The fourth installment in the Planet of the Apes reboot series has surpassed one of the films in its predecessor trilogy with its initial Rotten Tomatoes score. The film, titled Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is set three centuries after the events of the 2017 movie and follows a young chimpanzee Noa and a woman named Mae on a journey to determine the future of humans and apes.
Directed by Wes Ball, the film introduces a new cast, including Freya Allan and Owen Teague, and seems to have benefited from taking a shift from the reboot trilogy, as implied by its initial critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Debuts With Promising Critic Score
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes debuted with an impressive 84% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. The critic score, which has since risen to 86% based on 59 reviews, is expected to continue to fluctuate and the audience score is not available as the film is yet to hit the theatres.
However, it is worth noting that the debut score of the upcoming film in the franchise is already one film in Andy Serkis’ trilogy, Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Released in 2011, the film established the reboot trilogy and laid the foundation for conflict between apes and humans led by Ceaser.
Critics are praising Kingdom of the Planet of Apes for its visual spectacle and emotional depth, with many even considering it the best installment since the original 1968 film and praising the filmmaker Wes Ball for his work. Spencer Perry of ComicBook.com said,
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes proves that there is still life left in this franchise and that it can grow beyond the fan-favorite Andy Serkis trilogy while still drawing influence from its roots.”
Some highlighted issues with the pacing of the movie and lack of focus compared to its predecessors. However, many still consider it a promising start for a potential reboot of the franchise, expecting growth and evolution in possible future installments. And the early reviews of the film have further fueled fans’ excitement for the upcoming release.
Early Reviews Amplify Anticipation For Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
The early reviews and the critic score of the film have heightened anticipation among fans, who have taken to X (Twitter) to share their excitement. Fans are also hoping for the movie to replicate its strong debut Rotten Tomatoes score with a successful performance at the box office.
Lets go! I hope this movie does well!
— BullsKickAss (@Bullskickass) May 8, 2024
The franchise never miss
— Hafeesco (@Abdul_charming) May 8, 2024
This movie is phenomenal
— Saurav Jain (@sauravj22131922) May 8, 2024
I can’t wait to see it! I love these movies
— Retriever of Goldens (@RetrieveGoldens) May 8, 2024
Seeing it in a few hours, I can’t wait!!
— María | deepfriedhoney • she/her (@FriedHoney) May 8, 2024
WHAT A WONDERFUL DAYY
— Donny (@MrMauldz) May 8, 2024
“Let’s go! I hope this movie does well!” one fan exclaimed on the social media platform. Others also expressed their eagerness to finally enjoy the spectacular tale unfolding on the silver screen.
The latest installment in the lucrative franchise worth $2.1 billion, is targeting a domestic opening weekend of over $50 million and is expected to gross $130 million to $140 million globally during its debut weekend.
Should the box office predictions for the 2024 film come true, it would surpass the record set by Matt Reeves’ Dawn of the Planet of the Apes which earned over $100 million worldwide during its opening weekend and remains the highest-grossing film in the franchise.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is set to release on May 10, 2024.
The Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy is available to stream on Hulu.
