best special effects, and Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry cited it as a major influence. Indeed, the film has come to be known as a major sci-fi masterwork, as well as a cautionary tale of the role human error plays in technological innovation.
4. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
You know a film is influential when it’s been remade three times. The concept of alien beings that can replicate our bodies is frightening enough, but not being able to tell who is real was true horror for an audience still reeling from McCarthyism and the Red Scare. The phrase “pod people”, used in the film to describe those who had been brainwashed, became a part of American popular slang by the late 20th century.
5. Les Yeux Sans Visage (1962)
This edgy, macabre French horror gem had film-goers fainting in their seats at its Edinburgh premiere. Then again, the story of a lonely doctor cutting the faces off of young girls to graft them onto his disfigured daughter is sufficiently disturbing in any time period. His attempts at radical plastic surgery are no longer contained to fiction, but the film’s audacious, gothic beauty is something that has never been replicated.
6. The Time Machine (1960)
Based on a novel penned by sci-fi master H.G. Wells, and winning a special effects Oscar for its ingenious time-lapse photography, this classic depicts the dystopian future of a world laid to waste by nuclear war. Fast-paced and thrilling, with an overt anti-war message, it set the standard for time-travel films in the modern era, and was remade in a 2002 film directed by Wells’ great-grandson Simon.
7. Planet of the Apes (1968)
Screen icon Charlton Heston headlines this timeless adventure with an adapted screenplay by Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling. Astronaut Taylor crash lands on an unknown planet where chimpanzees run the world and humans are enslaved mutes. Fascinated by Taylor’s ability to speak, the apes keep him captive and form a tribunal to discover his origins. Desperate to find answers, Taylor fights for his freedom and the truth- but he will be shocked by what he finds.
8. Soylent Green (1973)
Another great Charlton Heston thriller, this time with our stoic hero playing a futuristic detective trying to get to the bottom of a suspicious murder of one of the city’s elite. In a world that has become heavily polluted and overcrowded, government-funded Soylent Corporation produces rations essential to the survival of the human race. The government boasts that their scientists have discovered the miraculous nutritional value of the ocean’s plankton and can create healthy foodstuffs for all. Set in the year 2022, today the race to find alternative energy sources and solutions to overpopulation is already on. But why is Soylent’s sleuth being pressured to lay off the case? The answer lies in one of the most famous twist endings of all time.
Today, it’s easy to marvel at how far filmmakers have come in their creation of futuristic worlds. Yet the appeal of these classic pictures remains undeniable, and their prescience eerily remarkable.
The final U.S. and international trailers for 20th Century Fox’s highly anticipated film have arrived and both are loaded with new, emotional scenes of family (both human and ape), epic battles and untold sacrifice. The music clinches it and Reeves appears to have captured the essence of what made the original films one of the best loved franchises in cinematic history.
Here’s a brand new clip from the film.
A decade has passed since apes and man have come face-to-face. Now the two societies face a difficult choice between working together to co-exist or battle to become the dominant species.
A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.
The film’s screenplay is by Mark Bomback andRick Jaffa & Amanda Silver, and based on characters created by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver. The film’s score is by Michael Giacchino.
The film stars Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Enrique Murciano, Kirk Acevedo, Karin Konoval, and Judy Greer.
Oscar-winning visual effects house WETA Digital – employing a new generation of the cutting edge performance capture technologies developed for Rise of the Apes and Avatar – will again render photo-realistic, emotionally-engaging apes.
Caesar rallies the troops for war in these super cool posters for DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES.
For ape fans like myself, these are bad-ass!
Director Matt Reeves’ movie hits theaters July 11, 2014, in 3D.
Apes… together… strong! The awesome trailers and latest TV spots really grab you.
A decade has passed since apes and man have come face-to-face. Now the two societies face a difficult choice between working together to co-exist or battle to become the dominant species.
A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.
The film’s screenplay is by Mark Bomback and Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver, and based on characters created by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver.
Check out my interview HEREwith the husband and wife screenwriting team when RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, which grossed nearly half a billion dollars worldwide, was released. I’m hoping they’ve hidden more “Easter Eggs” as they did with the fabulous 2011 film.
A third Apes movie is planned for a July 29, 2016 release.
The film stars Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Enrique Murciano, Kirk Acevedo, Karin Konoval, and Judy Greer.
For APE collectors, NECA is offering a new merchandise program based on the beloved franchise, which is set to include new products based on the upcoming film DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES as well as the classic movies. Available summer 2014, the program will include a wide assortment of collectible products designed to excite audiences of all ages such as action figures, giftware, apparel, accessories and more.
DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES might not come out until July 11th, but excitement for the film is certainly growing. This weekend, at WonderCon 2014, 20th Century Fox invited WAMG to participate in a small press conference with Director Matt Reeves, Gary Oldman, Andy Serkis, and Keri Russell. Check it out below!
A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.
What was your first experience or memory of PLANET OF THE APES?
GARY OLDMAN : Really, you look back and I can’t imagine a sort of childhood without [The Original] PLANET [OF THE APES]. I was nine – ten when the first one came out. It’s not only the opportunity to work with these good people, you’re also being asked to be part of cinema history. So, that was above and beyond the story. You’re involved with something, for the most part, that comes with a very good pedigree. I mean, it went a little wobbly for a while but we’re back on track. [Laughs]
ANDY SERKIS : I’ve never really distinguished whether they be live-action or performance capture. I’ve played many different roles, and Gary’s done the same. You don’t alter your performance cause you’re using a different camera to film you.
GARY OLDMAN : The question that’s often asked is, “What is it like working with Andy Serkis as the Ape? You’re better to answer that since you’ve got all the big scenes with him.” I come to work and I get into a costume and Andy comes to work and gets into a costume. So, at least you can see his face, you can see the eyes and you see the emotion. I would actually rather that than – if you were wearing a mask then the question might be “What’s it like working with someone who’s behind a mask?” but you’re not.
KERI RUSSELL : It’s Andy. It’s not anything other than a really talented actor. I’m seeing Andy’s eyes and hearing his voice, hearing him talk about his family. That’s the exact same as any other scene.
ANDY SERKIS: And in this film, there’s brilliant performances across the board. A load of talent actors playing apes as well. It is an ensemble piece.
What were your first thoughts when you decided to take this project on? It must have been a dream come true!
MATT REEVES : It was a dream, and it was terrifying. What essentially happened on the project was that I had a great affinity for RISE [OF THE PLANET OF THE APES]. It was really moving. When they approached me it turned out that for a number of reasons he [Rupert Wyatt] didn’t want to do it. The idea was carrying forward what happens in RISE [OF THE PLANET OF THE APES]… the emotional heart of those apes. It seems to me the co-existence between these two populations that were struggling for survival, and the thing that was really important to me is that we carry forward the apes in an emotional way that you can relate to. We take the humans and really, in a way that was different from RISE [OF THE PLANET OF THE APES], take those humans and depict them in a way where they aren’t villains either. There are no villains in our story. It’s all about survival, and trying to find the way to sort of master our nature and impulses within us.
How did you decide on which direction to take the film?
MATT REEVES: We already know what happens, so the story isn’t immediately about the ‘what happens’. It’s about the ‘how it happens’. I had a screenwriting instructor many years ago who talked to me about stories, and he said “There are the kind of story that are about the ‘what’ and then there are the stories that are about the ‘why’. If you already know what happened then it becomes about the ‘why’. The ‘why’ is about psychology and about character, and that is what I find interesting. I wanted to start earlier because there is a long and interesting path all about the lives of these people, and how they’re affected by this situation. The idea would be that the next phase of this story is how those lives continue in this struggle.
What is your band of humans about? What is your mission?
GARY OLDMAN : Initially, we don’t know that there are apes there cause this community has survived the flu. The epidemic that has sort of wiped out a part of the world. We believe the military had done their job, and that, basically, they have wiped out the apes. The thing is we have food, we have water, but the currency is, for lack of a better word, electricity. That’s the currency, and we need that to communicate to the outside world to eventually find out if there is anyone out there, or how many are out there… who is out there. We believe, for all intents and purposes, that we could be the only survivors. Then, we discover a community of apes who are all doing their thing with their family, and we’ve all been wiped out. And, of course we discover each other. The drama is: Can the apes and the human coexist?
MATT REEVES : For me, it’s really the story of two families. There’s a human family, and an ape family… and that’s what the colony is. That’s the human family. The difference is that the apes… they’re on the ascendancy. The idea is… we start in this ape world, and we’re following their development. It sort of mirrors our own sort of tribal development as language is coming into being. You’re seeing all of the bonds that have formed, and the next generation that is coming, and the civilization they’re building. They’re really on the way up, but the humans… they have just had the most massive sort of tragedy that has happened to them, and they are a family that’s trying to heal itself. So, these two families have to survive, and the stakes are all about the things that they care about. Also, there is the question for the humans… deeply… about what it is that they’ve lost. The idea for the humans in this story is what it took to still be here, and what was lost along the way. What’s worth fighting for at this point? All of those questions, I think, are emotional questions. So, the emotional depth of that was really important to me so that this was not “Oh, let’s see the apes destroy the humans! I can’t wait!” That’s not what this story is about. That’s really the struggle… the struggle about what are these two families going to do to avoid killing each other?
