Matt Shakman Set to Direct New Planet of the Apes Movie at 20th Century

Matt Shakman’s untitled Planet of the Apes movie will be made for 20th Century Studios, and it will be written by Josh Friedman. These two reunion after what was a pretty big hit last year.

The pair previously worked together on Fantastic Four: First Steps. That film bowed last summer, bringing in $521 million at the global box office. Earning that kind of number clearly gave 20th Century confidence in handing them another major franchise.

Plot details are on hold, except for the fact it will be a return to the planet where apes are the dominant species. The project is said not to be a sequel to 2024’s Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, but a new original story.

That detail will raise eyebrows for franchise fans. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes earned positive reviews. It grossed $397 million worldwide against a $160 million budget. It was the lowest-grossing film in the rebooted timeline. That timeline began with 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes. A sequel had been given a 2027 release date. Its status was questioned when director Wes Ball signed on to direct The Legend of Zelda. A sequel to Kingdom was talked about. It is not clear where things stand with that.

Shakman will also produce the new film

Shakman will also produce the new film, alongside producers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. Exec VP of production Scott Aversano will be overseeing the project for 20th Century Studios.

Shakman has an impressive genre resume. He’s a Disney fan favourite and was even nominated for an Emmy for directing WandaVision and that show landed him the Fantastic Four directing gig. He’s also known for It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Succession and Game of Thrones.

Friedman is equally comfortable in the 20th Century ecosystem. In addition to Fantastic Four: First Steps, he’s to co-written the worldwide blockbusters Avatar: The Way of Water and Avatar: Fire and Ash. He also co-wrote Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. These were all for 20th Century Studios.

Planet of the Apes is one of 20th Century Studios’ most popular and enduring franchises, amassing more than $1.7 billion in worldwide box office. Based on a novel by Pierre Boulle, the original film was released in 1968 and became one of that year’s biggest hits, winning a special Academy Award.

No casting, shooting schedule, or release window has been announced yet. The project is currently in development, with Shakman and Friedman building the story from the ground up.