Summary
To some, the newPlanet of the Apesmovies may seem like an unnecessary revival, yet there is one key difference between the old franchise and the new that makes the modern movies completely worth the trouble. As far as films go, thePlanet of the Apesis one of thelongest-running movie franchises. Based on a French novel published in 1963,Planet of the Apes’on-screen legacy begins in 1968 and goes up until the present day. Though a movie series that has gone on for this long may seem drawn out, the franchise has stayed fresh and exciting.
For context,thePlanet of the Apesmoviescan be separated into two different eras: the original movies and the new movies. The original five films span from 1968 to 1973. Meanwhile, the modern movies range from 2011 to 2024. There is also the 2001 remake that could be categorized as its own era.The newPlanet of the Apestell a different story than the original movies, and they also include one pivotal change that made the modern films so popular. This change may seem subtle, but it’s an inextricable part of thePlanet of the Apes.
Planet Of The Apes: All Movie Timelines Explained
A complete guide to every timeline introduced in the Planet of the Apes franchise, from the original timeline to the prequels' timeline.
Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes Going With Digital Apes Created The Franchise As We Know It
The most integraldifference between the old and newPlanet of the Apesmovies, aside from the stories, is the depiction of the apes. Notably, the original 1970s movies used intricate costumes which actors wore to make themselves look like the intelligent apes. These costumes are nostalgic, but not the most realistic. 2011’sRise of the Planet of the Apes, on the other hand, completely changed that trend. Rather than using costumes,the new franchise used CGI technology to make real actors look like real apes. Ultimately, this change gave the new movies a totally different look and ambiance.
Planet of the Apes
1968
Beneath the Planet of the Apes
1970
Escape from the Planet of the Apes
1971
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes
1972
Battle for the Planet of the Apes
1973
Planet of the Apes(remake)
2001
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
2011
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
2014
War for the Planet of the Apes
2017
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
2024
In the “A New Generation of Apes” feature onRise of the Planet of the Apes’Blu-ray release, the filmmakers discuss their thought process behind transitioning from costumes to CGI. Apparently, the filmmakers wanted their apes look more realistic, and even considered using real apes during the process. Eventually,they settled on CGI, which allowed Caesar and the other apes to speak, do sign language, and make human facial expressions, while also looking like real monkeys. Ultimately, this method proved incredibly successful based on the new franchise’s box office and critical success.
How The CGI Sets Rise Apart
Notably,Tim Burton’s notorious 2001Planet of the Apessits right in the middle ofPlanet of the Apes’old and new eras. That movie used costumes, but they were a definite step-up from those that were used in the 1970s.Burton’s apes had faces that were incredibly detailedand stylized. Though they lacked the intense realism ofRise of the Planet of the Apes’CGI, they were a reasonable compromise. They made sense for the world that Burton was attempting to build, though his remake never earned any consequent sequels.
Creating a new story following Caesar certainly madeRisefeel different, but the CGI apes were the ideal cherry on top.
Rise of the Planet of the Apescould have followed in Tim Burton’s footsteps, but it makes sense that it didn’t. In order to reboot the franchise,Riseneeded to set itself apart from the 1970sPlanet of the Apesand the 2001 version. Creating a new story following Caesar certainly madeRisefeel different, but the CGI apes were the ideal cherry on top. The apes confirmed thatRisewas an independent series not reliant on its predecessors. It was able to revampPlanet of the Apesso that audiences never quite knew what was coming next.
The Modern Planet Of The Apes Movies’ Visual Effects Are Some Of Hollywood’s Best
Planet Of The Apes Also Has Amazing Performances
Ultimately, what makes the newPlanet of the Apesreally stand out is that its CGI is incredible. It is one thing to give the apes a new level of realism, but it is another for those apes to be some of the best visual effects in Hollywood.EachPlanet of the Apesmovie has gotten better and betterat depicting these apes, to the point where it truly feels like viewers are watching real monkeys perform on-screen. It also helps that the movies embed ape culture and habits into the movies, including their sounds, postures, and facial expressions.
Wes Ball has revealed that there are plans to have two morePlanet of the Apesmovies afterKingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
On top of that,Planet of the Apeshas benefited from some outstanding performances.Andy Serkis' role as Caesaris very impressive, especially as the character grows over the course of three movies. NowKingdom of the Planet of the Apeshas introduced even more amazing cast members. In the end, the newPlanet of the Apeshas successfully brought life back into an old franchise, and will likely continue to get better and better.
Planet of the Apes is a multimedia sci-fi franchise that began in 1963 with Pierre Boulle’s novel, which was later adapted into a film in 1968 starring Charlton Heston. The success of the movie led to four sequels, two TV shows, a remake from Tim Burton, and a reboot trilogy. The Planet of the Apes franchise has also seen success in video games and comic books.
