Planet of the apes reboot: shakman shakes up franchise after kingdom’s uncertain future
Matt Shakman, director of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is breathing new life – or perhaps a complete rewrite – into the Planet of the Apes saga. Forget the planned trilogy; a fresh story is brewing, spearheaded by Shakman and writer Josh Friedman, the architect of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
A reset button for a fallen empire
Deadline’s reporting suggests a significant departure from the established narrative. Kingdom, released in May 2024 and initially envisioned as a cornerstone for a revitalized series, ultimately faltered at the box office, despite generating solid reviews. Steve Asbell, at 20th Century Studios, had already signaled a sequel was in development for 2027 – a projection now clearly discarded.
The whispers surrounding this shift extend beyond mere creative direction. Rumors point to a potential influence from Wes Ball, the director of Kingdom, who is currently shaping the visual landscape of The Legend of Zelda for Sony. Ball’s move represents a strategic realignment of his talents, diverting his focus from the primate world to the sprawling digital plains of Hyrule. It’s a calculated shift, leaving the future of the Apes franchise – and, arguably, the wider Fantastic Four universe – in Shakman’s capable hands.
Fantastic four’s crossroads
This reboot also casts a shadow over the Fantastic Four. Their appearance in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, previously slated to benefit from the momentum of Kingdom, now face an uncertain timeline. Cade Onder reports that a potential fourth installment might be pushed further down the line, offering Shakman the space to fully explore his new Apes vision before returning to the chaotic, multi-franchise universe of Marvel. The timing is undeniably strategic – a deliberate maneuver to consolidate creative control and ensure a more focused approach.
Ultimately, the future of the Planet of the Apes franchise, and indeed the broader interconnectedness of these cinematic universes, hangs precariously in the balance. Shakman's ambition promises a radical departure, but whether it will rekindle the franchise's flame or simply serve as a cautionary tale remains to be seen. It’s a fascinating, and frankly, unsettling, prospect.