Is there a new Planet of the Apes in development?
As of early 2024, there is no confirmed new Planet of the Apes theatrical film in active production or with an announced release date. The 2017 film War for the Planet of the Apes concluded the original reboot trilogy, and subsequent projects, including a planned Andy Serkis-directed film and a King Kong crossover titled Remains of the Day, have remained in development or concept phases without firm greenlights. This evergreen explainer summarizes the latest verifiable production status, studio plans, and what milestones to watch for when a future project moves from rumor to confirmed development.
Current confirmed status of new Planet of the Apes projects
Because announcements and plans have shifted over time, it is useful to separate what is officially greenlit from what remains a concept or early-stage development. Below are the key projects and their most recent credible status as of 2024.
Andy Serkis–directed film (Untitled Planet of the Apes spinoff)
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Project | Untitled Planet of the Apes film directed by Andy Serkis | Studio announcements |
| Status | In development, no production start or release date as of 2024 | Trade reports and studio statements |
| Progress | Script work and casting discussions noted; not yet in pre-production | Industry reporting |
War for the Planet of the Apes director Matt Reeves confirmed that Andy Serkis was set to direct a separate Planet of the Apes project. Since then, Serkis has described the film as still in active development, with script and casting conversations continuing, but no physical production or firm release timeline has been set.
King Kong crossover titled Remains of the Day
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Project | Remains of the Day (King Kong vs. Planet of the Apes) | Trade press and studio notes |
| Status | Concept/development; no production start or release date | Reported by industry outlets |
| Progress | Early conversations and story exploration; not yet in active development | Reported statements |
This proposed crossover surfaced in reports describing it as a King Kong versus Planet of the Apes story. As of 2024, it remains in conceptual stages, without a greenlight, cast, or production schedule.
Recent Planet of the Apes releases and context
The most recent cinematic entry was War for the Planet of the Apes, released in 2017. That film was intended as the conclusion of the 2011 reboot series starring Andy Serkis as Caesar. Its ending presented a definitive narrative close to the original films while leaving thematic and backstory possibilities that could support further stories in the universe.
Key release timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Rise of the Planet of the Apes released | Reboot launched successful modern trilogy |
| 2014 | Dawn of the Planet of the Apes released | Expanded world and sequel performance |
| 2017 | War for the Planet of the Apes released | Concluded the initial trilogy; no immediate follow-up announced |
| 2023–2024 | Concept projects in development (Serkis film, King Kong crossover) | Signals continued franchise interest, but not yet production |
What to watch for when a new Planet of the Apes gets closer to production
When a project moves from rumor to reality, several concrete milestones typically appear in public timelines. Tracking these signals reduces uncertainty and indicates whether a new film is truly advancing.
- Official studio press release confirming a greenlit film
- A finalized screenplay with credited writers and a locked draft
- Casting announcements for lead ape and human roles
- Start of principal photography with a listed production schedule
- Theatrical release window or premiere at a major festival
Production history and recurring themes in the franchise
The Planet of the Apes brand has shifted through original 1960s films, a 1970s series, and a 2001 Tim Burton reboot, culminating in the 21st-century reboot trilogy. That trilogy emphasized performance capture, emotional character arcs, and themes of civilization, leadership, and language. If new films move forward, they often reference this recent continuity while exploring fresh settings or speculative concepts.
Likely directions for future Planet of the Apes stories
While any new project would be speculative, recurring directions in development discussions include deeper exploration of ape society, parallel narratives to human history, and experiments with different time periods or locations. A potential King Kong crossover would expand the world into a shared monster universe, but such a project would require extensive world-building and creative alignment between studios.
How to stay updated on new Planet of the Apes announcements
Because unconfirmed projects can circulate as rumors, the most reliable updates come from official studio channels, reputable trade outlets, and transparent statements from producers or directors. Setting expectations now as an evergreen status overview, this explainer will be updated only when there is verifiable news that affects production or release plans.