The Planet of the Apes franchise has been one of the most consistently impressive series in modern sci-fi cinema. Following the critically acclaimed Caesar Trilogy (Rise, Dawn, and War), Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) had big shoes to fill. Directed by Wes Ball (The Maze Runner series) and set generations after War for the Planet of the Apes, this film had to balance honoring the past while forging its own identity.

And it succeeds spectacularly.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a visually stunning, emotionally gripping, and narratively bold continuation of the saga. It expands the world in fascinating ways, introduces compelling new characters, and delivers the kind of thought-provoking storytelling that has defined this franchise.

1. The Story: A New Era for Apes and Humans

Setting the Stage

The film takes place several centuries after Caesar’s death, in a world where apes are the dominant species and humans have regressed into primitive, feral beings. The once-great civilization of intelligent apes has fractured into scattered tribes, some holding onto Caesar’s teachings of unity and peace, while others have twisted his legacy into something more tyrannical.

The Plot

The story follows Noa (Owen Teague), a young chimpanzee from a peaceful clan that raises eagles for hunting. When his village is brutally attacked by a warlike faction of apes led by the ruthless Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand), Noa embarks on a perilous journey to rescue his captured family. Along the way, he forms an uneasy alliance with Mae (Freya Allan), a mysterious human who still possesses remnants of advanced intelligence.

Their quest leads them to a decaying human city, where Proximus Caesar seeks to unlock ancient human technology—a power that could reshape the world.

Themes & Philosophical Depth

Like its predecessors, Kingdom explores deep themes:

• Legacy vs. Corruption – How Proximus Caesar distorts Caesar’s teachings to justify his rule.
• Coexistence – Whether apes and humans can ever find peace.
• Power & Knowledge – The dangers of rediscovering lost human technology.

The film doesn’t shy away from moral complexity, making it more than just an action spectacle.

2. The Characters: A New Generation of Heroes and Villains

Noa (Owen Teague)

Noa is a fantastic protagonist—young, idealistic, but forced to grow quickly. His journey from a naive clansman to a leader mirrors Caesar’s arc but feels fresh. Owen Teague’s motion-capture performance is outstanding, full of nuance and emotion.

Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand)

Durand delivers a chilling performance as the film’s antagonist. Proximus Caesar is a charismatic but brutal ruler who worships the idea of Caesar while betraying his principles. He’s a fascinating villain, blending intelligence with savage tyranny.

Mae (Freya Allan)

Mae is the film’s wild card—a human with hidden intelligence who challenges Noa’s prejudices. Allan brings a fierce, enigmatic energy to the role, and her dynamic with Noa is one of the film’s strongest elements.

Raka (Peter Macon)

A wise and gentle orangutan scholar, Raka serves as a spiritual successor to Maurice from the previous films. He’s a keeper of Caesar’s true teachings and provides some of the movie’s most heartfelt moments.

3. Visuals & Motion-Capture Mastery

A New Benchmark for CGI

Weta Digital once again delivers the most lifelike CGI apes ever put on screen. Every fur texture, facial expression, and movement feels real. The level of detail in the performances is staggering—Noa’s emotions are conveyed as powerfully as any live-action role.

Breathtaking World-Building

The post-apocalyptic landscapes are hauntingly beautiful:

• Overgrown ruins of human cities.
• Lush forests reclaimed by nature.
• Proximus Caesar’s coastal fortress, a terrifying stronghold built on oppression.

The cinematography by Gyula Pados (Blade Runner 2049 collaborator) is stunning, with sweeping shots that emphasize the scale of this new world.

4. Action & Pacing

Thrilling Set Pieces

The film balances intimate character moments with large-scale action:

• Apes riding horses into battle.
• A tense human vs. ape ambush in a ruined skyscraper.
• A climactic siege on Proximus Caesar’s kingdom.

The action is visceral but never gratuitous—every fight serves the story.

Pacing & Tone

At 2 hours and 25 minutes, the film never drags. The first act builds tension, the middle is a gripping road-movie-style journey, and the finale delivers a satisfying payoff. The tone is darker than Rise but retains moments of hope.

5. How It Connects to the Franchise

Easter Eggs & Lore

• Caesar’s legacy is constantly referenced, with Proximus twisting his words like a false prophet.
• The iconic “Apes Together Strong” phrase returns, but with new meaning.
• Hints at the original 1968 film’s timeline—could we see the full-circle evolution soon?

Is This a Reboot or Continuation?

It’s a direct sequel to War for the Planet of the Apes but also a soft reset, introducing a new era that feels both familiar and fresh.

6. Final Verdict: Does It Live Up to the Trilogy?

Strengths

✔ Stunning visuals & motion-capture performances.
✔ A compelling new protagonist in Noa.
✔ Kevin Durand’s Proximus Caesar is a standout villain.
✔ Expands the world in exciting ways.

Weaknesses

❌ Some human characters feel underdeveloped.
❌ The middle act slows slightly before the finale.

Rating: 9/10

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a worthy successor to the Caesar trilogy. It honors what came before while boldly stepping into uncharted territory. If this is the start of a new saga, the future of the franchise is in great hands.

What’s Next for the Franchise?

The ending leaves room for sequels, and given the film’s strong box office performance, a follow-up is almost guaranteed. Will we see the full rise of ape civilization? Could humans regain their intelligence? The possibilities are thrilling.

Your Thoughts?

Have you seen Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes? Do you think it lives up to the previous films? Let’s discuss in the comments!