England, London, BFI IMAX Waterloo, 25/04/2024 23h00
On the evening of April 25, 2024, the lights of London's BFI IMAX Waterloo shone particularly bright as the cast and filmmakers of the eagerly awaited Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes converged for a special screening event. This gathering was not just a premiere but a celebration of the resurgence of one of cinema’s most enduring sagas.
The event saw the likes of Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, and the film's director Wes Ball, alongside Andy Serkis, who is celebrated for his role in the original trilogy. The gathering attracted massive attention, both from fans lining up outside and the media, eager to catch a glimpse of the stars and to hear more about the new chapter in the storied franchise.
During the event, the first 32 minutes of the film were unveiled, giving attendees a taste of the action-packed adventure set to dominate the summer box office. The film begins several generations after the reign of Caesar, the seminal ape leader, in a world now dominated by apes where humans exist only in the fringes of society. The special preview was expertly hosted by Edith Bowman, who introduced a montage that captured the essence of the new narrative and its stunning visual achievements.
Wes Ball, known for his directorial work on the Maze Runner trilogy, has taken the helm of this new installment, bringing fresh vision to the epic narrative established by 20th Century Studios. The story introduces a new, tyrannical ape leader named Proximus Caesar who is intent on forging an empire, while a young ape named Noa embarks on a perilous journey that challenges the established order and his own beliefs.
The film is rich with themes of legacy and revolution, echoing the deep-seated conflicts and alliances that have characterized the series thus far. Owen Teague stars as Noa, the young chimpanzee hunter whose destiny is irrevocably tied to both his ancestral heritage and the future of ape and human coexistence. Freya Allan plays Mae, a feral young human who becomes entwined in Noa's journey, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the narrative.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes also boasts an impressive supporting cast including Peter Macon, William H. Macy, and an array of new faces who bring the vibrant and perilous world of the apes to life. The film’s narrative delves into the politics of survival in a post-human world, exploring what happens when the teachings of a revered leader like Caesar are twisted for personal gain.
The screenplay, penned by Josh Friedman and based on characters created by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver, is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Planet of the Apes saga. The production has been a global effort, with principal photography taking place in Sydney, Australia, and includes groundbreaking visual effects created by Wētā FX.
Scheduled for global release in theaters on May 10, 2024, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes promises to deliver a cinematic experience that combines spectacular action sequences with thoughtful storytelling. The film will be available in a variety of formats including IMAX®, Dolby Cinema®, 4DX, and ScreenX, ensuring an immersive viewing experience for fans across the world.
As the latest addition to the Planet of the Apes franchise, this film not only continues the legacy of its predecessors but sets the stage for future explorations of this dynamic and ever-evolving narrative. With its blend of new characters and familiar themes, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is poised to captivate both longtime fans of the series and new audiences alike, marking a bold new chapter in the tale of ape and human history.
Synopsis :
Several generations after Caesar's reign, the apes have definitely taken over. Humans, for their part, have regressed to a savage state and live in seclusion. As a new tyrannical leader gradually builds his empire, a young ape embarks on a perilous journey that will lead him to question everything he knows about the past and make choices that will define the future of apes and humans alike...
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Directed by Wes Ball
Written by Josh Friedman
Based on Characters by Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver
Premise from Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle
Produced by Wes Ball, Joe Hartwick Jr., Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Jason T. Reed
Starring Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, William H. Macy
Cinematography : Gyula Pados
Edited by Dan Zimmerman
Music by John Paesano
Production companies : Oddball Entertainment, Jason T. Reed Productions
Distributed by 20th Century Studios
Release date : May 8, 2024 (France), May 10, 2024 (United States),
Running time : 145 minutes
