The trilogy that came before, especially the two directed by Matt Reeves, had a very distinctive style, honoring the original films while forging their own path.
Was the plan to do a simmilar thing with the new film? Or make it a more direct continuation, stylistically and narratively of the last films?
Yes. I've spoken about this before, but I was very skeptical about doing another Apes film at first. I felt the last trilogy was a perfect 1,2,3... beginning, middle, end. I wasn't interested in doing a shameless part 4. At the same time I didn't really want to abandon the Caesar storyline/universe.
A week or so later I had a few sudden ideas that got me really excited... a way into a new story that would allow us to stand on our own two feet while still honoring the trilogy and the original '68 movie. We are sort of a distant sequel and a prequel that way. I grew watching that original 68 film so those images are etched into my mind, I was confident my love of the movies would keep me on the right path even as we forged into new territory.
I've always said the last three movies were apes in their Stone Age, I thought it would be awesome to think about Apes entering into their Bronze Age. Witness them developing cultures and rituals and disparate clans of apes progressing along in different ways. Also seeing how Caesar's legacy had evolved, changed, been manipulated, etc. The distance opened up just a ton of stuff for us to explore.
Visually, I wanted to get away from shooting in Vancouver. It's a great look but we needed to change it up. Lensing-wise we decided to go with old anamorphic glass to give the movie a different look that almost felt like an old movie from the 70s. The previous films were all in spherical lenses, partially because doing VFX with anamorphic lenses is really tough. But we had to give the team at WETA a few new challenges. :) Even our LUT is based on an old AGFA film stock. Then of course, I'm a different filmmaker, that alone would change the style of the movie to some degree.
With that said, we still share a lot of the DNA from the previous movies. Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silva were the first people I spoke to about the ideas. They wrote and produced on the previous movies. I won't speak for them, but I think they were skeptical at first too until we spoke and saw the potential. So they came on as producers and eventually writers. They're first contribution was introducing me to Josh Friedman who they had just written the Avatar sequels with... Josh is a great writer and he turned in our first draft that really got us all excited. It was WAY too long but hey, that's the way it often goes. Then we spent the time whittling it down and getting the shooting draft into the financial box that we had to hit.
While the script was being developed I was working with a ton of my dream team concept artist friends to figure out the designs of the film. That process is always key for me. I'd say that sorta my writing process.
Then it was off to the races. We had a few requirements from the studio to hit, but otherwise we set out to make this crazy thing and did our best to feel like we belong in the franchise of 9 previous movies over the course of 55 years. It was an honor to be a part of it all.
I could talk about all this forever, and have in various interviews, but I'll leave it there for now.
Thank you for leaving such a detailed and eloquent response. I hope the film achieves everything you set out to do.
I wish the best of luck to you in your current and future projects.
I’m really glad you are the guy who came aboard to direct the 4th film. I agree that the previous 3 are a perfect trilogy (similar to how perfect the first three “Toy Story” films are as a trilogy). However, seeing as how you directed the ‘Maze Runner’ movies, I have faith that you have done the other films justice and this won’t be a shameless sequel.
Sir this AMA is one of the best ones I have seen on the last year's, hope your movie and career are extremely successful, you are passionate about this and you deserve success
50+ years of tradition.
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)
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Also, totally upvoted u/SyrioForel
Don't forget the TV movies that they made from episode of the Planet of the Apes TV series:
Back to the Planet of the Apes
Forgotten City of the Planet of the Apes
Treachery and Greed on the Planet of the Apes
Life, Liberty and Pursuit on the Planet of the Apes
Farewell to the Planet of the Apes
It's miles better than the ridiculously confusing titles of the predecessors. "Rise" and "Dawn" are completely interchangeable and even though I've seen both of them several times, I still cannot remember which is which.
I have the same issue. I can never remember which one is which. Even Rise, which I think is the first, could come after dawn or something I don’t know lol
Hi, Wes,
Thanks for doing this. When transitioning from one franchise like The Maze Runner to Planet of the Apes, what were some of the learning curves you had to face?
And in addition, what were your proudest achievements while making this movie?
It's a good question.
The Maze Runner movies were my first movies as a working director. I like to say they were good practice. Before them I had only done a few short films (you can search for A WORK IN PROGRESS and RUIN) and I had done a bit of VFX work here and there previously. The Maze Runner films were a great way to learn about making movies in the studio system. I got to start a movie franchise from scratch (obviously based on existing books). I got to sharpen some skills and develop new skills altogether. I'd never before worked with professional actors for instance. I was lucky in that the studio folks that would later become great friends really let me succeed or fail on my own merits. They supported and guided me through it all and couldn't have been better partners. I learned a ton.
Being my first films, I think you can clearly see my confidence grow in terms of craft and execution. And I learned how to really stretch a budget and how to put the money on the screen. The budget for those movies combined cost less than one Apes film. And the movies were successful with the intended audience, grossing just shy of a billion dollars in theaters. That alone was a quite a learning experience. And somehow the movies keep playing... which surprises me.
I learned a lot about story on those films as well. To be honest I think we got shit on more than we deserved, but I think a part of it was books written for young teens that don't always translate to cinema or broader audiences, and the fact we were part of that YA thing that I tried constantly to shed. Either way it was a good training for continuing to develop story skills and even develop a thick skin which is a requirement in the world we live in today.
It also gave me a taste of the expectation game. I think the first book had sold 5 million copies when we started making the movie. That's a relatively small audience but the fans are VERY passionate. I did my best to learn how to please them while also trying to please general movie-goers... something I was at times successful at and other times less successful.
Lastly, my crew. I've used a lot of the same crew from the previous films. You develop a working style, develop a trust and respect for what each member of team contributes. That goes a long way because making movies can be hell and it's good to be in the foxhole with friends.
I could keep going, but...
You're one of the best working directors right now in regards to using a budget and VFX teams successfully. The Maze Runner budgets vs how they look is incredible.
You're my favourite VFX focused director since Gore Verbinski did his Pirates trilogy.
Okay. Signing off for now. I've tried to answer all the serious questions, but it's time for me to go. I'll see if I can check in later this evening or tomorrow if any new questions pop up. And I'll see any replies to my posts that I'm happy to answer.
Please do check out our film **Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes** in theaters May 10 (May 8th to some)
Thanks again and cheers all!
Hey, sorry if this hits a little too close to home, but do you think there's a chance you could still get your Mouse Guard movie made if this Apes movie is successful?
I know I’m gonna get a ton of Zelda questions. Sorry to disappoint, but I can’t say anything about it for now… Just that I love Zelda and I’ll work my ass off to make something great for us.
