‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ Breaks Franchise Runtime Record

The upcoming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is set to be an epic continuation of the beloved franchise, boasting a record runtime of 145 minutes (2 hours 25 minutes), according to a listing by AMC Theatres.

This length surpasses its predecessors, establishing it as the lengthiest film in the modern saga. Directed by Wes Ball, known for The Maze Runner series, this instalment is poised for release in May and promises to expand the narrative depth and scope of the series.

Set 300 years after Caesar’s reign, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes explores a world where apes have achieved harmony, and humans have regressed. New characters, including the antagonist Proximus Caesar and several other significant chimps, will be introduced.

In this new chapter, we follow Mae (Freya Allan), a feral young woman, and Noa, a common chimpanzee, as they navigate a world where the future of apes and humans intertwines. The ensemble cast includes Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy, among others.

The reboot began with Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011, which was the most concise of the series, running 105 minutes. It introduced Caesar (Andy Serkis), laying the groundwork for future tales. The sequel, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014), expanded the universe’s scope, exploring the ape-human conflict over 130 minutes. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) further delved into this world, offering a poignant conclusion to Caesar’s story in 140 minutes, making it the longest film in the series until now. The latest instalment, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, surpasses its predecessor by five minutes.

As Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes gears up for its debut, it stands as a testament to the franchise’s enduring appeal, combining rich narrative with spectacular visuals. Set to hit cinemas on 10 May, this film marks a new era for the Planet of the Apes series.