“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” premiered earlier this year and became a major hit. It earned nearly $400 million at the box office, showing just how popular the movie was with fans worldwide. It also received strong feedback from critics and audiences.
On Rotten Tomatoes, it got a score of 80% from critics and a 77% rating from the audience, both reflecting the film’s success. These results left fans eager to see what comes next for the Planet of the Apes franchise.
With the previous Planet of the Apes trilogy, which starred Andy Serkis as Caesar, being such a landmark in cinema, many fans have been wondering if this new movie, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, would mark the beginning of another trilogy.
These kinds of questions have been floating around ever since Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes was first released. Would 20th Century Studios go for another trilogy? Would the new storyline continue in the same epic way that the previous one did?
Steve Asbell, an executive at 20th Century Studios, recently confirmed that there is indeed more to come. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter (THR), Asbell revealed the big news that fans have been waiting for a new Planet of the Apes movie is in development, and it’s scheduled to hit theaters in 2027.
While he didn’t go into too many specifics about the upcoming film, many believe that it will likely be a direct follow-up to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. It’s an exciting development for fans of the franchise who are eager for the next chapter in the story.
The Cast of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
In Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Owen Teague plays the leading role of Noa, a key figure in a world now dominated by intelligent apes. Teague brings depth to the role, and his character is central to the movie’s complex storyline. Noa is caught in the middle of the apes’ world, struggling to find his place in this new order.
Freya Allan, known for her work in The Witcher, is cast as Nova, also called Mae. Nova is one of the primary human characters in a society where apes have risen to power.
Allan’s character is crucial because she shows the human side of the story in a world where humans are no longer in charge. Her role adds emotional weight to the film, and her performance has been praised for capturing the struggles of humanity in this challenging world.
The movie also features Kevin Durand as Proximus Caesar, the antagonist of the film. Durand, who many remember from his role as Fred Dukes (also known as “Blob”) in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, plays a complex and ruthless leader.
Still from Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Credit: 20th Century)
His character, Proximus Caesar, leads with an iron fist, hiding his brutality behind a veil of reason. He is a cunning and powerful ape, making him a formidable opponent in the movie. His leadership style raises questions about morality and power in a society where apes are the dominant species.
Another notable actor in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is William H. Macy. Macy, who is well-known for playing memorable roles like Little Bill in Boogie Nights and Frank Gallagher in Shameless, takes on the role of Trevathan, a human advisor to Proximus Caesar.
Trevathan’s role is interesting because it shows how some humans have adapted to this new world and are working with the apes rather than against them. His character provides a different perspective on how humans and apes interact in this evolving world.
The movie also features Peter Macon as Raka, Eka Darville as Sylva, Travis Jeffery as Anaya, and Lydia Peckham as Soona. These characters help build the rich and complex world of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, making it a movie full of intriguing dynamics and deep storytelling.
Who Directed Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes?
Wes Ball directed Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and his work behind the camera has been highly praised. Ball is known for directing the Maze Runner trilogy, another successful franchise that attracted audiences. His experience directing action-packed, character-driven films made him the perfect choice to helm this installment of the Planet of the Apes series.
Ball made his directorial debut with the first Maze Runner film in 2014, which starred Dylan O’Brien and Will Poulter. The film’s success led to two sequels, both of which were also directed by Ball.
With each movie, Ball demonstrated his ability to create thrilling, visually stunning worlds while also focusing on character development. His experience with the Maze Runner trilogy helped him handle the large-scale production of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes with confidence and vision.
Alongside Ball, Josh Freidman was responsible for writing the script. Freidman’s storytelling is sharp and filled with rich details, which helped make Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes a movie that balanced intense action with meaningful narrative. Their partnership resulted in a film that pleased both longtime fans of the franchise and new viewers alike.
Looking ahead, Wes Ball has also been selected to direct the much-anticipated live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, one of the most beloved and iconic video game franchises of all time. This shows that his career continues to rise, and his work on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is another example of his growing influence in Hollywood.
