Few science fiction franchises have reinvented themselves as successfully as Planet of the Apes. First adapted from Pierre Boulle’s 1963 novel, the original film, starring Charlton Heston, became an instant classic thanks to its social commentary, groundbreaking makeup effects, and one of the most iconic endings in movie history.
The success of the film quickly spawned an entire franchise, including sequels such as Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971), Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972), and Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973).
The property later returned to theaters in 2001 with Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes remake starring Mark Wahlberg. While financially successful, the film was widely criticized by fans and critics and failed to launch the long-term franchise revival many expected.
That finally changed in 2011 with Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
Directed by Rupert Wyatt, the film introduced audiences to Caesar, portrayed through performance capture by Andy Serkis. Made for a reported budget of around $93 million, Rise earned more than $480 million worldwide and revitalized the property with a more emotional, character-driven approach.
The reboot saga expanded with Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) and War for the Planet of the Apes (2017), both directed by Matt Reeves. Together, the films transformed the franchise into one of modern science fiction’s most critically respected trilogies, with Dawn grossing more than $710 million globally and War earning nearly $500 million worldwide.
Disney later continued the continuity with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024), directed by Wes Ball. Set generations after Caesar’s death, the film introduced a new cast and was positioned as the beginning of another long-term storyline. The movie grossed nearly $400 million worldwide and received mostly positive reviews.
Now, however, Disney appears to be moving away from that era entirely.
According to Deadline, Matt Shakman, who helmed last year’s Marvel Cinematic Universe film The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), has officially been tapped to direct a brand-new Planet of the Apes movie for 20th Century Studios.
However, the report indicates that the project “will not be a continuation” of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, strongly indicating the franchise is being rebooted once again rather than continuing the storyline introduced in the 2024 film.
The outlet writes: “Plot details are being kept under wraps other than the film will mark a return to the planet where apes are the superior species ruling all. While not confirmed, sources tell Deadline that this will not be a continuation of the most recent pic, 2024’s Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, but a new original story that Shakman and Friedman are developing. Friedman also penned that script along with Silver and Jaffa.”
Shakman will reunite with screenwriter Josh Friedman, who previously worked on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
There’s no release date for the untitled Planet of the Apes movie.
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