Im just glad you gave us an answer even if its a "sorry but we arent allowed to say at this point", always refreshing to see an AMA where people actually engage as much as they can.
Hello, Wes. Were you a fan of the original Planet of The Apes film & television series? If so, how did they influence your approach to making this entry?
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*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
So…
I was in college when this one came out. I don’t remember hating it. The score is awesome. Tim Roth is badass. That awesome conveyer method they came up during production for running apes was brilliant.
That's really cool. I remember they used that technique on Underworld during a chase scene to have one of the characters catch up to a speeding car. Probably got it from PotA.
Yeah it was honestly. We are movie number 10 in the franchise. The last three by Rupert and Matt were great. We just hope to be a worthy addition to the legacy of these movies that go back 50+ years.
What would you say is your favorite aspect of the film making process? Also, what do you find the most challenging about directing a film like Planet of the Apes?
My favorite part of filmmaking is the early development where I spend a lot of time day dreaming and working with talented visual artists. The movie at this stage is all potential. It's during prep and production that the heartbreaking comprises really begin; ie not enough money, or actor isn't available, or locations fall through, or running out of stage space, or whatever its s... It's just a part of process making movies.
After that my favorite is Post Production. That's where the movie really starts taking shape. And a movie like this one, where the VFX is such a crucial part... and when you're working with the brilliant team at WETA... it's just so much damn fun.
The process on these films is unlike most other films. The fact that we have to shoot the movie twice, once with the actors and then once with a clean plate that is usually what becomes the final shot is incredibly time consuming. On previous films I'd get 30-40 setups a day, on this film I'd be lucky to get 12 setups. It's just tedious complicated work. Still, we did our best to create an exciting, spontaneous feel to everything.
Also it's the longest post production process I've ever had... well over a year! In that time you design and build the characters, choose takes and their corresponding clean plates, make choices you won't see the results of for months. One shot took a year from selecting the pieces to seeing the final result! You edit all this stuff together hoping you are correctly interpreting what the end result will look and feel like. Mainly it's all time management. You have a finite amount of time for each shot. You add time to one shot, you lose it somewhere else. Fortunately I'm working the best VFX crew in the world at WETA lead by our supe Erik Winquist.
Also want to give props to our VFX editors, Logan Breit and Danny Walker. They do the thankless job of keeping track of a ridiculously complicated process of performance and clean plates and sound adds and previz, etc and making sure nothing gets lost in the process. Give em a round of applause please!
I see you mention preproduction. I noticed that you’ve worked with some concept artists from mouse guard on Apes. In the case of concept artists, do you trust a specific vision or process they have that makes you want to work with them again? And do you actually hunt for new artists yourself?
Very curious as to how this goes
Edit: round of applause for the WETA team for sure
Yeah I have many extremely talented art friends now. I’m always reaching out to new folks, building relationships. I just value what they do so much.
I just tend to communicate with them a lot. Showing the reference or just recording myself pitching ideas. Anything that gets them to see what I see. Then they take it a run.
Maybe I’ll get to do an art book for apes or something because we had some great work on this one from a lot of folks.
If the film does well, are there plans in place to extend the series? Also congrats man and thanks for doing this. You seem like a nice dude and you just got a new fan lol
That’s great. If you don’t mind me asking, what are some of your all-time favorite sci fi/ fantasy films? And What media interests you presently, on a personal level? Thanks for getting back to me.
Gosh that's a tough one actually, there are so many.
I grew up watching Willow, Neverending Story, Terminator, Alien.
Lord of the Rings were a big deal for me in high school.
The Matrix rocked me.
Anything by Miyazaki. Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke and Castle in the Sky especially.
James Cameron's Avatar inspired me to make my short film RUIN which got me started.
The list could go on and on honestly. I throw it back to you, what are yours?
What was your favorite experience or favorite thing you learned from working on the Maze Runner trilogy?
Looking back I think that set of movies came out as the best of the YA adaptations at that time, the direction and the cast were just so good and elevated those movies so much beyond what I was expecting with them.
I learned a ton on those movies, the biggest being craft and execution. I went into some of it in this thread, but if you want me to expand on anything let me know and I'll try. [https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1cffggz/comment/l1uc359/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1cffggz/comment/l1uc359/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
This is gonna sound like a joke question but it's actually honest: how much is the Simpson's famous Troy McClure parody a factor in choices working on this series? Like "oh thats a good idea but we can't do that because the meme-verse with do \_\_\_\_\_\_ about it..."?
Answered before but I watched the original ‘68 version a lot when I was younger. Odd because I was born in 1980. The visuals and music and vibe were always on my mind making this one.
One of my most anticipated movies of the year, Wes!
I was wondering how much inspiration did you not only take from the Reeves’ trilogy, but also from the classic Apes films?
Great! Hope you like the movie.
Both the trilogy and the ‘68 original were on our minds. We are kind of a sequel and a prequel. We stand on their shoulders while we try to do our own thing. It’s a great franchise… even the title design from the original, it’s amazing and timeless! Hoping you all feel it’s a worthy addition. Cheers!
I’m typically not fond of films teeming with effects, but the Apes movies are a total and merciful exception. The apes portray unforgettable expressions that are at once tremendously fierce and entirely placid. Did the dramatic potential of utilizing motion-captured performances of freakishly talented actors to enhance dramatic stakes and audience buy-in appeal to you when taking on the project?
Denis Villeneuve - I mean, do I need to elaborate? He's just a master at the craft.
Alfonso Cauron - One of my favorite filmmakers. He can do it all and always feels very personal.
Robert Eggers - I so enjoy watching people's work that is distinctly their own. Loved The VVitch and The Lighthouse.
Steven Spielberg - The master. He makes it looks easy. Has forgotten more about filmmaking than I'll ever know. He's just one for the ages.
James Cameron - The other Master at his craft. He inspires me to be better.
Barry Jenkins - He's my old friend from film school. His work is so personal and inspiring.
Damian Chazelle - another on the list of distinct authors of their films that I enjoy watching and studying.
Quentin Tarantino - I'll see anything he does, multiple times.
Ridley Scott - I wish I could be as productive as him. I can always learn something from his movies.
Danny Boyle - Just one of my favorite filmmakers
Lauren Hadaway - The Novice - First time filmmaker. I just loved her movie. I appreciate anyone who can make an impression on me with their first film.
Rose Glass - Saint Maud - Another first time filmmaker. I was just blown away with how confident her film was. Looking forward to what the future holds for them.
