The highly anticipated new installment in the “Planet of the Apes” franchise, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” is set to introduce audiences to a new hero, Noa, portrayed by Owen Teague. Unlike the iconic Caesar, played by Andy Serkis in the previous films, Noa is a young chimp navigating the complexities of leadership and morality in a world where apes and humans must coexist.
Director Wes Ball explained that setting the film 300 years after Caesar’s death allowed for continuity with the previous movies while also offering the freedom to explore new territory. The challenge, however, was finding a new actor to embody the role of Noa. After seeing Teague’s audition tape, Ball knew they had found their leading ape.
Serkis, who served as a special consultant on the film, worked closely with Teague to help him understand the intricacies of performance capture and bring depth to the character of Noa. The two actors discussed everything from the social hierarchy within the ape group to the physicality and speech patterns of the characters.
Teague revealed that working on the physicality of the role was crucial, as Noa’s movements needed to reflect his upbringing among other chimps. The actors underwent extensive training at Ape School to master the movements and behaviors of their characters.
When it came to speech, Serkis emphasized the importance of finding a balance between fluency and maintaining the essence of the ape characters. Teague admitted that finding the right voice for Noa was a daunting task, but with Serkis’ guidance, they were able to create a unique and authentic sound for the character.
For Serkis, revisiting the world of “Planet of the Apes” was a bittersweet experience, as he watched the new generation of performers take on the mantle of these iconic characters. Despite the emotional journey, Serkis expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Teague and contribute to the evolution of the franchise.
As “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” prepares to hit theaters on May 10, audiences can look forward to a fresh perspective on the enduring themes of the series, as Noa grapples with his own moral dilemmas and struggles to find his place in a world torn between peace and conflict.
