6 Things Worth Knowing About the Planet of the Apes Revival
The Planet of the Apes reboot isn’t just about making more movies—it’s about reimagining what the franchise can be in the 21st century. Here’s what separates speculation from fact, and why this revival matters beyond box office numbers.1. Two Confirmed Films Are Already in the Works
As of mid-2024, two new Planet of the Apes movies are officially greenlit, with production already underway or in advanced planning stages. The first, Planet of the Apes: New Kingdom, serves as a direct sequel to War for the Planet of the Apes (2017), wrapping up the original trilogy’s narrative while expanding the lore of Caesar’s legacy. Directed by Wes Ball (who helmed the reboot trilogy), the film is slated for a 2024 release, though exact dates remain fluid due to studio scheduling. What’s notable isn’t just the film’s existence, but its role as a bridge—it’s designed to set up the next phase of the franchise, which is where things get murkier. The second confirmed entry, Planet of the Apes: Battle for the Planet of the Apes, is the true wild card. Unlike its predecessor, this film shifts focus to Mukanda, the young gorilla introduced in War, and his journey to lead the ape resistance. The project is being developed as a standalone epic, with reports suggesting it will explore themes of leadership and revolution in a post-apocalyptic world. Rumors persist that Derek Connolly (who wrote War) is attached, though no official confirmation exists. What’s clear is that this film is being positioned as the centerpiece of the next era, with studios treating it as a franchise anchor.2. A Third Film Is in Early Development—But Details Are Scant
Here’s where the ambiguity begins. Industry sources have repeatedly hinted at a third film in the pipeline, though its status is best described as "fluid." Unlike the first two, this project isn’t tied to an existing script or director. Instead, it’s being framed as a creative reset—an opportunity to explore new characters, settings, or even alternate timelines. Some reports suggest it could focus on Koba, the violent gorilla from the original trilogy, while others speculate it might introduce a new ape species entirely, diverging from the Caesar-Mukanda narrative. The biggest obstacle isn’t concept development—it’s studio confidence. After the mixed reception of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024), which underperformed at the box office, there’s pressure to ensure the third film has broad appeal. This has led to delays, with some insiders suggesting the project may not enter full production until 2025 or later. The key question isn’t if it’s happening, but how it will differ from the first two.3. The Franchise’s Future Hangs on One Name: Matt Reeves
The Planet of the Apes reboot’s success is inextricably linked to Matt Reeves, the director of the original trilogy. His vision—grounded in political allegory, emotional depth, and practical effects—set the franchise apart from generic sci-fi. Yet, Reeves’ involvement in future films is the biggest unknown. After stepping back from Kingdom, he has not publicly committed to returning, though he remains a consultant on the project. His absence would force the franchise to redefine its identity, potentially shifting toward more action-driven storytelling or even a television spin-off. What’s certain is that without Reeves, the films risk losing their thematic cohesion. The original trilogy’s power came from its slow-burn tension, its exploration of morality and power. A more conventional blockbuster approach could alienate fans who see Apes as more than just another battle spectacle. The challenge for the studio is clear: preserve the soul of the franchise while expanding its audience.4. Television and Other Media Are Part of the Plan
The Planet of the Apes universe isn’t just about movies anymore. In an era where franchises thrive across multiple platforms, 20th Century Studios has hinted at a broader media strategy. This includes a limited series set in the same universe, likely exploring characters or events from the films in greater depth. Early discussions have centered on Caesar’s early years or the origins of the ape rebellion, though no greenlight has been announced. Additionally, there’s talk of video games, comics, and even a potential animated series. The goal is to create an immersive Apes ecosystem, much like Star Wars or Marvel. However, this expansion comes with risks: diluting the franchise’s impact if not executed carefully. The key will be ensuring that any spin-offs enhance, rather than overshadow, the core films.5. The Box Office and Critical Reception Will Dictate the Future
No discussion of how many new Planet of the Apes movies are there is complete without addressing the elephant in the room: financial performance. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) underperformed expectations, grossing around $300 million worldwide against a $120 million budget—a respectable but not blockbuster return. While the film wasn’t a flop, its reception was mixed, with critics praising its emotional beats but noting a lack of fresh ideas. This has led to cautious optimism from the studio. If the next film (Battle for the Planet of the Apes) performs well, it could greenlight additional entries, potentially leading to a fourth or fifth film. Conversely, a weak showing could trigger a franchise reset, with studios opting for a reboot or a complete narrative departure. The stakes are high: one misstep could end the revival before it truly begins.6. The Original Trilogy’s Legacy Looms Large
It’s impossible to discuss the future of Planet of the Apes without acknowledging the shadow of the original films. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, Ted Kotcheff, and John Huston, the 1960s–70s trilogy remains one of the most thematically rich sci-fi sagas ever made. Its themes of authoritarianism, war, and existential dread resonate today, making any modern sequel feel like it’s walking a tightrope between homage and innovation. The reboot trilogy’s success was partly due to its respect for the originals—using practical effects, deep character arcs, and political undertones. Yet, as the franchise expands, there’s a growing question: how much longer can it balance nostalgia with originality? Some fans argue that the new films should move beyond Caesar’s story, while others insist that straying too far risks losing what made the reboot special. The answer may lie in strategic storytelling—using the original trilogy as inspiration, not a blueprint.
