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Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a 2011 American science fiction film directed by Rupert Wyatt.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a 2011 American science fiction film directed by Rupert Wyatt. It stars James Franco and Andy Serkis as Caesar, a genetically enhanced chimpanzee whose intelligence leads to an ape uprising against humans. The film is a reboot and prequel to the original Planet of the Apes film series.

Plot

The film follows Will Rodman, a pharmaceutical scientist developing a drug aimed at treating neurological disease. After Caesar, a chimpanzee exposed to the drug, develops human-like intelligence, the story escalates into conflict between apes and humans. Set in San Francisco, the film begins with a drug program intended to help repair the brain and potentially treat Alzheimer's disease. The plot develops into an ape revolt after Caesar is placed in a primate sanctuary.

Production

Rise of the Planet of the Apes was directed by Rupert Wyatt and written by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. It is a 20th Century Fox production and uses motion-capture performance for Caesar by Andy Serkis. The film reimagines the Planet of the Apes franchise as an origin story for a new continuity.

Release and reception

The film was released on August 5, 2011, with a runtime of 105 minutes. It is described as a science fiction action-adventure film and received positive reviews. It had a strong North American box-office and home-entertainment presence.

Series context

Rise of the Planet of the Apes serves as a reboot and prequel to the original Planet of the Apes film series. It draws on themes similar to the original series while not being a direct remake of Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. The film was followed by sequels including Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, War for the Planet of the Apes, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

Key facts

  • The film is a reboot and prequel to the original Planet of the Apes film series.
  • Its story follows scientist Will Rodman and the chimpanzee Caesar, who gains advanced intelligence through an experimental drug.
  • Andy Serkis performed Caesar through motion-capture technology.
  • The film is set in San Francisco and begins with a drug program intended to help repair the brain and potentially treat Alzheimer's disease.
  • The film was followed by sequels including Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, War for the Planet of the Apes, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
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Canadian context

The film was released internationally, including in Canada, as part of a major Hollywood franchise with strong North American box-office and home-entertainment presence.

Frequently asked questions

What is Rise of the Planet of the Apes about?
It follows a scientist whose experimental drug increases a chimpanzee’s intelligence, leading to Caesar’s rise and an ape rebellion.
Who directed the film?
Rupert Wyatt directed Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
Who plays Caesar?
Caesar is performed by Andy Serkis using motion-capture acting.
Is it a sequel or a reboot?
It is both a reboot of the franchise and a prequel/origin story connected to the original Planet of the Apes series.
When was it released?
The film was released on August 5, 2011.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rise_of_the_Planet_of_the_Apes
    Supports: Cast, plot overview, and setting.
  2. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt1318514/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot summary and premise.
  3. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt1318514/
    Supports: Cast and production details including Andy Serkis and James Franco.
  4. Screen Dailyhttps://www.screendaily.com/rise-of-the-planet-of-the-apes/5030477.article
    Supports: Director, runtime, and basic story context.
  5. Common Sense Mediahttps://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/rise-of-the-planet-of-the-apes
    Supports: Release date, director, rating, runtime, and plot details.
  6. Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/rise_of_the_planet_of_the_apes
    Supports: Synopsis, genre, and premise.
  7. Simple English Wikipediahttps://www.simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rise_of_the_Planet_of_the_Apes
    Supports: Release date and sequel list.
  8. 20th Century Studioshttps://www.20thcenturystudios.com/movies/rise-of-the-planet-of-the-apes
    Supports: Official synopsis, runtime, and release date.