‘Planet of the Apes’: Why Caesar’s Son is Named Cornelius

The ‘Planet of the Apes’ franchise spans multiple timelines and continuities, each presenting its own version of familiar characters. One notable recurring figure is Cornelius, who appears in various forms across these universes. In the rebooted series, Cornelius is the son of Caesar, the central figure of modern films, continuing a legacy from the original series.

In the classic 1968 film ‘Planet of the Apes’, Cornelius, played by Roddy McDowall, is a learned chimpanzee engaged to Dr. Zira, a scientist who works with humans. After the destruction of their future world in ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’, Cornelius, Zira, and a chimp named Milo travel back in time.

Image Courtesy: CBR

Although Cornelius and Zira have a child named Milo, Milo is later revealed to be a different chimp who is adopted by a circus owner. This adopted chimp, who eventually becomes Caesar, leads a revolution against human oppression and establishes ape dominance, naming his own son Cornelius in honour of his late father.

The 2011 reboot ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ reimagines the franchise, focusing on Caesar’s origin without the time-travel elements. Caesar, raised by scientist Will Rodman after his mother’s death, eventually leads a rebellion of intelligent apes. Caesar’s mate, Cornelia, and their children, including a son named Cornelius, link the new series to the classic one. Unfortunately, Caesar dies in ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’, leaving young Cornelius as the heir.

Image Courtesy: CBR

In the latest film, ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’, set 300 years after Caesar’s death, Cornelius is briefly seen during Caesar’s funeral. Although the film does not elaborate on his fate, it sets the stage for potential future stories. The next instalment might explore Cornelius’s role further or introduce new characters connected to Caesar’s legacy, continuing the rich tapestry of the ‘Planet of the Apes’ universe.

–Farheen Ali