“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is currently projected to gross between $130-140 million, which is decent, but it needs to perform better to break the $400 million mark. Premium formats have been overperforming due to high audience demand, which should help the film reach at least $50 million domestically this weekend. Based on my viewing, I believe positive word-of-mouth could push it towards $55 million.
Internationally, “Kingdom” could earn up to $100 million with its all-market debut, but I predict it will land closer to $90 million. While these numbers might fluctuate, I expect strong weekly holds, driving the film to at least $250 million, with hopes of nearing $300 million.
However, if previews and pre-sales are heavily front-loaded, the domestic weekend could be around $45 million, with similar international results, leading to a worldwide low-end outcome of about $120 million. In this scenario, the final gross might be closer to $350 million globally, which would be underwhelming.
A closer-to-$150 million performance would indicate a successful franchise revival, aiming for $500 million or more. Conversely, anything under $400 million would suggest waning audience interest, similar to the “Ghostbusters” franchise, which struggled to regain its former glory.
I don’t expect “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” to flop like “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” which still hasn’t hit $200 million globally. The key to a successful legacy franchise is a compelling story that offers value for money. Films like “Dune: Part Two,” “Godzilla x Kong,” and “Kung Fu Panda 4” have thrived because they delivered on these fronts, and I believe “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” will too.

The Review: Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes

Having grown up with the “Planet of the Apes” movies, TV shows, and animated series, I have a deep appreciation for the franchise. I’ve particularly enjoyed the modern films, as my extensive coverage of Edgar Wright’s and Matt Reeves’ trilogy demonstrates.
My love for “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” rivals my admiration for “The Dark Knight,” a film it mirrors in quality. It’s a travesty that “Dawn” wasn’t recognized with Oscars for its groundbreaking visual effects or outstanding performances and direction.
Wes Ball had big shoes to fill, taking over from Reeves, whose work on the series was exceptional. Ball’s “Maze Runner” trilogy showed promise, but I was cautious about his ability to maintain the depth and complexity of the previous films.
With “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” Ball has exceeded expectations, delivering a film that is not only a worthy successor but also a deeply moving and powerful examination of family, community, trust, and coexistence. This is Ball’s best work, standing shoulder to shoulder-with the rest of the modern franchise.
Friedman’s storytelling in “Kingdom” meticulously builds the world and relationships, blending elements from “War for the Planet of the Apes” and “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” with new ideas for the evolving ape societies. The cast excels, despite the absence of Andy Serkis, Karin Konoval, and Terry Notary. Owen Teague brings a unique personality to Noa, embodying Caesar’s essential qualities while growing into his leadership role.
Peter Macon shines as Raka, an orangutan dedicated to reviving Caesar’s teachings, often misunderstood or twisted in the new world. Macon’s performance adds depth and humor, earning applause during my press screening. Freya Allan’s Nova/Mae keeps us guessing with a mix of trustworthiness and slyness, while Kevin Durand’s antagonist offers a grand, fascistic take on leadership.
WETA’s CGI work makes the apes appear real, creating a convincing portrayal of their civilization. Although many expected the film to rush into the storyline of the 1968 original, Ball wisely chose a more measured approach, enriching the backstory and setting the stage for future films.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” ends by setting up the next chapter in the saga, promising more epic storytelling. Fans can rejoice as this film not only carries the series forward but also builds toward something even greater. Congratulations to everyone involved for delivering a summer tentpole that justifies its premium screen price and offers tremendous entertainment value.