New Images From Matt Reeves’ ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’
Fox has released a bunch of new images from Matt Reeves’ upcoming film Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Set 15 years after the events of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes centers on the growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar who become threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. Jason Clarke, Keri Russell, Gary Oldman, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Judy Greer also star. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes hits theaters on July 18, 2014.
“Caesar has grown from his days as leader of a primate rebellion in 2011’s ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes.’ “We see him as a statesman and a leader and someone who has galvanized all of these apes,” says Serkis. “We see the beginning of their world.” Director Matt Reeves is impressed by Caesar’s care-worn face. “You can see a real haunted quality.”
“Caesar’s ethos is that apes do not like guns,” says Serkis. “He’s trying to find a peaceful accord with the humans who show up. He’s an empathetic character.”
“In this story we are dealing with the razor’s edge of peace,” says director Matt Reeves. “Caesar struggles with the question of peace and how do you act as a father and a leader.”
Gary Oldman in ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.’ Things are not looking good for the humans, who are lacking electricity. The apes have the capability of hydro power on their land in Muir Woods. “The big question of the story is can they coexist?” says director Matt Reeves.
“All of the apes follow Caesar with tremendous allegiance and respect,” says Reeves. “He is their king and sort of their father.”
Malcolm (Jason Clarke) tries to make peace with Caesar, left (Andy Serkis) and Koba (Toby Kebbell). Caesar is a father (two kids at home) and husband, while Clarke has a son who has survived the virus. “The film centers around the notion of family,” says Serkis. “It’s the survival of family and what lengths you will go to in order to protect them.”
Images and captions courtesy of USA Today