After its release in 1968, “Planet of the Apes” was a commercial success that spawned four sequels and garnered two Oscar nominations. So now, more than 40 years later, it’s naturally time to revisit the franchise. The film was already remade once in 2001 by director Tim Burton, but in an age where the number of sequels, remakes and reboots is ever-expanding, director Rupert Wyatt is trying his hand at a prequel/reboot.
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” follows a scientist named Will Rodman (James Franco) as he works desperately to develop a cure to Alzheimer’s disease, which afflicts his father (John Lithgow). He tests the cure on an ape named Caesar (Andy Serkis, in a motion capture performance), and soon discovers it has amplified Caesar’s intelligence.
Will grows to care for Caesar, but others at the lab aren’t so kind. Humans’ mistreatment prompts Caesar to spread the cure to other apes, planting the seeds for a possible uprising.
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” takes place before the 1968 film, serving as an origin story. Wyatt has stated if the film is successful, the intention is to produce sequels and launch a new “Planet of the Apes” franchise.
The film also stars Freida Pinto, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, David Oyelowo and Tyler Labine. “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” hits theaters Aug. 5. Check out two clips from the film below.
In the first clip, Will’s father mistakenly gets into a neighbor’s car instead of his own. When the neighbor becomes irate, Caesar attacks him in an effort to protect Will’s father.
Next, Caesar helps Will’s father when his Alzheimer’s interferes with dinner.
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