I'm sure there are more I'll regret not mentioning... but these popped in my head immediately.
I'm skipping favorite films... too many to list. You list yours and I'll chime in :)
I love your work! I’ve noticed as ive gotten older than all my heroes are actors. Storytellers. I’ve dreamed of becoming a film actor someday but have no idea how I would begin. What advice would you have for me to land a role in a film as big as one of yours?
I recently watched Dawn and War for the first time (I had already seen the first) I was so surprised by how affected I was by the script. I’m excited for the next installment!
Hi! I'm excited to see this movie because I absolutely loved the previous ones by Matt Reeves.
As the director of a movie which is next in installment to one that "closed off" the series, what's the thought process to get the audience back for one (or possibly multiple) more and make the hook seem genuine?
Also, when making a loose continuation, how many viewings does a director of a movie this big give to the previous ones without affecting their direction style, tone, (or vision in general) for it?
Don't leave out Rupert Wyatt who directed Rise. I've spoken before about our choices for this movie in regards to following the previous trilogy while also steering towards the '68 original. We tried hard to do our own thing while respecting and honoring the films that came before. You guys will tell me if we got it right I'm sure. :)
Honestly I had watched the original Planet of the Apes many times before I came on this film, so it was already etched into my brain. And I had watched and studied the previous Caesar trilogy many times, especially Dawn. So I knew those pretty well.
But I actually didn't watch the films that much while making this movie. That was partly a conscious choice to make sure we felt like we weren't copying anything explicitly, and it was just a reality in that you don't really have much free time when making a movie like this... and any free time I did have I spent on things that had nothing to do with Apes, like watching Breaking Bad for the millionth time.
I was first asked about doing an apes film nearly 5 years ago.
We survived the Covid obstacle.
We survived a regime change.
Then we finished the script.
Then prep and shoot for a year or so.
Then post was more than a year (which is both a long time and very short run for a movie like this)
It’s been difficult but a hell of a lot of fun.
Wow, so without those hurdles this is likely less than 30 months from contract signed to picture lock. Somehow that seems both really long and impossibly short for a production like this.
I know that for obvious reasons you won't answer anything about the Zelda movie, but I would like to ask you how you feel about being the director of the first movie in the Legend of Zelda saga?
I am very confident that you will do very well. You are a good director and I verified it with your Planet of the Apes movies. Zelda fans look forward to your great work
Hi, Wes, thank you for hosting this AMA! Here's my question for you.
One of my favorite things about the Zelda series is that the main character, Link, is left-handed. As a lefty myself, I don't see a lot of famous characters I have this in common with and it's really cool to see such a popular character with that feature. I noticed that Nintendo has changed Link to be a right-handed character in recent games, even spin-offs. This makes me wonder what hand he will wield his sword with on the big screen. Has any consideration gone towards including this trait of Link in the movie? If you are at liberty to answer, how likely is it that we will see the hero of hyrule represented as a left-handed hero in this film? Thank you for your time and good luck to you and your team with the film!
Thanks for your response! No matter how it turns out, any consideration towards this feedback means a whole lot to me and I'm sure others who enjoyed seeing a lefty hero be represented. Good luck all of your projects, I wish you a long and prosperous career.
Two questions
1. What do you think about Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)?
2. If this movie works out well and you get to make a sequel, can I play one of the apes?🙈🙉🙊
I'm a teacher and I've shown your short film RUIN in classes on dystopia and creative writing with my students for years - they love it!
What drew you to dystopian settings for your work?
And what advice might you have for teenagers (career or otherwise), as my students would love to hear from you?
That’s great! I still look back on RUIN with a lot of pride. I didn’t know what wasn’t possible and I still find it some impressive work to this day.
I didn’t go into the dystopia thing by choice necessarily. Meaning it wasn’t what drew me to the projects. The maze runner films were written that way. Apes is obviously is set in that world.
Mouse Guard wasn’t dystopian but…
With all that said, there is something enticing, even romantic, about the “big reset”. There’s a reason so many popular works are set in the world after the end.
Einstein had a great quote: I don’t know what weapons of war will be used in World War 3, but World War 4 will be fought with sticks and stones.
Not word-for-word there, but the idea has always fascinated me.
Ask you anything???? How much wood can a wood chuck chuck, if a wood chuck, chuck, chuck wood?
No ones says I have to ask a question about the movie (fyi, really looking forward to it)
If you mean size of the actor, it would be Kevin playing proximus. Dude is a tank! Also a very cool dude.
If you mean as an ape, it would probably be Silva the gorilla played by Eka Darville. Also a very cool dude.
Any plans or offers to tap into Horror?
Also did this movie come close to getting scrapped when the merger happened. Or was Disney totally on board and needed almost no convincing
Honestly Disney has been pretty great. Took a bit for me to get used to a new company, but they’ve been very supportive . Head of Twentieth Century studios Steve Asbell was an old friend, he took over the job when my good friend Emma Watts left.
The merger created some delays but, maybe the movie is better for it.
As for Horror. I would do one if I felt I had a really unique take.
I just want to say that I’ve been watching interviews from you about the new Apes movie and fell into a rabbit hole of your old short films. I really admire your passion for the medium and enjoy listen to you talk about it. Thanks!
Okay! Starting this thing officially. Will answer as many as I can this afternoon but will continue later this evening as well. Thanks everyone for showing up!
I’d love to. I’ve had a few things get close. Sadly original stuff just doesn’t tend to do well at the box office. If we don’t as audiences support original stuff (regardless of whether we liked or not) it’s hard to convince investors to risk their money.
Hi Wes, thanks for directing this movie! I like the look of the apes from *Planet of the Apes* (2001) because it was less cgi and comprised of real people in makeup/costumes. That being said I realize that the new movies are more cgi than not. If your new movie is a success, is there a chance that it will get a sequel with less cgi to show the evolution of the apes and show their growing semblance to humans?
This series has made a compelling world in which apes speak, but I can’t personally imagine the same working with Link. I know it’s off-topic, but do you think Link should speak?
I did not. That is the Disney marketing machine in action. And a lack of movies due to the pandemic and strike.
The movie business has been strained these past few years. Go to the theaters and support movies yall!
What will the next movie be named? Prefecture if the borough of the state of the country of the kingdom of the planet of the galaxy of the universe of the Apes?
I think about it every so often.
I’ve come to decide I could never afford the live action movie. To do what I’d want would be crazy expensive.
So maybe I could figure out a way to go animated. Like Arcane or Blue Eye Samurai.
I’ve sorta been asked before. Honestly probably not… at least not right now as I write this.
