Fantastic Four Director Tapped To Direct New Planet Of The Apes Movie
Why It Matters
The film signals Disney’s intent to maximize franchise profitability while retaining top talent, and it could reshape the Planet of the Apes timeline for future sequels or spin‑offs.
Key Takeaways
- •Matt Shackman, Fantastic Four director, to helm new Apes film
- •Josh Friedman returns as screenwriter, previously penned Kingdom of the Apes
- •Project billed as original story, not direct sequel to 2024 film
- •Studio plans lower budget than prior entries while preserving high‑end CGI
- •Disney likely using Apes movie to keep Shackman engaged between Marvel projects
Summary
20th Century Studios announced that Matt Shackman, the director of Marvel’s Fantastic Four, will direct the next Planet of the Apes film, marking his first foray into the long‑running sci‑fi franchise.
The screenplay is being written by Josh Friedman, who authored the recent Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and co‑wrote Shackman’s Fantastic Four script. The studio describes the project as an original story set in the familiar world where apes dominate a primitive human population, and it is not positioned as a direct continuation of the 2024 sequel.
Studio chief Steve Asbell offered a vague response when asked whether the film is a reboot, fueling speculation that it could be a side story or a soft reboot. He also highlighted a cost‑saving approach: the upcoming picture will be produced for roughly $30 million less than its predecessor while still delivering the franchise’s signature CGI‑heavy spectacle.
If successful, the movie could revitalize the Apes brand, extend its after‑market value, and give Disney a high‑profile project to keep Shackman occupied between Marvel assignments, illustrating the studio’s broader strategy of leveraging established IP with disciplined budgets.
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