News

[Interview] Andy Serkis – War for the Planet of the Apes

Published

7 years ago

June 15, 2017

The film War for the Planet of the Apes is about an ape losing a grip on his humanity. Caesar, the revolutionary ape leader first introduced in 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes, is the only ape who has to deal with such issues. Raised by humans, Caesar is a human trapped in an ape’s skin. He’s never felt that he truly belongs in either world. This is changing.

War for the Planet of the Apes, the third film in the Apes prequel series, refers as much to the war inside of Caesar as it does to the brutal physical war between the apes and the humans. In December 2015, during a set visit in Vancouver, Canada, I had the chance to talk to actor Andy Serkis about Caesar’s tenuous relationship with humanity, which is gradually being overtaken by thoughts of revenge.

DG: In terms of the battle between the apes and the humans, and the political dynamic that exists between Caesar and his ape army, what’s changed between the end of the last film and the beginning of this film?

AS: As this film opens, the fighting between the apes and the humans has only intensified, and the human fighters are much better trained, and more ruthless, than we’ve seen before. Led by Woody Harrelson’s The Colonel, the human army is comprised of military-trained men and women who are supremely devoted to The Colonel, whom they believe is leading them on a mission to save the human race. Unlike the humans in the previous film, this group of humans sees the apes purely as savage animals. The fighting is constant and intense, and both sides have suffered heavy casualties.

DG: How has Caesar changed since the end of the last film?

AS: The War in the title obviously refers to the battle between the apes and humans, but it also refers to the battle that’s developing inside of Caesar. Caesar’s at war with himself in this film. Caesar’s arc in this film is entirely related to his need for personal revenge. His relationship with humanity, his love for humanity, is sorely tested throughout the film.

DG: It appears, from the footage, that Caesar has lost, or is clearly losing, his humanity.

AS: Beginning with the first film, Caesar’s always had a loving relationship with elements of humanity, and this has been strained throughout the series. Now we’re reaching the breaking point, where events will take place that cause Caesar to break free of humanity once and for all. He learns what real hatred is, and he feels this, after seeing what the humans have done to his species. It’s an interesting, frightening process to watch in the film.

DG: Is he going down the same path that Koba did in the last film?

AS: Koba became treacherous, and he betrayed Caesar in the last film, which led to Koba’s death. Caesar would never betray his own species, but the feelings of anger are similar. Caesar witnessed Koba’s radicalization in the last film, how Koba became so full of hatred, and he never thought that would happen to him. Now he understands those feelings. Caesar has always been defined by his ability to galvanize and his ability to empathize. Now it’s all about revenge.

Woody Harrelson stars in Twentieth Century Fox’s “War for the Planet of the Apes.”

DG: How has Caesar evolved, physically and psychologically, since the end of the last film?

AS: Caesar, like most of the apes in this film, communicates almost entirely through language, and he speaks very good English in this film, much better than we’ve ever seen before. But he’s questioning himself in this film, not only in terms of his relationship with humanity but in terms of his ability to lead the ape species. He’s not sure if he’s the best leader anymore. This is what motivates Caesar to set off on his quest, which is a quest to preserve the ape species, and a quest for revenge, and a quest to resolve his feelings toward humanity. I’ve always thought of Caesar as a human being trapped in an ape’s skin. He’s a human-zee. He was raised by humans, and so he’s the ultimate product of evolution. He’s the missing link. He’s an outsider. He doesn’t truly belong in either species.

DG: How have you evolved as an actor over the course of these three films?

AS: As a motion-capture performer, I’m very happy that motion-capture performance has finally gained the respect it deserves, and I’m happy that I’ve played a role in that. When people ask what the difference is between regular acting and motion-capture acting, I say that there’s no difference. Some actors wear costumes and makeup, and I wear a motion-capture suit with markers. The emotional, dramatic demands of playing Caesar are the same for me as any actor. The makeup I wear is the digital kind.

DG: As this is the third film in the Apes prequel series, what is the relationship between this film and the original 1968 film?

AS: Because of the 1968 film, we know what will happen, and we know that the apes will completely take over the earth. But how does that happen? That’s what’s so interesting about these prequel films. The apes in the 1968 film are cruel and merciless; they have none of the compassion or empathy that we’ve seen in Caesar. How did this happen? What decisions did mankind make that led to its eventual destruction?

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News

A24 Creating New Action Thriller “Onslaught” From ‘The Guest’ & ‘You’re Next’ Duo

Published

11 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

It’s always nice to see a reunion in the world of horror. Following a competitive bidding war, A24 has secured the rights to the new action thriller film Onslaught. Adam Wingard (Godzilla vs. Kong) will be directing the film. He will be joined by his longtime creative partner Simon Barret (You’re Next) as the scriptwriter.