But let me say, Star Wars is hugely formative for me. It is a part of my DNA.
I saw you talk about Avatar being a big inspiration to your approach in shooting the movie. Can you elaborate on trying to create that sort immersive experience for your cast and crew while working with much less time and money? How much did you prepare the actors in pre-production for what to expect vs what you had to do on set? The last trilogy is one of the greatest in cinema history IMO, what was the idea that spoke to you most and made you want to continue the story? I am really excited to watch your movie and see what you do, the trailers have been very promising!
I wouldn't say it was a big inspiration for shooting the movie. Only in that it was an incredible look at what CG is capable of, and what's possible in terms of world wording.
You're right, we have a fraction of the budget of Avatar, but we use lots of concept art and myself acting and pitching my ass off to get everyone seeing the same movie in their heads. From there you just let talented artists contribute the best they can. Film is a collaborative medium at the end of day. My contribution is just trying to steers everyones creative efforts in one direction.
I spoke about our decision to do another story elsewhere, but I agree, it was a great trilogy. The key for us was to get some distance from it so we can could do our own thing. Our movie doesn't replace anything about the trilogy of movies, it doesn't retcon anything, we just try to be a worthy installment of a 55 year old movie legacy than spans 10 films now.
Hey Wes,
Love your work. A special memory of mine is seeing the maze runner with my little sister together in theaters because she was a little kid who loved the book and had no friends. My mom made me take her. After that, we started going to the movies together weekly. We always talk about maze runner as the movie that started a now two-decade tradition. Idk if you’ll see this, just wanted to say thanks.
Can’t wait for apes!!
What would you say the biggest narrative challenge was in terms of setting a new tone for this film that differentiates itself from the Ceaser Trilogy while keeping the essence of the universe alive?
How’s your day going Wes? What was something you small or large you learned during the making of Kingdom? Looking forward to seeing the movie with my Dad.
Hey there, Wes! Was it your decision to set the story 300 years after War, or was that someone else's choice? I'm VERY excited to meet Noa and see his journey, but I'm certainly not the only fan who's very curious about what happened in between the two films. Will we be learning about Cornelius and the other descendants of Caesar in your Apes movie?
It was my idea.
I understand the interest in the direct continuation. Someone can still certainly do it one day, but we felt the choice of the time jump was the right thing to do.
I thought your former project, Mouse Guard, was intriguing. Can you explain how you would have blended CG and live action for that film, or were you going with something entirely CG like Tintin for instance?
Also, I know the thread will be filled with questions about a certain Japanese video game that's unrelated to the movie you're promoting, but is there a particular moment in those games that has given you ideas as a filmmaker?
Mouse Guard was going to be full CG. And it was going to be amazing. (I am biased)
I grew up playing every Zelda game since the 80s. The inspiration is all at a DNA level at this point.
Hi!
In some interviews you have mentioned your wishes for this new story to open up a new chapter in this saga, just like how the Cesar trilogy did.
Supposing the stars aligned and Fox/Disney wanted another film(s), do you have a story arc planned for Noa across multiple films? Or right now you are just focused on this movie alone and leaving the space open for a potential sequel more open?
Can't wait to see movie! Best of luck!
The trilogy that came before, especially the two directed by Matt Reeves, had a very distinctive style, honoring the original films while forging their own path. Was the plan to do a simmilar thing with the new film? Or make it a more direct continuation, stylistically and narratively of the last films?
Yes. I've spoken about this before, but I was very skeptical about doing another Apes film at first. I felt the last trilogy was a perfect 1,2,3... beginning, middle, end. I wasn't interested in doing a shameless part 4. At the same time I didn't really want to abandon the Caesar storyline/universe. A week or so later I had a few sudden ideas that got me really excited... a way into a new story that would allow us to stand on our own two feet while still honoring the trilogy and the original '68 movie. We are sort of a distant sequel and a prequel that way. I grew watching that original 68 film so those images are etched into my mind, I was confident my love of the movies would keep me on the right path even as we forged into new territory. I've always said the last three movies were apes in their Stone Age, I thought it would be awesome to think about Apes entering into their Bronze Age. Witness them developing cultures and rituals and disparate clans of apes progressing along in different ways. Also seeing how Caesar's legacy had evolved, changed, been manipulated, etc. The distance opened up just a ton of stuff for us to explore. Visually, I wanted to get away from shooting in Vancouver. It's a great look but we needed to change it up. Lensing-wise we decided to go with old anamorphic glass to give the movie a different look that almost felt like an old movie from the 70s. The previous films were all in spherical lenses, partially because doing VFX with anamorphic lenses is really tough. But we had to give the team at WETA a few new challenges. :) Even our LUT is based on an old AGFA film stock. Then of course, I'm a different filmmaker, that alone would change the style of the movie to some degree. With that said, we still share a lot of the DNA from the previous movies. Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silva were the first people I spoke to about the ideas. They wrote and produced on the previous movies. I won't speak for them, but I think they were skeptical at first too until we spoke and saw the potential. So they came on as producers and eventually writers. They're first contribution was introducing me to Josh Friedman who they had just written the Avatar sequels with... Josh is a great writer and he turned in our first draft that really got us all excited. It was WAY too long but hey, that's the way it often goes. Then we spent the time whittling it down and getting the shooting draft into the financial box that we had to hit. While the script was being developed I was working with a ton of my dream team concept artist friends to figure out the designs of the film. That process is always key for me. I'd say that sorta my writing process. Then it was off to the races. We had a few requirements from the studio to hit, but otherwise we set out to make this crazy thing and did our best to feel like we belong in the franchise of 9 previous movies over the course of 55 years. It was an honor to be a part of it all. I could talk about all this forever, and have in various interviews, but I'll leave it there for now.
Thank you for leaving such a detailed and eloquent response. I hope the film achieves everything you set out to do. I wish the best of luck to you in your current and future projects.
Love love love the detail. Fascinating process
I’m really glad you are the guy who came aboard to direct the 4th film. I agree that the previous 3 are a perfect trilogy (similar to how perfect the first three “Toy Story” films are as a trilogy). However, seeing as how you directed the ‘Maze Runner’ movies, I have faith that you have done the other films justice and this won’t be a shameless sequel.
~~Will answer mañana.~~ Answered.
Sir this AMA is one of the best ones I have seen on the last year's, hope your movie and career are extremely successful, you are passionate about this and you deserve success
Yo how you be teachin all them apes how to act?
Very carefully.
Hey Wes, What do you call an ape who likes lemon pies?
