Behind the Scenes: “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”
As the cameras began to roll on the set of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” actress Freya Allan encountered a surreal moment that set the tone for her upcoming journey. Allan, who portrays a human character named Mae, was greeted by a scene that seemed straight out of a primate’s playground. “I walked into this basement and Owen just came towards me as an ape, and there were just a bunch of them running around,” Allan recounted, reflecting on her co-star Owen Teague’s transformation.
The film is the 10th in the franchise and dives into an epic narrative where young chimp Noa, played by Teague, must navigate treacherous political waters to safeguard his clan from the devious Proximus Caesar. To embody their roles authentically, Teague and other cast members attended what they fondly refer to as “ape school.” There, under the guidance of movement coach Alain Gauthier, they not only honed their physicality but also forged a unique camaraderie.
Disney’s DIS.N 20th Century Fox has entrusted director Wes Ball with the continuation of this storied saga, which picks up three centuries after “War for the Planet of the Apes.” The narrative weaves together the fates of apes and humans as Noa befriends Mae and Raka, an orangutan portrayed by Peter Macon, in their quest for peace and coexistence.
Macon shared insights into their transformative process at ape school, emphasizing the anatomical studies that informed their performances. “Orangutans have very different skeletal structures than gorillas, than chimpanzees, than bonobos, so they’re all different,” he explained, highlighting the nuances that each actor had to master.
For Kevin Durand, who steps into the role of Proximus Caesar, the experience was more than just an acting challenge; it was a chance to connect with his fellow cast members on a profound level. “We all gave each other license by going into this world together,” Durand said, underscoring the deep bonds formed during this unique preparation.
The science-fiction film is set to captivate audiences in theaters this Friday, promising a blend of intense drama and groundbreaking visual effects that have become synonymous with the “Planet of the Apes” legacy.
