Wes Ball’s highly-anticipated sci-fi sequel, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, has finally hit theaters, thrilling audiences with its captivating storyline and impressive visuals. The film, directed by Ball, is the fourth installment in the Planet of the Apes reboot franchise and serves as a sequel to 2017’s War for the Planet of the Apes. Set three centuries after the events of the war, the movie follows a young chimpanzee named Noa and a human woman named Mae as they embark on a quest to determine the future for both apes and humans. The star-studded cast includes Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy.
The official synopsis of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes sets the stage for an intriguing and thought-provoking narrative, stating that the film is set in a future where apes have become the dominant species, living harmoniously while humans have been pushed to the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader rises to power, one young ape must embark on a treacherous journey that will challenge his beliefs about the past and shape the future for both species. The movie promises to deliver a compelling story that explores themes of power, identity, and the intricate relationship between humans and apes.
Upon its release, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes received praise from critics and audiences alike, earning positive reviews and high ratings on platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes. The film had a strong debut at the box office, raking in $22.2 million on its first day and is projected to earn between $52 and $56 million during its opening weekend, following in the footsteps of its successful predecessors. The success of the film at the box office indicates the enduring popularity of the franchise and the strong fan base it has cultivated over the years.
While the film is currently only available in theaters, fans eager to watch Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes from the comfort of their own homes will have to wait a bit longer for its streaming release. As the movie is owned by Walt Disney Studios from 20th Century Studios, it is expected to be available on Hulu, and potentially Disney+ as part of the Disney bundle, in a few months. The timeline for the streaming release of the film can vary based on its box office performance, so fans will have to stay tuned for updates on when it will be available for streaming.
In the meantime, viewers can look forward to the digital release of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes on video-on-demand platforms such as Prime Video and YouTube TV. Typically, films become available on VOD around 45 days after their theatrical debut, suggesting that the digital release of the movie could happen as soon as June 24, 2024. This will provide fans with the opportunity to rent or purchase the film for at-home viewing before it arrives on streaming platforms such as Hulu. As anticipation for the film continues to build, fans can expect to see Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes make its way to digital platforms in the near future, offering them the chance to enjoy the latest installment in the beloved franchise from the comfort of their own homes.