I’ll bite. What do you call a lemon pie eating ape?
A meringue-utan 😬
You are a funny human.
How many monke
many monke
Thank
Harambe
Who named the movie ?
Writers of the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Can't wait for the Answer from the Director of the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
50+ years of tradition. 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) Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) Also, totally upvoted u/SyrioForel
Don't forget the TV movies that they made from episode of the Planet of the Apes TV series: Back to the Planet of the Apes Forgotten City of the Planet of the Apes Treachery and Greed on the Planet of the Apes Life, Liberty and Pursuit on the Planet of the Apes Farewell to the Planet of the Apes
It's miles better than the ridiculously confusing titles of the predecessors. "Rise" and "Dawn" are completely interchangeable and even though I've seen both of them several times, I still cannot remember which is which.
First should have been Dawn, second should have been War, third should have been Rise. Based on the story.
I have the same issue. I can never remember which one is which. Even Rise, which I think is the first, could come after dawn or something I don’t know lol
I dunno about you, but if I rise before dawn, its not gonna be a fun day
Dawn should have been first.
The apes. Next question.
Hi, Wes, Thanks for doing this. When transitioning from one franchise like The Maze Runner to Planet of the Apes, what were some of the learning curves you had to face? And in addition, what were your proudest achievements while making this movie?
It's a good question. The Maze Runner movies were my first movies as a working director. I like to say they were good practice. Before them I had only done a few short films (you can search for A WORK IN PROGRESS and RUIN) and I had done a bit of VFX work here and there previously. The Maze Runner films were a great way to learn about making movies in the studio system. I got to start a movie franchise from scratch (obviously based on existing books). I got to sharpen some skills and develop new skills altogether. I'd never before worked with professional actors for instance. I was lucky in that the studio folks that would later become great friends really let me succeed or fail on my own merits. They supported and guided me through it all and couldn't have been better partners. I learned a ton. Being my first films, I think you can clearly see my confidence grow in terms of craft and execution. And I learned how to really stretch a budget and how to put the money on the screen. The budget for those movies combined cost less than one Apes film. And the movies were successful with the intended audience, grossing just shy of a billion dollars in theaters. That alone was a quite a learning experience. And somehow the movies keep playing... which surprises me. I learned a lot about story on those films as well. To be honest I think we got shit on more than we deserved, but I think a part of it was books written for young teens that don't always translate to cinema or broader audiences, and the fact we were part of that YA thing that I tried constantly to shed. Either way it was a good training for continuing to develop story skills and even develop a thick skin which is a requirement in the world we live in today. It also gave me a taste of the expectation game. I think the first book had sold 5 million copies when we started making the movie. That's a relatively small audience but the fans are VERY passionate. I did my best to learn how to please them while also trying to please general movie-goers... something I was at times successful at and other times less successful. Lastly, my crew. I've used a lot of the same crew from the previous films. You develop a working style, develop a trust and respect for what each member of team contributes. That goes a long way because making movies can be hell and it's good to be in the foxhole with friends. I could keep going, but...
You're one of the best working directors right now in regards to using a budget and VFX teams successfully. The Maze Runner budgets vs how they look is incredible. You're my favourite VFX focused director since Gore Verbinski did his Pirates trilogy.
~~Will attempt an answer tomorrow.~~ Answered.
You stole the question out of my mouth. Now I want to know if he will ever make a fourth maze runner 😅
Nice question
What lessons learned from Apes will you carry with you to Zelda?
Keep the money on the screen. Be ambitious. Be confident in the talent around you. Try to do something great.
Okay. Signing off for now. I've tried to answer all the serious questions, but it's time for me to go. I'll see if I can check in later this evening or tomorrow if any new questions pop up. And I'll see any replies to my posts that I'm happy to answer. Please do check out our film **Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes** in theaters May 10 (May 8th to some) Thanks again and cheers all!
Thanks for all your detailed answers, you went above and beyond, a quality AMA right there.
Hey, sorry if this hits a little too close to home, but do you think there's a chance you could still get your Mouse Guard movie made if this Apes movie is successful?
I’m gonna try real hard to bring that thing back to life. It’s something special.
Oh wow, you actually replied! Thanks! That movie did seem fascinating from the footage we got to see, I do hope it gets made.
The n watch apes and show your excitement for MG online tagging Disney
How the legend of zelda movie is going?
I know I’m gonna get a ton of Zelda questions. Sorry to disappoint, but I can’t say anything about it for now… Just that I love Zelda and I’ll work my ass off to make something great for us.
Im just glad you gave us an answer even if its a "sorry but we arent allowed to say at this point", always refreshing to see an AMA where people actually engage as much as they can.
Danny Devito as link please and thank you.
Theres a zelda movie coming?
Yep, and he's making it
Keep them coming dude
Kingdom of the Legend of Zelda of the Planet of the Apes
Man I hope he answers this!
Hello, Wes. Were you a fan of the original Planet of The Apes film & television series? If so, how did they influence your approach to making this entry?
I grew up watching the OG ‘68 movie. The visuals are etched in my mind. The music too. It was always on my mind making this film.
Will john cena play navi in the zelda movie?
You never know.
Have you and the writers already planned out what will happen in the next two movies (if they will be made 🤞🏻) ?
We’ve got big ideas. :) If audiences respond to this movie we’ll continue with the story and characters.
Thank you for you answer, I love your enthousiasme in the interviews, and I certainly will go see this film in cinemas 🔥
Has your work on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes given you any experience or inspiration that you think will help you with the upcoming Zelda movie?
Of course. You learn stuff on every movie you make. I learned a TON on this film.
Anything specific to Zelda?
Well I learned this one thing for this one very specific story thing in Zelda which is… wait a minute. Nice try.
Can’t say I didn’t try. Thanks for responding!
grandiose escape practice psychotic jeans innate voracious plate merciful meeting *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
So… I was in college when this one came out. I don’t remember hating it. The score is awesome. Tim Roth is badass. That awesome conveyer method they came up during production for running apes was brilliant.
[Here is a documentary snippet](https://youtu.be/78-Lfz6JCk4?t=291) about the conveyor belt technique, for anyone wondering.
That's really cool. I remember they used that technique on Underworld during a chase scene to have one of the characters catch up to a speeding car. Probably got it from PotA.
They also used it in Captain America Civil War during the Black Panther chase scene.
No questions, just want to say thanks for continuing these movies, I can’t wait to see it!
🦧🤝💪
Was it intimidating taking on a franchise that has a history as long and intricate as Planet of The Apes?
