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Matt Shakman is bringing fresh vision to the Planet of the Apes franchise. The Fantastic Four: First Steps director just signed on for an untitled new ape film at 20th Century Studios. Expect groundbreaking sci-fi with proven blockbuster expertise.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Director Attachment: Matt Shakman takes the helm after helming The Fantastic Four: First Steps in 2025
- Writer Partnership: Josh Friedman penning the script, reuniting the Fantastic Four duo for a new universe
- Studio Home: 20th Century Studios developing the film as a standalone story, not a sequel
- Project Status: Development stage announced May 6, 2026, with plot details TBA
A Director Making Blockbuster Waves
Matt Shakman has proven himself as a masterful storyteller across multiple mediums. His directorial breakthrough came with episodes of Game of Thrones, earning him a DGA nomination. He’s also helmed acclaimed series including Mad Men, Succession, and The Great. When the Marvel Cinematic Universe came calling, Shakman delivered with WandaVision, which became a cultural phenomenon.
With The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), Shakman demonstrated his ability to handle massive ensemble casts and complex world-building. His visual storytelling blends intimate character moments with spectacular set pieces. That balance makes him ideal for Planet of the Apes, where emotional depth matters as much as spectacle.
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Josh Friedman, The Sci-Fi Scribe Building Legacies
Josh Friedman is no stranger to expansive science fiction universes. The screenwriter created Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, which reimagined time-travel mythology for television audiences. His feature work includes the 2005 War of the Worlds adaptation, which translated Steven Spielberg‘s vision to the big screen with intelligence and emotional resonance.
Most recently, Friedman proved his Planet of the Apes credentials by writing Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024). He brings proven expertise with ape mythology, world-building, and high-stakes storytelling. His partnership with Shakman on Fantastic Four already showed creative chemistry and shared vision for character-driven blockbusters.
What This New Film Means for the Franchise
| Element | Details |
| Project Scope | Standalone story at 20th Century Studios |
| Relationship to Caesar Films | Not a direct sequel to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes |
| Release Timeline | TBA, currently in development |
| Cast Announcements | TBA |
The key question animating fans is whether this film reboots the franchise entirely or exists in its own universe. 20th Century Studios intentionally designed this as a standalone story, suggesting freedom from previous continuity. This mirrors the 2001 Planet of the Apes Tim Burton remake, which reimagined the mythology without following the original timeline.
“Fresh off The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Matt Shakman is set to direct an untitled Planet of the Apes movie at 20th Century with Friedman penning the script.”
— Deadline, May 6, 2026
Why the Timing is Perfect for This Vision
The franchise landscape has shifted dramatically since Kingdom (2024). Audiences crave fresh takes on familiar properties paired with proven creative voices. Matt Shakman brings visionary direction without the burden of being trapped in Matt Reeves‘ acclaimed trilogy continuity. Josh Friedman understands ape mythology while offering original storytelling angles.
20th Century Studios is gambling that fans want both legacy and novelty. A new Planet of the Apes with established filmmakers signals studio confidence. Neither Shakman nor Friedman has attachment to previous ape universes, freeing them to ask: what stories about evolution, society, and intelligence remain untold?
What Should Fans Expect From This New Chapter?
Based on Shakman’s visual approach and Friedman’s thematic depth, expect thought-provoking science fiction. The duo specializes in balancing explosive action with meaningful character arcs. Shakman never sacrifices emotional truth for spectacle, while Friedman grounds complex mythology in human stakes.
The film likely explores what Shakman called his creative priorities in recent interviews: family bonds, optimism, and technological consequence. These themes align perfectly with ape narratives about civilization, intelligence, and coexistence. Fans should anticipate a Planet of the Apes film that respects the franchise’s philosophical roots while charting bold new territory.
