Planet of the Apes 2001

Planet of the Apes is a 2001 science fiction film and remake of the 1968 film of the same name. Tim Burton directed the film, which stars Mark Wahlberg, Tim Roth, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Clarke Duncan, Paul Giamatti and Estella Warren. Planet of the Apes tells the story of astronaut Leo Davidson landing on a planet inhabited by intelligent humanoid apes. The apes treat humans as slaves, but with the help of a female ape named Ari, Leo starts a rebellion.

Development for a remake of Planet of the Apes started as far back as 1988 with Adam Rifkin. Rifkin’s project almost commenced pre-production before it was cancelled. Terry Hayes’s script titled Return of the Apes had Oliver Stone, Don Murphy and Jane Hamsher as producers and Phillip Noyce as director with Arnold Schwarzenegger set to star. Creative differences ensued between Hayes and financier/distributor 20th Century Fox. Chris Columbus, Sam Hamm, James Cameron, Peter Jackson and the Hughes Brothers later became involved.

With William Broyles, Jr.’s script, Tim Burton was hired as director, and the film was put into active development. Lawrence Konner and Mark Rosenthal rewrote the script, and filming took place from November 2000 to April 2001. Planet of the Apes was released to mixed reviews, but was a financial success. Much criticism focused on the confusing ending, although Rick Baker’s prosthetic makeup designs were praised. Despite its financial success, Fox chose not to produce a sequel.