Following the release of the first official trailer for the upcoming franchise film, all eyes are looking forwards towards the July 2017 theatrical release of returning series director Matt Reeves' War for the Planet of the Apes to finally reach general audiences. After the last installment - 2014's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - fans of the revived sci-fi property are hoping for another exciting chapter in the Planet of the Apes saga.
On the film's set, we got a glimpse at the many new and exciting things that War for the Planet of the Apes will have to offer - including a more "human" Caesar (Andy Serkis), details on Woody Harrelson's human antagonist (known as The Colonel) and confirmation that the movie will feature more apes than films past have. We've now learned gained even more information about what to expect from one character in particular, from the film.
Speaking to Comic Book, actor Steve Zahn (Dallas Buyers Club) discussed his role in War for the Planet of the Apes as a new ape character called "Bad Ape." Christened with a name afflicted on him after years spent in abusive captivity in a zoo, Zahn was quick to rattle off a description of his character in the movie, saying:
"He's an outsider and he's kind of like a hill rat. He's been living on his own so he's really excited to be part of a group. He's integral to the story in that he has knowledge of where they're going. They're on a journey and he's the scout. His information is his... He doesn't have any super powers. He knows what paths to go through."
Offering another force of aggression agains the warring human faction should be another welcome addition to War for the Planet of the Apes - especially now that we now know Koba will not be making another appearence, following his dramatic death in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. However, Zahn made it known that "Bad Ape" will not be an entirely dramatic presence, and will offer some levity to the proceedings, explaining:
"It's not like all the sudden there's comedy. Just to see a different speed and a guy who's like this and excited just comes off a little bit more humorous."
Going off of all accounts offered thus far, War for the Planet of the Apes might yet prove to be the best installment in what has been a surprisingly affecting franchise reboot so far. Only time will tell how general audiences will ultimately respond to Reeves' latest directorial outing, so here's to hoping for another great installment in the series in the meantime.
NEXT: War for the Planet of the Apes Trailer Explained by Director Matt Reeves
Source: Comic Book