What’s Next for the Planet of the Apes Franchise?
With the news that another Planet of the Apes movie is on the way, scheduled for release in 2027, fans are left wondering what the next film will look like. Although no major details about the plot or cast have been confirmed yet, it’s expected that this new installment will likely be a direct sequel to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
This means that characters like Noa and Nova might return, and we could see more of the power struggles between the apes and humans in this evolving world.
While Steve Asbell didn’t reveal much more about the future of the franchise, his confirmation of the 2027 release gives hope that the Planet of the Apes story is far from over. Fans will be eagerly waiting for more information in the coming years as production on the film moves forward.
Given the success of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes at the box office and the positive reception from critics and audiences, there’s little doubt that the next installment will be highly anticipated.
The Planet of the Apes franchise has always been known for tackling big themes, such as survival, power, and humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
As the series moves forward, fans can expect these themes to continue being shown in exciting and thought-provoking ways. The dynamic between humans and apes will likely be a central focus in the new movie, and it will be interesting to see how the filmmakers continue to develop this storyline.
Where Can You Watch Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes?
If you haven’t seen Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes yet, it’s currently available for streaming on Hulu. The movie’s availability on a popular streaming service like Hulu means that even more people have the opportunity to experience this exciting chapter of the Planet of the Apes story.
Still from Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Credit: 20th Century)
As fans await the next movie, many will likely revisit Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes to prepare for what’s coming in 2027.
Final Thoughts
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes proved to be a massive success, both in terms of box office earnings and critical reception. With a strong cast led by Owen Teague, Freya Allan, and Kevin Durand, and the direction of Wes Ball, the movie delivered on the promise of thrilling action and a deep, engaging story.
Now, with another film set for release in 2027, fans of the franchise have plenty to look forward to. The world of Planet of the Apes continues to grow, and its future looks bright.
In a year filled with great horror movies, Netflix’s new hit It’s What’s Inside stands out as one of the best films of 2024. This movie has received praise from both critics and audiences. It combines elements of science fiction, horror, and comedy, creating a unique experience.
This film is about body swapping, where a group of friends comes together for a pre-wedding party. During the party, an old college friend introduces them to a new out-of-body game. The film captures how this game brings to the surface old memories and resentments that each character has from their college days.
The movie makes it clear that everyone has a lot to lose if someone decides to stay inside their body. Alycia Debnam-Carey, who plays Nikki, mentioned that this aspect of the story makes her character compelling to watch.
The Premise of It’s What’s Inside
The story begins with a group of friends who have gathered for a pre-wedding celebration. This gathering is a time for fun and reconnecting. However, things take a strange turn when they decide to play an out-of-body game introduced by their college friend.
This game allows them to swap bodies, leading to unexpected consequences. Each character experiences what it is like to be in someone else’s body, and this experience brings out deep-seated emotions and issues.
The film’s strength lies in its well-developed characters. Each friend has unique memories and grudges from their college years that surface during the game. This body-swapping element creates a mix of humor and horror as the friends confront their past and each other.
The character of Nikki is particularly interesting because she is a social media influencer. Her character is not just self-absorbed; she is also clever and knows how to build her business. This complexity makes her journey through the body-swapping game even more engaging.
Characterization and Relationships
During an interview with Perri Nemiroff for Collider Ladies Night, Alycia Debnam-Carey shared insights about her character Nikki and the film’s writing. She explained how the screenplay by Greg Jardin adds depth to Nikki and the other characters. At first, Nikki appears to be a self-centered influencer. However, as the story unfolds, her relationships with the other characters reveal much more.
Still from It’s What’s Inside (Credit: Netflix)
Nikki has a complicated history with her friends. Cyrus, played by James Morosini, has had a crush on her since their college days. This creates tension, especially with his girlfriend, Shelby, portrayed by Brittany O’Grady. Shelby is jealous of Nikki’s looks and status.