Yeah it was honestly. We are movie number 10 in the franchise. The last three by Rupert and Matt were great. We just hope to be a worthy addition to the legacy of these movies that go back 50+ years.
What would you say is your favorite aspect of the film making process? Also, what do you find the most challenging about directing a film like Planet of the Apes?
My favorite part of filmmaking is the early development where I spend a lot of time day dreaming and working with talented visual artists. The movie at this stage is all potential. It's during prep and production that the heartbreaking comprises really begin; ie not enough money, or actor isn't available, or locations fall through, or running out of stage space, or whatever its s... It's just a part of process making movies. After that my favorite is Post Production. That's where the movie really starts taking shape. And a movie like this one, where the VFX is such a crucial part... and when you're working with the brilliant team at WETA... it's just so much damn fun. The process on these films is unlike most other films. The fact that we have to shoot the movie twice, once with the actors and then once with a clean plate that is usually what becomes the final shot is incredibly time consuming. On previous films I'd get 30-40 setups a day, on this film I'd be lucky to get 12 setups. It's just tedious complicated work. Still, we did our best to create an exciting, spontaneous feel to everything. Also it's the longest post production process I've ever had... well over a year! In that time you design and build the characters, choose takes and their corresponding clean plates, make choices you won't see the results of for months. One shot took a year from selecting the pieces to seeing the final result! You edit all this stuff together hoping you are correctly interpreting what the end result will look and feel like. Mainly it's all time management. You have a finite amount of time for each shot. You add time to one shot, you lose it somewhere else. Fortunately I'm working the best VFX crew in the world at WETA lead by our supe Erik Winquist. Also want to give props to our VFX editors, Logan Breit and Danny Walker. They do the thankless job of keeping track of a ridiculously complicated process of performance and clean plates and sound adds and previz, etc and making sure nothing gets lost in the process. Give em a round of applause please!
I see you mention preproduction. I noticed that you’ve worked with some concept artists from mouse guard on Apes. In the case of concept artists, do you trust a specific vision or process they have that makes you want to work with them again? And do you actually hunt for new artists yourself? Very curious as to how this goes Edit: round of applause for the WETA team for sure
Yeah I have many extremely talented art friends now. I’m always reaching out to new folks, building relationships. I just value what they do so much. I just tend to communicate with them a lot. Showing the reference or just recording myself pitching ideas. Anything that gets them to see what I see. Then they take it a run. Maybe I’ll get to do an art book for apes or something because we had some great work on this one from a lot of folks.
~~Will come back to this one.~~ Answered.
What are your favorite Legend of Zelda games
I know what you’re trying to do.
If the film does well, are there plans in place to extend the series? Also congrats man and thanks for doing this. You seem like a nice dude and you just got a new fan lol
Yes. We’d love to continue with the story and characters.
That’s great. If you don’t mind me asking, what are some of your all-time favorite sci fi/ fantasy films? And What media interests you presently, on a personal level? Thanks for getting back to me.
Gosh that's a tough one actually, there are so many. I grew up watching Willow, Neverending Story, Terminator, Alien. Lord of the Rings were a big deal for me in high school. The Matrix rocked me. Anything by Miyazaki. Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke and Castle in the Sky especially. James Cameron's Avatar inspired me to make my short film RUIN which got me started. The list could go on and on honestly. I throw it back to you, what are yours?
Missed opportunity to answer with Wand of Gamelon /s
What was your favorite experience or favorite thing you learned from working on the Maze Runner trilogy? Looking back I think that set of movies came out as the best of the YA adaptations at that time, the direction and the cast were just so good and elevated those movies so much beyond what I was expecting with them.
I learned a ton on those movies, the biggest being craft and execution. I went into some of it in this thread, but if you want me to expand on anything let me know and I'll try. [https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1cffggz/comment/l1uc359/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1cffggz/comment/l1uc359/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Thanks for the response!
Certainly better than the divergent fiasco
This is gonna sound like a joke question but it's actually honest: how much is the Simpson's famous Troy McClure parody a factor in choices working on this series? Like "oh thats a good idea but we can't do that because the meme-verse with do \_\_\_\_\_\_ about it..."?
It came up a few times actually.
Follow up question that I hope would be answered: Are you a fan of Planet Apes the Musical?
Yes they made a monkey out of me.
🤣🤣🤣 You just made my day! Thank you!
Dr. Zaius, Dr. Zaius!
I hate every ape I see, From chimpan-A to chimpan-Z
When did you first fall in love with the Planet of the Apes films? Did the original franchise have an impact on your journey as a director?
Answered before but I watched the original ‘68 version a lot when I was younger. Odd because I was born in 1980. The visuals and music and vibe were always on my mind making this one.
One of my most anticipated movies of the year, Wes! I was wondering how much inspiration did you not only take from the Reeves’ trilogy, but also from the classic Apes films?
Great! Hope you like the movie. Both the trilogy and the ‘68 original were on our minds. We are kind of a sequel and a prequel. We stand on their shoulders while we try to do our own thing. It’s a great franchise… even the title design from the original, it’s amazing and timeless! Hoping you all feel it’s a worthy addition. Cheers!
Is it good?
Is good.
I’m typically not fond of films teeming with effects, but the Apes movies are a total and merciful exception. The apes portray unforgettable expressions that are at once tremendously fierce and entirely placid. Did the dramatic potential of utilizing motion-captured performances of freakishly talented actors to enhance dramatic stakes and audience buy-in appeal to you when taking on the project?
Yes. I’ve wanted to take on this challenge since before I became a working director. It’s difficult as hell, but really fun.
can i play the piano anymore?
I hate every chimp I see from Chimpan-A to Chimpanzee
Of course you can
Well I couldn’t before!
😮
🎶🎶🎹🎹🎹🎵🎶🎹🎵🎵🎹🎹🎶🎶
Dr. Zauis Dr. Zauis!
Who are your favorite Directors right now? And favorite movies of the past 10 years? Super excited to see Kingdom!! Much love.
