A new entry in 20th Century Studios’ Planet of the Apes franchise is now filming in Sydney, Australia.
The film, titled Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, has begun production at Sydney’s Disney Studios Australia – formerly known as Fox Studios Australia. Directing the picture is Wes Ball, perhaps best known for helming the Maze Runner trilogy, with a screenplay by Josh Friedman (War of the Worlds), Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), and Patrick Aison (Prey).
The cast currently includes Owen Teague (Bloodline), Freya Allen (The Witcher), Peter Macon (The Orville), Eka Darvill (Jessica Jones), and Kevin Durand (Locke & Key).
Plot details for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes are being kept under wraps, although we do know that the film will continue in the world explored in the most recent trilogy. According to 20th Century Studios, the film will be “picking up many years after the conclusion of 2017’s War for the Planet of the Apes.” That film was the third and culminating chapter for ape character Caesar, played by Andy Serkis.
“We’re thrilled to be in Sydney filming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes at the world-class Disney Studios Australia,” said 20th Century Studios President Steve Asbell. “Planet of the Apes is one of the most iconic and storied science fiction franchises in film history and an indelible part of our studios’ legacy. The extraordinary director Wes Ball and cast and crew are continuing the series’ tradition of imaginative, thought-provoking cinema. We can’t wait to share this new chapter with audiences in 2024.”
The production is expected to inject over $AUD128 million into the Australian economy, with the services of over 1,000 local businesses to be used.
In a statement, Federal Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said: “I’m excited to welcome Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes to Australia. This production will support jobs and give our leading digital and visual effects workers the opportunity to showcase their talents to global audiences. Having a small part of the Disney universe right here in Australia is a significant boost to our local industry.”
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is currently set for a 2024 release.