Additionally, there is Dennis, played by Gavin Leatherwood, who used to date Nikki. Their past relationship ties her to a painful incident that caused their friend Forbes, played by David W. Thompson, to be expelled from school. This incident also affected Forbes’ sister, Beatrice, portrayed by Madison Davenport, who ended up in a mental hospital.
These character dynamics add layers of complexity to the film. The relationships are not just surface-level; they are steeped in history and unresolved feelings. When the characters swap bodies, they not only confront each other but also face their past selves. This creates opportunities for growth and understanding among them.
The Stakes for Nikki
From Alycia Debnam-Carey’s perspective, Nikki’s character is compelling because she understands the stakes involved in the body-swapping game. As a successful social media influencer, her body is her most valuable asset.
She has built a brand around her image, and the horror of losing that can be devastating. If someone envious of her or resentful of her success were to take over her body, they could destroy everything she has worked for. This makes her a vulnerable character in a situation where anything can happen.
Debnam-Carey emphasized the importance of her castmates in shaping Nikki’s character. The group had five days of rehearsal before filming, allowing them to develop distinct characteristics for each character. This preparation helped create a believable and engaging dynamic among the friends.
For Nikki, the initial perception of her as a narcissistic influencer becomes more nuanced as the story progresses. She understands the pressures and expectations placed on women, especially in the social media world.
Addressing Societal Issues
Nikki’s character also serves as a way to show larger societal themes. According to Debnam-Carey, the body-swapping concept allows the film to address issues like the objectification of women and the unrealistic beauty standards pushed by social media.
Nikki’s appearance is a reflection of these standards, and other characters, like Shelby and Cyrus, are shown to covet her looks. This jealousy and desire highlight the pressure women face to conform to certain ideals.
As the friends play the game, they use Nikki’s body as an object, and this objectification becomes more pronounced as the night goes on. The film builds to a dramatic twist ending, leaving audiences with a lot to think about. Debnam-Carey noted that these themes make It’s What’s Inside a more substantial film. It is not just a fun ride; it has depth and layers that can be examined further upon repeated viewings.
Debnam-Carey shared her thoughts on the filming process, recalling moments when the cast discussed the implications of who wants to be in Nikki’s body.
The questions arose about who desires her, who hates her, and who wishes to control her. These discussions reveal how Nikki represents various societal expectations and challenges. The film encourages viewers to reflect on these themes while enjoying the story.
The Fun and Horror of Body Swapping
The body-swapping game introduces a blend of fun and horror. The humor arises from the awkward situations the friends find themselves in as they face life in each other’s bodies. The audience gets to witness their reactions and struggles, providing plenty of laughs along the way.
However, the horror comes from the fear of losing one’s identity and autonomy. As the friends take turns inhabiting each other’s bodies, they face the reality of their relationships and the baggage that comes with them.
This mix of comedy and horror creates an engaging experience for viewers. It allows the film to show serious themes while still providing entertainment. The audience can laugh at the absurdity of the situations while also feeling the tension of the characters’ dilemmas.
Conclusion: A Movie Worth Watching
It’s What’s Inside is more than just a horror-comedy film; it is a thought-provoking scheme of identity, relationships, and societal expectations. The character of Nikki serves as a focal point for discussing the pressures women face in a social media-driven world.
Her journey through the body-swapping game is both entertaining and insightful, allowing the audience to reflect on their own experiences and societal norms.
Still from It’s What’s Inside (Credit: Netflix)
With strong performances, particularly from Alycia Debnam-Carey, and a clever script, the film captures the complexities of friendship and personal growth.
The body-swapping concept adds a unique twist to the story, making it a standout entry in the horror genre. Whether you are a fan of horror, comedy, or thought-provoking cinema, It’s What’s Inside is definitely worth watching.
This film reminds us that there is much more beneath the surface of our relationships and identities. As we enjoy the wild ride that It’s What’s Inside offers, we are also encouraged to think critically about the themes it presents. The film invites viewers to watch it multiple times, as there are layers to uncover with each viewing.