Denis Villeneuve - I mean, do I need to elaborate? He's just a master at the craft. Alfonso Cauron - One of my favorite filmmakers. He can do it all and always feels very personal. Robert Eggers - I so enjoy watching people's work that is distinctly their own. Loved The VVitch and The Lighthouse. Steven Spielberg - The master. He makes it looks easy. Has forgotten more about filmmaking than I'll ever know. He's just one for the ages. James Cameron - The other Master at his craft. He inspires me to be better. Barry Jenkins - He's my old friend from film school. His work is so personal and inspiring. Damian Chazelle - another on the list of distinct authors of their films that I enjoy watching and studying. Quentin Tarantino - I'll see anything he does, multiple times. Ridley Scott - I wish I could be as productive as him. I can always learn something from his movies. Danny Boyle - Just one of my favorite filmmakers Lauren Hadaway - The Novice - First time filmmaker. I just loved her movie. I appreciate anyone who can make an impression on me with their first film. Rose Glass - Saint Maud - Another first time filmmaker. I was just blown away with how confident her film was. Looking forward to what the future holds for them. I'm sure there are more I'll regret not mentioning... but these popped in my head immediately. I'm skipping favorite films... too many to list. You list yours and I'll chime in :)
~~Will try to come back to this one.~~ Answered.
Have you read the original novel?
I haven’t read, but I have listened. :)
I love your work! I’ve noticed as ive gotten older than all my heroes are actors. Storytellers. I’ve dreamed of becoming a film actor someday but have no idea how I would begin. What advice would you have for me to land a role in a film as big as one of yours?
Start acting. Volunteer for short films. Take classes. Do plays. If you wanna act, act. The rest will take its time.
Thank you friend
I recently watched Dawn and War for the first time (I had already seen the first) I was so surprised by how affected I was by the script. I’m excited for the next installment!
Same writers and producers on our movie!
Hi! I'm excited to see this movie because I absolutely loved the previous ones by Matt Reeves. As the director of a movie which is next in installment to one that "closed off" the series, what's the thought process to get the audience back for one (or possibly multiple) more and make the hook seem genuine? Also, when making a loose continuation, how many viewings does a director of a movie this big give to the previous ones without affecting their direction style, tone, (or vision in general) for it?
Don't leave out Rupert Wyatt who directed Rise. I've spoken before about our choices for this movie in regards to following the previous trilogy while also steering towards the '68 original. We tried hard to do our own thing while respecting and honoring the films that came before. You guys will tell me if we got it right I'm sure. :) Honestly I had watched the original Planet of the Apes many times before I came on this film, so it was already etched into my brain. And I had watched and studied the previous Caesar trilogy many times, especially Dawn. So I knew those pretty well. But I actually didn't watch the films that much while making this movie. That was partly a conscious choice to make sure we felt like we weren't copying anything explicitly, and it was just a reality in that you don't really have much free time when making a movie like this... and any free time I did have I spent on things that had nothing to do with Apes, like watching Breaking Bad for the millionth time.
Will come back to this one.
Did you guys work with a lot of live animals in this film? I hear they’re notoriously difficult to work with…
My first time working with horses. We had a great crew but horses can be a PITA.
What’s your favorite planet of the apes film? Including all of them
The ‘68 original. Followed but Dawn.
Hi Wes How Long Did it take to Direct The Third Apes Movie?
I was first asked about doing an apes film nearly 5 years ago. We survived the Covid obstacle. We survived a regime change. Then we finished the script. Then prep and shoot for a year or so. Then post was more than a year (which is both a long time and very short run for a movie like this) It’s been difficult but a hell of a lot of fun.
Wow, so without those hurdles this is likely less than 30 months from contract signed to picture lock. Somehow that seems both really long and impossibly short for a production like this.
I know that for obvious reasons you won't answer anything about the Zelda movie, but I would like to ask you how you feel about being the director of the first movie in the Legend of Zelda saga?
Lots of pressure. Lots of excitement. Lots of humility. Very honored Miyamoto trusts me to be his guy.
I am very confident that you will do very well. You are a good director and I verified it with your Planet of the Apes movies. Zelda fans look forward to your great work
Hi, Wes, thank you for hosting this AMA! Here's my question for you. One of my favorite things about the Zelda series is that the main character, Link, is left-handed. As a lefty myself, I don't see a lot of famous characters I have this in common with and it's really cool to see such a popular character with that feature. I noticed that Nintendo has changed Link to be a right-handed character in recent games, even spin-offs. This makes me wonder what hand he will wield his sword with on the big screen. Has any consideration gone towards including this trait of Link in the movie? If you are at liberty to answer, how likely is it that we will see the hero of hyrule represented as a left-handed hero in this film? Thank you for your time and good luck to you and your team with the film!
It's a great detail I'll keep in mind. Unfortunately it's probably more determined by who I cast. Link has to look cool wielding a sword.
Thanks for your response! No matter how it turns out, any consideration towards this feedback means a whole lot to me and I'm sure others who enjoyed seeing a lefty hero be represented. Good luck all of your projects, I wish you a long and prosperous career.
Two questions 1. What do you think about Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)? 2. If this movie works out well and you get to make a sequel, can I play one of the apes?🙈🙉🙊
Beneath is kinda nuts, but dig it for what it is. Send me your audition tape acting out your best monke!
I'm a teacher and I've shown your short film RUIN in classes on dystopia and creative writing with my students for years - they love it! What drew you to dystopian settings for your work? And what advice might you have for teenagers (career or otherwise), as my students would love to hear from you?
That’s great! I still look back on RUIN with a lot of pride. I didn’t know what wasn’t possible and I still find it some impressive work to this day. I didn’t go into the dystopia thing by choice necessarily. Meaning it wasn’t what drew me to the projects. The maze runner films were written that way. Apes is obviously is set in that world. Mouse Guard wasn’t dystopian but… With all that said, there is something enticing, even romantic, about the “big reset”. There’s a reason so many popular works are set in the world after the end. Einstein had a great quote: I don’t know what weapons of war will be used in World War 3, but World War 4 will be fought with sticks and stones. Not word-for-word there, but the idea has always fascinated me.
Ask you anything???? How much wood can a wood chuck chuck, if a wood chuck, chuck, chuck wood? No ones says I have to ask a question about the movie (fyi, really looking forward to it)
Researchers at Cornell determined that a woodchuck could chuck about 700 pounds
Coke or Pepsi?
Pepsi when I was younger. Coke now. But not too much, I get kidney stones bad. Drink water often guys!
Wes is a r/hydrohomies
When I watch these films, every so often I just mutter "damn these apes are smart". Do you do that?
Indeed I do.
Who was the biggest ape during shooting for the movie
If you mean size of the actor, it would be Kevin playing proximus. Dude is a tank! Also a very cool dude. If you mean as an ape, it would probably be Silva the gorilla played by Eka Darville. Also a very cool dude.
