How a 13-Year-Old Sci-Fi Movie Transformed from Potential Disaster to $2.4 Billion Franchise Success

By 2011, the Planet of the Apes franchise had a rich history spanning over four decades, but Rise of the Planet of the Apes marked a significant turning point, revitalizing interest in the series. The original film, released in 1968, captivated audiences worldwide, particularly noted for its iconic twist ending, which remains one of the most surprising revelations in cinematic history. Following the success of the first installment, a series of sequels were produced, leading to a reboot in 2001 that failed to impress critics or viewers, leaving the franchise seemingly dormant.

The lackluster reception to the 2001 reboot set the stage for 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes to face numerous challenges. Despite these hurdles, the film’s poignant narrative centered around Caesar, a genetically enhanced ape, captured the hearts of many and reengaged audiences. However, this film could have easily veered into mediocrity, yet it illustrated the vast untapped potential of the franchise for compelling storytelling.

The Risks Involved in Creating Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Why Rise of the Planet of the Apes Defied Expectations

James Franco in Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes

The plot of Rise of the Planet of the Apes revolves around Will Rodman, a scientist whose experimental drug is designed to treat Alzheimer’s disease in his father. When his research is abruptly halted, Will adopts Caesar, an ape, and secretly continues his experiments. As the narrative unfolds, Caesar begins to exhibit remarkable intelligence, making this film an origin story that sets the framework for the dystopian world viewers appreciate in the original films.

All Planet of the Apes Movies	RT Critics Score
Planet of the Apes (1968)	86%
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)	34%
Escape From the Planet of the Apes (1971)	75%
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)	52%
Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)	33%
Planet of the Apes (2001)	43%
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)	82%
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)	91%
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)	94%
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)	80%

The ambitious nature of Rise of the Planet of the Apes posed substantial risks. As it was the first installment following the poorly received 2001 reboot, there were concerns it might fail to resonate with audiences, especially given its reliance on CGI technology to depict its ape characters. Critics feared it could signal the end of the beloved franchise, yet the film emerged as a remarkable triumph.

The Familiar Structure of Rise of the Planet of the Apes

The Context That Made Rise of the Planet of the Apes Possible

Character Buck in Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Scene from Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Despite reviving the franchise following the failure of the 2001 reboot, Rise of the Planet of the Apes does not present an exceptionally innovative storyline. Its narrative structure closely resembles many early 2000s superhero origin tales, such as Spider-Man and Fantastic Four, positioning Caesar as a relatable protagonist facing adversity before ultimately claiming his place in the world.

The circumstances surrounding its release suggest that Rise of the Planet of the Apes may not have been greenlit in another era. With its more intimate focus and personal storyline, it may have been deemed insufficiently grandiose by contemporary standards, particularly given its origins within a famous franchise. Its successful launch served as a crucial pivot for the series.

The Surprising Effectiveness of Rise of the Planet of the Apes

A Fresh Direction for the Franchise

Caesar in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Every aspect of Rise of the Planet of the Apes contributes to its remarkable success. The human characters are multifaceted, and Will’s motivations create a strong emotional connection to Caesar. However, the film’s true brilliance lies in its stunning visual effects, particularly in the portrayal of the apes. The real-time CGI technology not only captivates but also invites empathy, compelling viewers to root for the apes’ freedom amidst the film’s tragic undertones.

Central to this narrative is Caesar, who emerged as the most compelling figure in the entire franchise. Raised by Will but ultimately aligned with his own kind, Caesar’s journey and development resonate deeply, showcasing his internal struggle and desire for liberation.

The Legacy of Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Its Sequels

Rise of the Planet of the Apes: A Foundation for Future Films

Upcoming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

The narrative of Caesar is only just beginning in Rise of the Planet of the Apes. While the film itself is outstanding, its true achievement lies in its potential to pave the way for subsequent films. The sequels, including Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) and War for the Planet of the Apes (2017), continued to develop his character and storytelling, exploring themes of family, survival, and freedom.

Even following Caesar’s demise in War for the Planet of the Apes, the forthcoming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes not only honors Caesar’s legacy but suggests that his story paved the way for an exciting new chapter. It has become evident that Caesar stands as the most pivotal character within the franchise, with his impactful journey initiated by Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

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