The recent announcement of the next Planet of the Apes movie breaking its 10-year tradition by retaining a human character, Freya Allan’s Mae, signals a worrying shift in the franchise’s narrative strategy.
Historically, the series has focused on the rise and fall of Caesar and his ape companions, maintaining human characters as temporary fixtures to support the overarching ape-centric storyline. This new direction could, however, undermine the unique storytelling that has set the reboot trilogy apart from typical blockbuster franchises.
The Success of the Reboot Trilogy
Since the 2011 release of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the reboot trilogy has captivated audiences with its fresh perspective on the iconic 1968 film. By centering the narrative on Caesar, played masterfully through motion-capture technology by Andy Serkis, the films have delved deeply into themes of evolution, intelligence, and the moral complexities of a rising new species.
Screen Rant writes that the absence of recurring human characters allowed the series to focus on the apes’ journey, presenting a continuous, compelling arc that deviated from standard human-centered stories.
The Introduction of Mae
The introduction of Freya Allan’s Mae as a returning human character in the new Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes breaks this mold and risks shifting the narrative focus away from the apes.
While the new film aims to provide a balanced perspective between humans and apes, this move could dilute the powerful storytelling that made the previous films so successful. The strength of the reboot trilogy lies in its commitment to exploring the apes’ side of the story, a perspective that is rarely given center stage in mainstream cinema.
The Impact of Time Jumps
One of the core reasons the reboot trilogy has been so effective is its adherence to significant time jumps and the resulting absence of returning human characters. Each movie progresses the storyline by several years, showcasing the apes’ evolution and the gradual decline of humanity due to the Simian Flu.
This approach has allowed for a fresh narrative with each installment, free from the constraints of maintaining continuity with human characters, thus ensuring the focus remains on the apes and their society.
The Risk of Repetitive Storylines
Reintroducing a human character like Mae could lead to a repetitive and potentially stale storyline, detracting from the innovative storytelling of the previous films.
The unique angle of the apes’ perspective, combined with their evolving intelligence and society, provided a fresh and engaging narrative that resonated with audiences. Mae’s return risks rehashing old human versus ape conflicts, rather than exploring new and uncharted territories within the franchise.
The Question of Depth and Emotional Focus
Moreover, Mae’s character, while potentially offering a human viewpoint, may not bring the necessary depth to justify her return. The reboot trilogy has been successful without needing recurring human characters to anchor the story.
Instead, the apes, particularly Caesar, have provided the emotional and moral center of the films. Mae’s presence might shift the emotional focus away from the apes, undermining the series’ distinctiveness.
Humanity’s Struggle vs. Apes’ Complex Narrative
Freya Allan’s Mae representing humanity’s struggle to reclaim dominance could overshadow the nuanced and complex narrative of the apes. The previous films thrived on presenting the apes as more than mere antagonists or secondary characters.
They were portrayed with depth, having their own societies, struggles, and moral dilemmas. A recurring human character could reduce the apes to mere obstacles in the human quest for survival, thus stripping away the layers of complexity that have defined the series.
Maintaining Innovation in the Franchise
Instead of relying on the return of human characters, the new film should continue to innovate within the established framework.
Exploring new ape characters, delving deeper into their society, and presenting fresh conflicts and challenges can keep the franchise engaging and true to its roots. This approach would honor the legacy of Caesar and maintain the narrative integrity that has made the reboot trilogy a standout.
New Planet of the Apes Movie in a Nutshell
While the idea of bringing back Freya Allan’s Mae might seem like a way to provide continuity and a human perspective, it risks diluting the unique storytelling that has defined the Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy.
By focusing on the apes and their evolution, the films have carved out a distinct niche in the sci-fi genre. Maintaining this focus is crucial for preserving the innovative and compelling nature of the series. The next installment should resist the temptation to revert to typical human-centered narratives and instead continue to explore the rich, untapped potential of the apes’ world.
