The granddaddy of American genre franchises offers up its next entry next week. Billed as the final chapter, War for the Planet for the Apes at a minimum will bring the reboot universe into a complete trilogy story, focused on star Andy Serkis as Caesar. The story continues two years after the events in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (directed by Reeves), the sequel to the first of the reboot series, Rise of the Planet of the Apes (co-produced by Clark). So unlike many franchises these days, the same people are creating the beginning, the middle, and the end. Thanks to director Matt Reeves and producer Dylan Clark, we should have some continuity among the films.
War for the Planet for the Apes introduces to the films Woody Harrelson as a military leader bringing mankind’s last stand to the apes. War for the Planet of the Apes co-stars Karin Konoval (The X-Files, Tru Calling, Fringe, Supernatural, Psych, Arrow), Judy Greer (Ant-Man, Tomorrowland, Jurassic World), Chad Rook (Timeless, Supernatural), Ty Olsson (Continuum, Supernatural, Battlestar Galactica) and Steve Zahn (That Thing You Do!, Sahara).
The final poster is out (above, top) and a few more trailers revealed. We have a full scene below featuring the introduction of Zahn, known for his comedic performances, revealed as a new ape referred to as “Bad Ape,” a reference given by humans while he was kept at a zoo. Quickly we see what all the buzz is about with respect to the show’s special effects and Andy Serkis’s unique acting talent. Will the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences award Serkis with a full acting Oscar, breaking the barrier for motion capture performances? Also, make sure you watch below the very sly teaser of sorts incorporating what looks at first blush to be someone’s YouTube upload from a visit to a zoo. First up, here is a great look behind the scenes at the motion capture technology and Andy Serkis’s role:
It all happens next week. Who’s in? War for the Planet of the Apes begins nationwide July 12, 2017.
C.J. Bunce
Editor
borg.com