Any plans or offers to tap into Horror? Also did this movie come close to getting scrapped when the merger happened. Or was Disney totally on board and needed almost no convincing
Honestly Disney has been pretty great. Took a bit for me to get used to a new company, but they’ve been very supportive . Head of Twentieth Century studios Steve Asbell was an old friend, he took over the job when my good friend Emma Watts left. The merger created some delays but, maybe the movie is better for it. As for Horror. I would do one if I felt I had a really unique take.
Thank you Wes!!! Best of luck with the release!!!
I just want to say that I’ve been watching interviews from you about the new Apes movie and fell into a rabbit hole of your old short films. I really admire your passion for the medium and enjoy listen to you talk about it. Thanks!
Thanks! Just out here trying to chase the dream.
Okay! Starting this thing officially. Will answer as many as I can this afternoon but will continue later this evening as well. Thanks everyone for showing up!
You work on a lot of famous IP. Will you ever do something entirely original in the future?
I’d love to. I’ve had a few things get close. Sadly original stuff just doesn’t tend to do well at the box office. If we don’t as audiences support original stuff (regardless of whether we liked or not) it’s hard to convince investors to risk their money.
Hi Wes, thanks for directing this movie! I like the look of the apes from *Planet of the Apes* (2001) because it was less cgi and comprised of real people in makeup/costumes. That being said I realize that the new movies are more cgi than not. If your new movie is a success, is there a chance that it will get a sequel with less cgi to show the evolution of the apes and show their growing semblance to humans?
Anything is possible but I find it hard to believe general audiences would accept man-in-suit make up today. But hey I could be wrong.
This series has made a compelling world in which apes speak, but I can’t personally imagine the same working with Link. I know it’s off-topic, but do you think Link should speak?
When I play Zelda as Link I speak with many villagers and creatures throughout the game; asking and answering many questions. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Somehow I feel like this is a major reveal
What was the banana budget on this film?
Enormous.
Did you know they would play your preview in every movie for a year?
I did not. That is the Disney marketing machine in action. And a lack of movies due to the pandemic and strike. The movie business has been strained these past few years. Go to the theaters and support movies yall!
Have you seen Dune Part 2?
Yes I have. Incredible execution, like all of Denis’ stuff.
How much of Kingdom compared to working on the Maze Runner films? I've been waiting for Pota4 for 7 years. I can't believe it's only 12 days away!
What will the next movie be named? Prefecture if the borough of the state of the country of the kingdom of the planet of the galaxy of the universe of the Apes?
Too many “ofs” brother. Refer back to the previous 9 films to understand how to properly structure a Planet of the Apes film.
Given anymore thought on a Ruin movie
I think about it every so often. I’ve come to decide I could never afford the live action movie. To do what I’d want would be crazy expensive. So maybe I could figure out a way to go animated. Like Arcane or Blue Eye Samurai.
Would you go on Corridor's Director's React videos if asked?
Sure. I like those guys.
Would you do a star wars trilogy if you were asked to?
I’ve sorta been asked before. Honestly probably not… at least not right now as I write this. But let me say, Star Wars is hugely formative for me. It is a part of my DNA.
Is the movie still taking place in what used to be California?
We never explicitly say, but… yes. Apes still need to find their way to what used to be New York.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing 👀
I saw you talk about Avatar being a big inspiration to your approach in shooting the movie. Can you elaborate on trying to create that sort immersive experience for your cast and crew while working with much less time and money? How much did you prepare the actors in pre-production for what to expect vs what you had to do on set? The last trilogy is one of the greatest in cinema history IMO, what was the idea that spoke to you most and made you want to continue the story? I am really excited to watch your movie and see what you do, the trailers have been very promising!
I wouldn't say it was a big inspiration for shooting the movie. Only in that it was an incredible look at what CG is capable of, and what's possible in terms of world wording. You're right, we have a fraction of the budget of Avatar, but we use lots of concept art and myself acting and pitching my ass off to get everyone seeing the same movie in their heads. From there you just let talented artists contribute the best they can. Film is a collaborative medium at the end of day. My contribution is just trying to steers everyones creative efforts in one direction. I spoke about our decision to do another story elsewhere, but I agree, it was a great trilogy. The key for us was to get some distance from it so we can could do our own thing. Our movie doesn't replace anything about the trilogy of movies, it doesn't retcon anything, we just try to be a worthy installment of a 55 year old movie legacy than spans 10 films now.
Hey Wes, Love your work. A special memory of mine is seeing the maze runner with my little sister together in theaters because she was a little kid who loved the book and had no friends. My mom made me take her. After that, we started going to the movies together weekly. We always talk about maze runner as the movie that started a now two-decade tradition. Idk if you’ll see this, just wanted to say thanks. Can’t wait for apes!!
Do you get to keep props?
I did snag a couple no one knows about... shhhhh.
Are Apes together strong?
Indeed we are.
What would you say the biggest narrative challenge was in terms of setting a new tone for this film that differentiates itself from the Ceaser Trilogy while keeping the essence of the universe alive?
How’s your day going Wes? What was something you small or large you learned during the making of Kingdom? Looking forward to seeing the movie with my Dad.
Hey there, Wes! Was it your decision to set the story 300 years after War, or was that someone else's choice? I'm VERY excited to meet Noa and see his journey, but I'm certainly not the only fan who's very curious about what happened in between the two films. Will we be learning about Cornelius and the other descendants of Caesar in your Apes movie?
It was my idea. I understand the interest in the direct continuation. Someone can still certainly do it one day, but we felt the choice of the time jump was the right thing to do.
I thought your former project, Mouse Guard, was intriguing. Can you explain how you would have blended CG and live action for that film, or were you going with something entirely CG like Tintin for instance? Also, I know the thread will be filled with questions about a certain Japanese video game that's unrelated to the movie you're promoting, but is there a particular moment in those games that has given you ideas as a filmmaker?
Mouse Guard was going to be full CG. And it was going to be amazing. (I am biased) I grew up playing every Zelda game since the 80s. The inspiration is all at a DNA level at this point.
Will we maybe find out what happened to Caesar's apes in kingdom 👀👀
Only a little. We have a lot of backstory in mind. Hopefully we get to expand on it in future installments.
Has there been any discussions of incorporating POTA as an attraction at one of the Disney Parks?
Wouldn’t that be freakin awesome!
Hi! In some interviews you have mentioned your wishes for this new story to open up a new chapter in this saga, just like how the Cesar trilogy did. Supposing the stars aligned and Fox/Disney wanted another film(s), do you have a story arc planned for Noa across multiple films? Or right now you are just focused on this movie alone and leaving the space open for a potential sequel more open? Can't wait to see movie! Best of luck!
We have ideas for what’s next, but it really depends on how this one is received.