RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES was one of the most pleasant and biggest surprises of 2011, a film that was a perfect set up for the old franchise and made room for another series. Most of that credit goes to director Rupert Wyatt, who was supposed to be on board to direct the sequel, DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES.
Well, not anymore. Wyatt has left the project for undisclosed reasons, but most assume it’s because he was uncomfortable with the May 23rd, 2014, release date, a fact that can’t leave people feeling too optimistic about the sequel. Imposing super fast deadlines piss people off, Hollywood, don’t you understand that yet? But FOX and other studios continue this trend of turning out movies as fast as possible, damn the actual content (for what else? Money). Wyatt’s departure is a big blow, but with a solid script turned in by Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa, and a franchise on the rise, there are sure to be many takers to take on the sequel.
Aside from Andy Serkis’ return as Caesar, we have nothing else on the film. Expect to hear about Wyatt’s replacement shortly, because that’s how these things work.
