Matt Shakman, the director behind Marvel’s divisive yet commercially viable *Fantastic Four: First Steps*, is now helming a new *Planet of the Apes* film for 20th Century Studios, paired with screenwriter Josh Friedman. The project marks a rare crossover between Marvel’s multiverse fatigue and the franchise’s 50-year legacy, with production slated to begin in late 2026. Here’s why this matters: Disney’s studio arm is doubling down on legacy IP to offset streaming losses, while 20th Century’s post-Walt Disney Company restructuring creates a high-stakes gambit for franchise revival.
The Bottom Line
- Franchise economics: *Planet of the Apes* is a proven theatrical powerhouse (2017’s reboot grossed $570M worldwide), but Marvel’s multiverse missteps force 20th Century to prove it can deliver *both* nostalgia and innovation.
- Director pivot: Shakman’s move from Marvel to sci-fi signals a broader industry trend—directors chasing “event” prestige over franchise fatigue, with *Apes* offering a cleaner slate than superhero fatigue.
- Streaming vs. Theatrical: 20th Century’s bet on theatrical *Apes* (vs. Disney+’s *Fantastic Four*) reflects a studio strategy to reclaim big-screen dominance ahead of potential Disney+ ad-tier subscriber churn.
Why This *Apes* Reboot Isn’t Just Another Reboot
The *Planet of the Apes* franchise has always been a Rorschach test for Hollywood’s relationship with legacy IP. The original 1968 film was a cerebral allegory for Cold War paranoia. the 2001 Tim Burton reboot leaned into gothic horror; and the 2017 *Dawn of the Planet of the Apes* (directed by Matt Reeves) redefined the series as a post-apocalyptic epic. Each iteration mirrored the cultural anxieties of its time—racial tension, climate collapse, and now, in 2026, the existential dread of AI and corporate dystopia.
But this isn’t just another reboot. It’s a calculated gamble by 20th Century Studios—a division now operating semi-independently under Disney’s corporate umbrella—to prove it can still deliver *event* cinema in an era where streaming dominates. The studio’s recent box office misses (*The Little Mermaid*, *Wish*) and Disney+’s subscriber stagnation (down 1.3M in Q1 2026, per Bloomberg) have forced a pivot back to theatrical tentpoles. *Planet of the Apes* is the perfect vehicle: a franchise with built-in global appeal, merchandising potential, and a fanbase that still craves big-screen spectacle.
Here’s the kicker: This isn’t just about nostalgia. The franchise’s themes—intelligence vs. Power, nature vs. Civilization—are more relevant than ever in an age of algorithmic governance and deepfake politics. But the math tells a different story. The 2017 reboot cost $100M and grossed $570M worldwide, but inflation and rising production costs mean this film’s budget could easily exceed $150M. With Disney’s profit margins squeezed (Reuters), 20th Century needs this to be more than just another cash grab.
The Marvel Effect: Why Shakman’s Move Is a Canary in the Coal Mine
Matt Shakman’s transition from Marvel to *Planet of the Apes* isn’t just a director’s career pivot—it’s a symptom of Hollywood’s franchise fatigue. After years of Marvel’s multiverse expansion (*Doctor Strange 2*, *Thor: Love and Thunder*), studios are realizing that not every IP can sustain endless sequels. Shakman’s *Fantastic Four: First Steps* (2025) was a box office disappointment ($120M vs. A $150M budget), and its mixed reviews (RT Score: 42%) proved that even legacy properties need fresh angles.
Enter *Planet of the Apes*: a franchise with untapped potential. The last film, *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes* (2024), was a critical and commercial success ($430M gross), but its divisive ending left fans hungry for a new direction. Shakman and Friedman’s involvement suggests a return to the franchise’s roots—less apocalyptic spectacle, more cerebral storytelling. But with Marvel’s multiverse in shambles, Shakman’s move also signals a broader industry shift: directors are increasingly drawn to “clean slate” projects where they can shape a vision without studio interference.
“The *Planet of the Apes* franchise is one of the few remaining tentpoles that can still deliver both nostalgia and originality. If Shakman and Friedman can strike that balance, it could be a blueprint for how studios revive legacy IP in the streaming era.”
But the real question is: Can 20th Century Studios pull it off? The studio’s recent track record is mixed. *The Little Mermaid* (2023) was a box office flop, while *Wish* (2023) proved that even Disney’s animation division isn’t immune to streaming competition. Yet *Planet of the Apes* offers something *Wish* couldn’t: a built-in global audience. The franchise’s international appeal (especially in China, where *Dawn of the Planet of the Apes* grossed $140M) makes it a safer bet than a new IP.
Streaming Wars vs. Theatrical Revival: Who Wins?
