Meet the Main Ape in ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ continues the iconic franchise with a fresh focus, raising the question of who its new central character is. This 2024 film is the fourth installment in the rebooted series, taking place years after ‘War for the Planet of the Apes.’ 

In the original trilogy—spanning ‘Rise,’ ‘Dawn,’ and ‘War’—Caesar, portrayed by Andy Serkis, was the main character. His journey from a young ape to the leader of an evolved tribe was the heart of the story.

With Caesar’s death at the end of the trilogy, the focus shifts to a new protagonist, Noa, in ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.’ Unlike what some might expect, Cornelius, Caesar’s son, does not take center stage. Instead, the story is set generations later, with Noa stepping into the lead role. 

Image Courtesy: Plugged In 

Noa embarks on a perilous journey to rescue his stolen tribe, confronting an ape tyrant who has twisted Caesar’s teachings.

Owen Teague plays Noa, taking on the challenge of following Serkis’ iconic performance. Teague’s portrayal differs from Caesar’s; Noa is more vocal and expressive, reflecting the further evolution of the apes who can now speak fluently. The film marks a significant departure from the previous trilogy, focusing more on Noa’s hero’s journey rather than the complex moral dilemmas faced by Caesar.

Image Courtesy: Hotstar 

The narrative introduces new themes and a broader world, disconnected from the original trilogy but still influenced by Caesar’s legacy. 

While the fate of characters like Cornelius remains uncertain, the film hints at the potential for future stories. As ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ potentially launches a new trilogy, Noa’s journey could evolve, presenting new challenges that echo Caesar’s struggles.

–Farheen Ali