A new Planet of the Apes reboot is officially in development, with director Matt Shakman at the helm. Following his high-profile assignment to direct The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Shakman is looking toward a different cinematic landscape to build out a fresh vision for the iconic franchise.

A Fresh Start for the Planet of the Apes Franchise

According to reports from Deadline, this project is expected to function as an entirely new reboot. Rather than following the direct narrative path established in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Shakman is developing an original story that stands apart from recent installments.

To bring this new vision to life, Shakman is collaborating with writer Josh Friedman. Friedman is a familiar face to fans of the series, having previously penned the script for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. While the creative duo is working on foundational elements, specific plot details remain strictly under wraps, and a release window has yet to be determined.

Shifting Directions and Future Uncertainties

The announcement of this reboot comes as a surprise to those tracking the established timeline for the series. The previous entry, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, arrived in May 2024 to critical acclaim and solid box office numbers. At the time, 20th Century Studios boss Steve Asbell indicated that a sequel was already in development with a projected 2027 release date.

However, this new direction suggests those previous plans may have been shelved. Several factors could be contributing to this creative pivot:

  • Director Transitions: There is speculation regarding whether Kingdom director Wes Ball is moving on to focus on Sony’s upcoming The Legend of Zelda film.
  • Marvel Commitments: Shakman's involvement with the MCU—specifically the Fantastic Four team appearing in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars—could influence his availability.
  • Narrative Reset: The decision to pursue an original story suggests a desire to move away from the established trilogy structure.

While it remains unclear if Shakman will eventually return to Marvel or pass the baton to another director, the arrival of a new Planet of the Apes reboot ensures that the franchise's future remains a primary focus for the studio.