Disney's PLANET OF THE APES Will Be Set Within Reeves's Universe and Production Could Start Soon
Disney is heading up more properties now than we can even wrap our heads around, and Planet of the Apes is one of them. Fans were a little uncertain as to what direction the studio would be taking the new movie, as there have been several films made in recent history that the new film(s) could build on, but it looks like it will toe the line between reboot and sequel, as its director says it “will not be a reboot, but rather a sort-of continuation set within Reeves’s universe.”
Wes Ball, director of the Maze Runner films, will be heading up the new film, and gave an update to Discussing Film in a recent interview. When asked how the shutdown has affected him, he said:
“Now you’re right, production is shut down. But we were kind of unique, me and my company and crew. We were in the development phase. So we’re writing. I was already meeting with my writer Josh Friedman on Zoom for weeks before this all hit. We already had a routine of jumping on Zoom and chatting about the script. In that sense, nothing has really changed. What I found a little bit myself is that I’ve been incredibly bursting with ideas in this time. I guess maybe because of being locked up? I’m pretty fortunate that I have an escape. I have a loft that I share with my screenwriter buddy T.S Nowlin – so it’s kind of a little retreat from home to go and try to be creative, productive, and work on my projects.”
He went on to say the film is in good hands, and he is really happy with the crew he has on board for the film. He also commented on the status of the film, saying:
“Well, Planet of the Apes is moving forward and we have a giant art team cranking away on some incredible concept art. We’ve got the screenplay continuing to move forward, that will take the time that it takes and so that’s all good. Planet of the Apes is moving forward baby! Not only that, but we could actually be in virtual production relatively soon because it’s largely a CG movie.”
So that’s great news! It seems like there is still a lot the filmmakers can do while waiting for the pandemic to settle. It will be great to see movies get back on track though so we can get back to the theaters though! Are you excited for the new Planet of the Apes?