For the sequel to Rupert Wyatt’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Matt Reeves was brought into the picture, who, at the time, was notable for his work on Cloverfield. Not only Dawn of the Planet of the Apes ended up being bigger and better in every aspect compared to its predecessor, but it also made a splash at the box office, grossing over $710 million.
Reasonably, the hype for the third film in the trilogy, which was set to conclude Caesar’s story was extremely high and Reeves didn’t disappoint, as the threequel ended up outshining its predecessor. Interestingly, for the poignant finale of the trilogy, Reeves took inspiration from one of the best Star Wars entries to date.
The Empire Strikes Back Served as an Inspiration for the Threequel
Apart from being an impeccable War film, War for the Planet of the Apes is also poignant and tragic, which follows Caesar and the apes escaping to a new home while mankind destroys itself. Speaking of the influences for the threequel and Andy Serkis‘ Caesar, Matt Reeves recalled taking inspiration from The Empire Strikes Back for the film’s tone, as despite being dark, it was also full of spirit.
For Caesar, Reeves took inspiration from Clint Eastwood, notable for playing some of the most badass protagonists in fiction, as like Eastwood’s characters, Caeser also loses his sense of empathy.
He said (via /Film):
“We watched, you know, when Mark and I were watching movies and were getting inspired, we watched Empire Strikes Back again and we were looking at like the way that movie had such spirit in it, and at the same time it was such a dark movie. I think that the way in which this story goes forward in this mythic way, Caesar is so wounded by what happens to his apes that he becomes almost like Clint Eastwood. He becomes a badass, and he loses this sense of empathy.”
After 7 years since the conclusion of Caesar’s story, the next step in the Planet of the Apes franchise is set to commence, which is being led by Wes Ball.
Wes Ball on Matt Reeves’ Planet of the Apes Release Being Ignored by the Oscars
Known for previously helming the Maze Runner movies, Wes Ball recently shared his dismay over Matt Reeves‘ acclaimed Planet of the Apes releases being ignored by the Academy.
Ball stressed that it’s criminal that the modern Planet of the Trilogy never received Oscar recognition for Best Visuals, and expressed that he’ll do everything he can to change that with his spin on the IP.
Ball told AP Entertainment:
“I think it’s criminal that these Apes movies have never won a Visual Effects award. I mean an Oscar. I think it’s crazy. So I’ll do my part to try to change that.”
Considering that every new entry in the modern saga has improved upon its predecessor, fans will hope this trend continues with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes will hit theatres on 10 May 2024.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is available to stream on Max.
