Caesar’s story may be done, but planet Earth still holds many conflicts in the battle to rule the world between Man and Ape. The rebooted trilogy that can also serve as prequels to the legendary 1968 Planet of the Apes film will be getting a new installment with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Deadline reports that the sequel has begun filming at the former Fox Studios, now known as Disney Studios, in Sydney, Australia.
This new chapter of the franchise is set to take place years after Caesar gave refuge to a population of his simian brethren in the 2017 film War for the Planet of the Apes. The movie’s script is penned by Josh Friedman, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, and Patrick Aison. Some of whom have already written for the earlier installment, Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Wes Ball, known for the Maze Runner movies, will be stepping in as director, whereas the previous films were directed by Matt Reeves, who is now involved with The Batman franchise.
The president of 20th Century Studios, Steve Asbell, released a statement prior to the start of filming, saying, “We’re thrilled to be in Sydney filming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes at the world-class Disney Studios Australia. Planet of the Apes is one of the most iconic and storied science fiction franchises in film history and an indelible part of our studios’ legacy. The extraordinary director Wes Ball and cast and crew are continuing the series’ tradition of imaginative, thought-provoking cinema. We can’t wait to share this new chapter with audiences in 2024.”
The production of the film in Australia is part of a deal where the Australian government will be partially funding the film with about $10 million USD as it will bring in 400 jobs for locals and help inject $80 million USD into the Australian economy. The film will also receive additional funding through Screen NSW’s Made in NSW fund.
The details of the plot are yet to be announced, but the movie is set for a 2024 release.