It’s always darkest before the “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” and the sequel’s brand new teaser indeed has a very dark outlook for the future of humankind.
It’s been roughly ten years since the virus that ended “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” nearly ended the human race as well, and now those who are left — apparently led by Gary Oldman and “Zero Dark Thirty’s” Jason Clarke (in a cool hat) — prepare to battle the intelligent apes led by James Franco’s old pal Caesar (Andy Serkis). The hawkish Caesar was, of course, the one who led the uprising in the previous installment of the rebooted franchise.
Although we aren’t shown very much story-wise, there’s certainly an atmosphere of dread, and much of human civilization seems to have fallen apart and devolved into warring factions. The decade time-jump means that “Dawn” features an all-new cast, and that Franco, Freida Pinto and the rest of the “Rise” cast won’t be returning. Where’s Charlton Heston when you need him?
With Matt Reeves (“Let Me In,” “Cloverfield”) directing in place of “Rise’s” Rupert Wyatt, “Apes” also stars Kodi Smit-McPhee, Keri Russell, and Judy Greer.
“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” opens July 11, 2014.
What do you think of the new trailer?