Exploring the World of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” and How to Catch Up on the Franchise

The highly anticipated continuation of the Planet of the Apes franchise, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” is set to hit theaters on May 10. Directed by Wes Ball, the film takes place hundreds of years after the events of the previous installment, “War for the Planet of the Apes.”

While the franchise has a long history dating back to the original 1968 film starring Charlton Heston, Ball assures fans that they can enjoy “Kingdom” without having seen all nine previous movies. He explained, “We’re not just a part four, we’re kind of our own thing. We try to honor what came before, with the previous trilogy but also the original 1968 movie.”

For those looking to catch up on the previous films before diving into “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” all nine movies are currently streaming on Hulu. However, if you’re short on time, Ball recommends watching “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011), “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (2014), and “War for the Planet of the Apes” (2017) as essential viewing.

As for the future of the franchise, Ball hinted at the possibility of more sequels, stating, “We certainly think there is a lot more story to be told, not just in the Planet of the Apes legacy of it all, but in terms of these characters we’ve created and the arcs that we’re thinking about.”

With Easter eggs and nods to the original films, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” promises to be a thrilling addition to the beloved sci-fi action franchise. Fans can expect a fresh take on the classic story while still honoring the legacy that has captivated audiences for decades.