July 14, 2017
by Carla Hay
In “War for the Planet of the Apes,” the third and climactic chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster trilogy, director Matt Reeves and an all-star cast unleash the rapidly evolving simians into a world boiling over with divisions and rage as the ape vs. human battle for control of the world careens towards the ultimate winner-takes-all decision. In a flurry of mythic filmmaking, audiences will witness the pivotal moment that determines the fate of human civilization forever –and be immersed in the ape leader Caesar’s emotional quest to lead his young society to a new home, even as a war between his belief in family and honor versus the lure of a vengeful reckoning churns within his soul.
At heart, this is the story of both a military and emotional last stand. As peace between species has collapsed — and a renegade band of human soldiers led by an imperious Colonel makes a final, all-out attack — Caesar is hit with an unimaginable personal loss and a dark line inside his psyche is crossed. Now, he is wrestling with merciless impulses and roiling doubts about his own ability to inspire the apes towards freedom. But if the apes are to survive the coming conflict, Caesar must lead. In a time when empathy and compassion have nearly vanished both in the world and his heart, Caesar searches for the grit, sense of fellowship and striving vision to lead the apes towards a future of hope.
Breathless action, big ideas and potent storytelling combine as “War for the Planet of the Apes” pushes the series into new realms of legend-building as it explores the values that forge a civilization. It all comes to life driven by the most complex and intense performance by Andy Serkis yet as the majestic Caesar, and groundbreaking visual effects from Weta Digital. Also returning to the series is Karin Konoval as Caesar’s trusted advisor Maurice; Terry Notary as Caesar’s right-hand man, Rocket; as well as Judy Greer as Caesar’s wife Cornelia and Toby Kebbell as Koba.
Unforgettable new characters include two-time Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson as the Colonel, the brash human soldier who believes only an apocalyptic war can salvage the last vestiges of humankind; Steve Zahn as Bad Ape, a lonely chimp who brings heart and humor to the apes in their darkest hour; Amiah Miller as Nova, the human child who becomes an unexpected link between the apes and humanity; Aleks Paunovic as Winter, the stunning but anxious white gorilla; Michael Adamthwaite as Caesar’s gorilla lieutenant, Luca, who forges a bond with Nova; and Ty Olsson as Rex, a turncoat gorilla who works for the Colonel as his “donkey.” Featuring more apes than ever, including a dozen key characters, as the tide turns against homo sapiens, the film also for the very first time brings performance capture action into the rugged, frozen mountains and a world of snow – all captured in spectacular 65mm under the masterful eye of cinematographer Michael Seresin and set to a stirring score by Oscar® winner Michael Giacchino.
The release of “War for the Planet of the Apes” is the culmination of several special events.
On July 10, 2017, a special screening of “War for the Planet of the Apes” was hosted by 20th Century Fox and Alamo Drafthouse and held at SVA Theatre in New York City. A Q&A with several cast and crew members was livestreamed to Alamo Drafthouse cinemas.
On June 19, 2017, 20th Century Fox held a “Be the First to Witness the End” Screening Event in 37 markets around the world. Fans who attended got to see an advance screening of “War of the Planet of the Apes.”
On October 8, 2016, a “War for the Planet of the Apes” panel featuring Serkis, Reeves and producer Dylan Clark took place at Regal E-Walk Stadium 13 & RPX as part of New York Comic Con, where a special “War for the Planet of the Apes” Digital Billboard was on display. The panel also featured the New York Comic Con premiere of the first “War for the Planet of the Apes” trailer.