The theatrical vs. Streaming debate is at an inflection point. Disney’s decision to release *Fantastic Four: First Steps* on Disney+ (with a theatrical window) was a strategic misfire—fans wanted the big-screen experience, and the film’s box office underperformance forced a quick pivot. Meanwhile, Universal’s *Furiosa* (2024) proved that audiences still crave theatrical spectacle, grossing $300M worldwide despite a $150M budget.
20th Century’s bet on *Planet of the Apes* as a theatrical release is a direct response to this shift. The studio is banking on the fact that *Apes* has more “event” potential than a Marvel film—it’s not just a superhero movie; it’s a cultural phenomenon with merchandising, theme park tie-ins, and a fanbase that spans generations. But the timing is tricky. With streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon investing heavily in original tentpoles (*Gladiator 2*, *The Lord of the Rings* prequels), the theatrical market is fragmenting.
Here’s the data that matters:
| Metric | 2017 *Planet of the Apes* Reboot | 2024 *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes* | 2025 *Fantastic Four: First Steps* (Theatrical) | 2026 *Planet of the Apes* (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $100M | $120M | $150M | $150M–$180M (inflation-adjusted) |
| Worldwide Gross | $570M | $430M | $120M | $400M–$600M (optimistic) |
| Theatrical Window | 45 days | 45 days | 30 days (streaming hybrid) | 60 days (pure theatrical push) |
| Merchandising Potential | High (toys, games, theme park) | Moderate (games, collectibles) | Low (Marvel IP overshadows) | Very High (global franchise appeal) |
The table above shows the stark contrast between Marvel’s struggling theatrical releases and *Planet of the Apes*’ consistent box office performance. But the real wild card is streaming. If 20th Century follows Disney’s lead and releases *Apes* on Disney+ after 60 days, it risks cannibalizing its own theatrical revenue. Yet if it holds the film for a full 90 days (as *Avengers: Endgame* did), it could set a new benchmark for theatrical exclusivity.
“Theatrical windows are shrinking, but *Planet of the Apes* has the potential to buck that trend. If the studio can position it as a must-see event, it could redefine how franchises are released in the streaming era.”
Franchise Fatigue or Franchise Revival?
The *Planet of the Apes* reboot isn’t just about money—it’s about legacy. The franchise’s cultural resonance makes it a rare IP that can transcend generations. But with Marvel’s multiverse in disarray and DC’s *Shazam* franchise struggling (*Shazam! Fury of the Gods* grossed just $160M in 2023), 20th Century is betting that *Apes* can be the exception.
The challenge? Avoiding franchise fatigue. The original trilogy (1968–1973) was a cultural touchstone, but the 2001–2017 reboot struggled to recapture that magic. If Shakman and Friedman can blend the franchise’s political themes with modern storytelling, they might just pull it off. But the pressure is on—this isn’t just another *Apes* movie. It’s a test of whether legacy IP can still deliver in an era where streaming dominates and audiences are increasingly skeptical of sequels.
The Fan Factor: Will TikTok Make or Break This?
Social media is the ultimate litmus test for franchise revivals. The 2017 *Planet of the Apes* reboot had a strong viral moment (#CaesarIsBack), but the franchise’s cultural relevance has waned since then. This reboot needs to spark a new wave of fandom—one that extends beyond the usual sci-fi niche.
Here’s where the marketing gets compelling. 20th Century has already teased a “mystery” element around the film’s plot, hinting at a return to the franchise’s original themes of intelligence and power. If the studio can tie this to current events (AI ethics, political polarization), it could create a cultural moment. But it’s a risky play—fans expect spectacle, not allegory.
The real question is whether this reboot will turn into a TikTok phenomenon. The 2017 film’s viral moments were organic, but in 2026, studios rely on algorithmic amplification. If 20th Century can make *Apes* a cultural conversation starter—like *Barbie* was in 2023—it could redefine franchise marketing.
The Bottom Line: What’s Next for *Planet of the Apes*?
So, what does this all mean for the future of *Planet of the Apes*? Here’s the playbook:
- If the film performs well: Expect a sequel trilogy, with 20th Century positioning *Apes* as its new flagship franchise—rivaling Marvel and DC in cultural impact.
- If it underperforms: The studio may pivot to streaming, turning *Apes* into a Disney+ event series (like *The Mandalorian*), but that risks diluting its theatrical magic.
- Regardless of box office: The franchise’s themes will retain it relevant. In an era of AI and political unrest, *Planet of the Apes* isn’t just a movie—it’s a cultural mirror.
The final takeaway? This isn’t just another reboot. It’s a high-stakes gamble by 20th Century Studios to prove that legacy IP can still deliver in the streaming age. And if Shakman and Friedman pull it off, *Planet of the Apes* could become the blueprint for how studios revive franchises in the 2020s.
Now, here’s the question for you: Would you watch this reboot in theaters, or are you waiting for the streaming release? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s debate whether *Apes* can still shock us.