For those unaware, Wingard and Barret made a name for themselves while working together on films such as You’re Next and The Guest. The two creatives are card carrying horror royalty. The pair have worked on films such as V/H/S, Blair Witch, The ABC’s of Death, and A Horrible Way to Die.

An exclusive article of out Deadline gives us the limited information we have on the topic. Although we don’t have much to go on, Deadline does offer the following information.

“Plot details are being kept under wraps but the film is in the vein of Wingard and Barrett’s cult classics like The Guest and You’re Next. Lyrical Media and A24 will co-finance. A24 will handle worldwide releasing. Principal photography will begin in Fall 2024.”

A24 will be producing the film alongside Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett for Ryder Picture Company, Alexander Black for Lyrical Media, Wingard and Jeremy Platt for Breakaway Civilization, and Simon Barret.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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News

Director Louis Leterrier Creating New Sci-Fi Horror Film “11817”

Published

12 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

According to an article from Deadline, Louis Leterrier (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance) is about to shake things up with his new Sci-Fi horror film 11817. Leterrier is set to produce and direct the new Movie. 11817 is penned by the glorious Mathew Robinson (The Invention of Lying).

Rocket Science will be taking the film to Cannes in search of a buyer. While we don’t know much about what the film looks like, Deadline offers the following plot synopsis.

“The film watches as inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who — or what — is keeping them trapped…”

“Directing projects where the audience gets behind the characters has always been my focus. However complex, flawed, heroic, we identify with them as we live through their journey,” said Leterrier. “It’s what excites me about 11817‘s wholly original concept and the family at the heart of our story. This is an experience that movie audiences won’t forget.”

Leterrier has made a name for himself in the past for working on beloved franchises. His portfolio includes gems such as Now You See Me, The Incredible Hulk, Clash of The Titans, and The Transporter. He is currently attached to create the final Fast and the Furious film. However, it will be interesting to see what Leterrier can do working with some darker subject material.

That’s all the information we have for you at this time. As always, make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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Lists

New to Netflix (U.S.) This Month [May 2024]

Published

14 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Timothy Rawles

atlas movie Netflix starring Jennifer Lopez

Another month means fresh additions to Netflix. Although there aren’t many new horror titles this month, there are still some notable movies well worth your time. For instance, you can watch Karen Black try to land a 747 jet in Airport 1979, or Casper Van Dien kill giant insects in Paul Verhoeven’s bloody sci-fi opus Starship Troopers.

We are looking forward to the Jennifer Lopez sci-fi action movie Atlas. But let us know what you are going to watch. And if we have missed something, put it in the comments.

May 1:

Airport

A blizzard, a bomb, and a stowaway help create the perfect storm for the manager of a Midwestern airport and a pilot with a messy personal life.

Airport ’75

^{Airport ’75}

When a Boeing 747 loses its pilots in a midair collision, a member of the cabin crew must take control with radio help from a flight instructor.

Airport ’77

A luxury 747 packed with VIPs and priceless art goes down in the Bermuda Triangle after being hijacked by thieves — and time for a rescue is running out.

Jumanji

Two siblings discover an enchanted board game that opens a door to a magical world — and unwittingly release a man who’s been trapped inside for years.

Hellboy

^Hellboy

A half-demon paranormal investigator questions his defense of humans when a dismembered sorceress rejoins the living to wreak brutal vengeance.

Starship Troopers

When fire-spitting, brain-sucking bugs attack Earth and obliterate Buenos Aires, an infantry unit heads to the aliens’ planet for a showdown.

May 9

Bodkin

^Bodkin

A ragtag crew of podcasters sets out to investigate mysterious disappearances from decades earlier in a charming Irish town with dark, dreadful secrets.

May 15

The Clovehitch Killer

^{The Clovehitch Killer}

A teenager’s picture-perfect family is torn apart when he uncovers unnerving evidence of a serial killer close to home.

May 16

Upgrade

After a violent mugging leaves him paralyzed, a man receives a computer chip implant that allows him to control his body — and get his revenge.

Monster

_Monster

After being abducted and taken to a desolate house, a girl sets out to rescue her friend and escape from their malicious kidnapper.

May 24

Atlas

^Atlas

A brilliant counterterrorism analyst with a deep distrust of AI discovers it might be her only hope when a mission to capture a renegade robot goes awry.

Jurassic World: Chaos Theory

The Camp Cretaceous gang come together to unravel a mystery when they discover a global conspiracy that brings danger to dinosaurs — and to themselves.

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