Even though Andy Serkis’ iconic character, Caesar, has been the central figure of the Planet of the Apes franchise since 2011, he’s notably missing from the newly released Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
Wes Ball’s film, which premiered in theaters in May 2024, became available for streaming on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally on August 2.
This latest installment marks a significant shift from the previous three Planet of the Apes films. Instead of continuing directly from where the last trilogy left off, Kingdom leaps several centuries into the future. The story explores a fully developed primate empire, showcasing a more advanced and established ape society, diverging from the earlier focus on the rise and evolution of the ape civilization.
Where Is Caesar in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes?
Fans of the Planet of the Apes franchise are curious about the whereabouts of Caesar, the series’ recent main character, in the new film Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. While Andy Serkis’ portrayal of Caesar doesn’t appear directly in the latest installment, the character’s influence is strongly felt throughout the film.
Caesar’s absence is rooted in the dramatic conclusion of the previous film, War for the Planet of the Apes. In that 2017 movie, Caesar’s story reaches a poignant end. After a fierce battle to protect his ape clan, Caesar is mortally wounded and dies. His final moments are set by Oregon’s Crater Lake, where he secures his tribe’s future and passes on his survival teachings.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes picks up right after these events, beginning with a funeral ceremony for Caesar, led by his loyal companion, the orangutan Maurice. This ceremony reflects the deep impact Caesar had on ape society.
The film then leaps hundreds of years into the future, exploring the legacy of Caesar and how his leadership and teachings have shaped the apes’ evolved society. According to producers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, although Caesar is no longer alive, his legacy endures. They describe him as a “Moses-like” figure, whose influence continues to be a central theme in the film.
Given Caesar’s significant sacrifice in War for the Planet of the Apes, it’s unlikely that he will appear in future films. However, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the Planet of the Apes world.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is now available for streaming on Hulu in the U.S.
