The quick take
Big news from 20th Century: Matt Shakman is set to direct the next Planet of the Apes movie, and Josh Friedman is writing. Before you assume this is the next chapter after War or Kingdom, insiders say it’s being approached as a standalone story — a fresh ape adventure that won’t necessarily tie into the recent timeline.
Who’s making it
Shakman will helm the project while Friedman (who wrote the most recent Kingdom installment and worked on Fantastic Four: First Steps) handles the script. The pair will also produce alongside franchise vets Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, keeping some creative continuity with the earlier apes movies.
Standalone, not a sequel (for now)
According to the report, this new picture won’t be a direct follow-up to War for the Planet of the Apes. Think of it as an ape-adjacent side quest — its own story with its own rules. That doesn’t mean the Kingdom sequel is dead; 20th Century previously confirmed another installment with Wes Ball attached, so the franchise might run parallel threads.
Where the announced Kingdom sequel stands
Back in October 2024 the studio said a Kingdom sequel was greenlit with Wes Ball directing again and Owen Teague and Freya Allan expected to return. But Ball is currently focused on directing the big-screen Legend of Zelda adaptation, which is keeping him busy. So timelines and priorities could shift.
Shakman’s vibe and why he matters
Shakman has mostly been a TV powerhouse — think hits and cult favorites across many well-known series — but he’s dipped into features before. His TV résumé suggests he can handle big ensemble tones and sharp character beats, which a Planet of the Apes story often needs.
What Friedman brings to the party
Friedman has proven franchise chops, having worked on the latest Apes chapter and other big projects. Pairing him with veteran producers Jaffa and Silver means the new film will likely respect the franchise DNA even while trying something new.
Why fans should care
This setup gives the studio flexibility: they can expand the Apes universe through standalone entries while still leaving room for direct sequels. It’s a smart way to keep the world fresh without being boxed into one timeline.
Bottom line
Expect something familiar yet experimental: a new director with strong TV sensibilities, a writer who knows this universe, and producers who helped build it. Whether this becomes a beloved new corner of the franchise or a quirky one-off, it’s an exciting development for ape lore—and for anyone who enjoys seeing studios try new angles on established worlds.