Exciting Prospects for the Planet of the Apes Franchise
The latest box office results strongly suggest that a sequel to Wes Ball’s Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is on the horizon. Following up on War for the Planet of the Apes and marking the fourth entry in the reboot series, the film takes place several generations after Caesar’s rule. It chronicles the transformative journey of a young ape whose experiences challenge the very core of his beliefs and world. Garnering both critical acclaim and commercial success, it boasts an impressive 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and 78% from audiences, amassing nearly $400 million worldwide.
Sequel Speculation: Industry Insights
A recent report from The Hollywood Reporter indicates that the possibility of a sequel to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is quite strong. The film served as a litmus test for Disney, which acquired the franchise through its 2019 purchase of Fox. With global earnings approaching $400 million, industry analysts suggest this is sufficient to move forward with the remainder of Ball’s envisioned trilogy. However, Disney has yet to officially announce a follow-up film.
The Current Landscape of the Franchise
Triumph Amidst Industry Struggles
It’s noteworthy that Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes achieved remarkable box office success during a month plagued by commercial failures. In May, two other major films hit theaters: Universal’s The Fall Guy and Warner Bros.’ Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. The former aimed to kickstart a new franchise, while the latter served as a prequel to a thriving reboot. Despite receiving favorable reviews, both films underperformed financially and fell short of expectations.
This scenario underscores Disney’s adept management of the franchise and demonstrates that there remains a robust appetite for well-executed major franchises. In an era where long-standing franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars face mounting criticism, a quality installment such as Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes distinguishes itself. The enduring interest in Planet of the Apes films, even after a reboot and extended gaps between releases, is a promising sign for the future.
Evaluating the Franchise’s Future
The Case for a Sequel to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
The success of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is well-deserved. The film features stunning visual effects, exhilarating action sequences, well-developed characters brought to life by skilled actors, a fitting antagonist, and expansive world-building that enriches the franchise’s lore. These elements collectively make a compelling argument for a sequel.
Predicting Planet Of The Apes’ 9 Movie Saga Plan: What The Next 5 Films Will Be About
The film’s conclusion leaves ample room for further storytelling, presenting multiple avenues for the franchise’s growth. Despite its achievements, a sequel has not been greenlit, possibly due to its lower global box office performance compared to previous entries in the reboot series. Nonetheless, the film’s positive reception and financial success are noteworthy accomplishments that merit continuation.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
- Action
- Sci-Fi
Set several years after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is the next installment in the Apes saga. Ape clans have taken up residence in the oasis that Caesar sought to colonize, but humans have reverted to their animalistic nature in their absence. Now battling between enslavement and freedom, outliers in the Ape clans will take sides in a newly burgeoning society.