Fantastic Four Director Matt Shakman to Helm New Planet of the Apes Feature
‘Apes Shall Rise Again’: Fantastic Four Director Matt Shakman to Helm New Planet of the Apes Feature
LOS ANGELES — The most enduring simian saga in cinematic history is preparing for its next evolution. In a surprising development that has sent ripples through the industry, 20th Century Studios has officially greenlit a new Planet of the Apes film, with Matt Shakman, director of Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps set to take the director's chair.
The news, first reported by Deadline on Wednesday 6th May, marks a significant shift in the franchise's trajectory. Shakman is reportedly collaborating with screenwriter Josh Friedman, who penned the script for 2024’s Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
A ‘New Path’ for the Franchise?
While many expected a direct follow-up to the Owen Teague-led Kingdom, sources suggest that Shakman and Friedman are developing an original story that is separate from the narrative arc established in the previous film.
Industry insiders have described the project as a "thematic reboot" or a standalone entry within the broader universe, rather than a direct Kingdom sequel. This pivot has raised questions regarding the status of the trilogy originally planned by director Wes Ball, who has recently moved his focus to Sony’s high-profile The Legend of Zelda adaptation.
“Matt and Josh have hit upon a concept that felt too fresh to ignore,” a studio source claimed. “It’s about exploring a different corner of this world. It’s the ‘Planet of the Apes’ as we’ve never seen it, yet it remains firmly rooted in the mythology fans love.”
The ‘Shakman’ Touch
Shakman has become one of Hollywood's most sought-after "world-builders." Following the critical acclaim of Marvel’s WandaVision and his work on the scale-heavy Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, he was entrusted with the crucial task of bringing the Fantastic Four into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
By securing Shakman for Apes, 20th Century Studios appears to be prioritising directors with a proven track record in balancing high-concept visual effects with character-driven storytelling.
The Modern Apes Era – A Timeline
Production Outlook
Details regarding the cast, title, and setting are currently being kept under "top-secret" guard at the studio’s Burbank headquarters.
The involvement of Josh Friedman provides a crucial bridge between the films. Having successfully navigated the "post-Caesar" world in Kingdom, his return suggests that while the story may be original, the tone will likely maintain the "biblical and epic" feel that has defined the modern reboot era.
The Verdict
While some fans may be disappointed that the cliffhanger ending of Kingdom is being "shelved" for now, the appointment of Shakman suggests that 20th Century Studios views the Apes brand as a flexible anthology of stories rather than a single, linear history.
In a landscape increasingly dominated by "safe" sequels, a director of Shakman’s calibre taking a "fresh swing" at this 58-year-old franchise is a bold gamble that may just keep the apes at the top of the food chain for years to come.
