Why This Unresolved Plot in ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ Demands a Sequel

In ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’, the narrative delves beyond the familiar trope of a revolutionary ape leader, introducing a fresh protagonist named Noa. Unlike the iconic Caesar from earlier films, Noa is a young chimpanzee who faces the challenge of leading his tribe and confronting the tyrannical Proximus Caesar. The film not only focuses on Noa’s quest but also sets the stage for a sequel where he must continue to build his clan to prevent a grim future.

Equally significant is the character of Nova, played by Freya Allan, who initially aids Noa and the wise orangutan Raka in locating Noa’s tribe. However, Nova’s role becomes increasingly complex as the story progresses, casting her as a potential antagonist rather than an ally. Her unresolved arc suggests that a sequel should explore her character further.

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The original Nova from the 1968 ‘Planet of the Apes’ was a mute woman, symbolizing the primitive state of humanity in a world dominated by apes. In contrast, the Nova introduced in ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ was a young girl who became mute due to the Simian Flu. In ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’, Nova, whose real name is Mae, pretends to be mute to infiltrate the apes. Her backstory reveals a tragic past where she lost her tribe to Proximus Caesar, fueling her quest for revenge.

Mae’s character is more militant than previous versions of Nova. Although she initially appears altruistic, her actions reveal a darker side, including betraying Noa and his tribe and causing significant collateral damage. Her motivations are rooted in her personal loss and desire to restore human dominance over apes, making her a complex and morally ambiguous figure.

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Nova’s evolving role highlights the tension between humans and apes, as she manipulates both sides to achieve her ends. Her actions could spark further conflict, emphasizing humanity’s recurring themes of dominance and survival. As a potential antagonist in a sequel, Nova’s character could drive the narrative toward a new ideological clash, continuing the series’ exploration of humanity’s darker impulses and the consequences of their actions.

–Farheen Ali