'Fantastic Four' Director To Helm New 'Planet of the Apes' Movie
Deadline • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Director Matt Shakman and writer Josh Friedman, known for Fantastic Four: First Steps, are set to collaborate on a new untitled Planet of the Apes film for 20th Century Studios, with Shakman directing and producing alongside longtime producers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver.
- The new film will explore the planet where apes are the dominant species but is expected to be an original story rather than a continuation of 2024’s Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which Friedman also co-wrote.
- Planet of the Apes is a highly successful franchise for 20th Century Studios, with over $1.7 billion in worldwide box office revenue and a legacy dating back to the original 1968 film and multiple sequels, remakes, and reboots.
- Shakman gained recognition for directing Marvel’s WandaVision and Fantastic Four: First Steps, while Friedman has co-written major blockbusters including the Avatar sequels and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
- Shakman’s upcoming projects include directing pilots and finales for several series, highlighting his growing prominence in both film and television.