How These Facts Connect
The Planet of the Apes revival is a study in controlled chaos. On one hand, the franchise is more ambitious than ever, with multiple films in development, television projects, and a clear long-term vision. On the other, every decision—from casting to release strategy—carries weight because the bar was set so high by Matt Reeves. The confirmed films (New Kingdom and Battle for the Planet of the Apes) represent a deliberate shift in focus, moving from Caesar’s legacy to Mukanda’s rise. This isn’t just a sequel; it’s a rebranding of the franchise’s core. Yet, the biggest variable remains studio confidence. The underperformance of Kingdom didn’t kill the franchise, but it paused the momentum. The next film’s success—or failure—will determine whether the franchise continues as a three-picture arc or expands into a multi-film saga. What’s undeniable is that the Apes universe has become a cultural experiment: Can a franchise stay relevant by constantly reinventing itself, or will it eventually run out of new stories to tell?| Film | Status | Focus | Director Attached? | Estimated Release Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planet of the Apes: New Kingdom | Confirmed, in production | Caesar’s legacy, Mukanda’s introduction | Wes Ball (likely) | Late 2024 |
| Planet of the Apes: Battle for the Planet of the Apes | Confirmed, pre-production | Mukanda’s leadership, ape revolution | Unconfirmed (Derek Connolly rumored) | 2025–2026 |
| Untitled Third Film | In early development | Unclear (Koba, new species, or alternate timeline) | Unknown | 2026 or later |
| Limited Series | Rumored, no greenlight | Caesar’s early years or rebellion origins | Unknown | 2025+ |
| Franchise Future | Dependent on box office & critical reception | Could expand to 4–5 films or reset | N/A | 2027+ |
Conclusion
The answer to how many new Planet of the Apes movies are there isn’t a number—it’s a moving target. What’s clear is that the franchise is not slowing down, but its path forward is shaped by financial realities, creative risks, and fan expectations. The next two films are locked in, but beyond that, the future hinges on whether the studio can balance spectacle with substance. The original trilogy proved that Planet of the Apes could be more than just action—it could be thought-provoking, emotional, and timeless. The reboot’s challenge is to prove that lesson still holds. For now, fans should brace for at least two more films, with the possibility of more if the franchise finds its footing. The real question isn’t how many movies will be made—it’s what kind of stories they’ll tell. If the next era of Apes can match the depth of its predecessors, the franchise could redefine itself once again. If not, it may become just another cautionary tale about how even the strongest franchises can falter without vision.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Are there really two new Planet of the Apes movies confirmed?
A: Yes. Planet of the Apes: New Kingdom (sequel to War) is in production for a late-2024 release, while Planet of the Apes: Battle for the Planet of the Apes (focused on Mukanda) is in pre-production, with a 2025–2026 target. Both are officially greenlit by 20th Century Studios.
Q: Will Matt Reeves return to direct any of the new films?
A: As of now, Reeves is not attached as a director to the next films, though he remains a consultant on the franchise. His involvement in future projects is uncertain and depends on his availability and the studio’s creative direction.
Q: Is there a third Planet of the Apes movie in development?
A: Industry reports suggest a third film is in early stages, but no script or director has been confirmed. Concepts range from a Koba-focused story to a new ape species or alternate timeline. Full development is likely 2025 or later.
Q: Could the franchise expand into a TV series?
A: Yes. 20th Century Studios has discussed a limited series set in the Apes universe, potentially exploring Caesar’s early years or the origins of the ape rebellion. No greenlight has been announced, but discussions are ongoing.
Q: Why did Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes underperform, and how does it affect future films?
A: Kingdom underperformed due to mixed critical reception and audience fatigue after the emotionally heavy War trilogy. While not a flop, its weaker box office has led the studio to proceed with caution, likely delaying or rethinking a third film until the next entry (Battle for the Planet of the Apes) proves the franchise’s commercial viability.
Q: Will the new films continue Caesar’s story, or introduce new characters?
A: The first sequel (New Kingdom) wraps up Caesar’s arc, while the second (Battle for the Planet of the Apes) shifts focus to Mukanda. A third film could explore Koba or entirely new characters, depending on creative decisions and studio approval.
Q: Are there any rumors about a reboot or complete franchise reset?
A: While no official reboot has been announced, some industry insiders speculate that if the franchise underperforms again, a soft reboot (new characters, fresh setting) could be considered. However, the current plan is to expand the existing timeline rather than restart it.
Q: How does the new trilogy compare to the original 1968–1973 films?
A: The reboot trilogy (2011–2017) aimed to honor the originals’ themes (authoritarianism, revolution) while updating them for modern audiences. The new films continue this approach but with a more action-driven focus, particularly in Battle for the Planet of the Apes. The original trilogy was grounded in political allegory; the reboot leans toward character-driven drama.
