Summary
- Kevin Durand’s portrayal as Proximus Caesar in
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
draws surprising comparisons to Elon Musk, adding depth to the character. - Actors like Durand and Macon prepared for their roles through unique methods like “ape school,” allowing for organic and improvised performances on set.
- The film delves into philosophical debates between characters like Proximus Caesar and Raka, exploring themes of history, violence, and the potential for peace.
The latest installment in the Planet of the Apes series, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, has led to a series of comparisons that mix the lore of cinema with modern-day icons. Kevin Durand’s portrayal of the antagonist Proximus Caesar has been unexpectedly likened to tech mogul Elon Musk.
During an interview with GamesRadar+, Durand expressed delight over the comparison, which aren’t just superficial but are rooted in his preparatory process for the role. The actor said:
“That’s awesome! I mean even with the bonobo face, they compare me to Elon Musk… I get Elon Musk all the time actually, it’s very funny. People approach me with a look in their eye where I realize they are not meeting an actor that they like, it’s something bigger. But the fact that it comes through even when I’m an ape is fantastic!”
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
4/5
Set several years after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is the next installment in the Apes saga. Ape clans have taken up residence in the oasis that Caesar sought to colonize, but humans have reverted to their animalistic nature in their absence. Now battling between enslavement and freedom, outliers in the Ape clans will take sides in a newly burgeoning society.
- Release Date
- May 10, 2024
- Studio
- Disney Studios Australia, Twentieth Century Fox
- Tagline
- No One Can Stop the Reign
Durand looked to various influential figures to mold his portrayal of the ape king, including Musk, motivational speaker Tony Robbins, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
I did look at really charismatic speakers – I watched [life coach] Tony Robbins quite a bit, Elon, Arnold Schwarzenegger doing like his governor speeches. Just these humans who without trying, you just have to watch them as they hold so much power and charisma.
The actors’ preparation for their roles extended beyond traditional character study, involving unique methods like an “ape school” attended during rehearsals. Durand recounted a breakthrough moment when he unexpectedly found his character’s voice while responding to a prompt.
“Four weeks into ape school I was asked a question and I was so in the body, but I didn’t know what the voice was yet. All of a sudden I just went ‘what a wonderful day’ [as Proximus Caesar] and the voice started to come out. They were like ‘wait a second’, got their phones, and filmed me talking.
Everything felt really organic through that process
.”
This improvisational spirit carried onto the set, providing both actors with the freedom to explore their characters within and beyond the scripted scenes. Durand shared anecdotes of spontaneous performances that not only broke the ice on set but also contributed significantly to the film’s content.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Explores the Clash of Ideals
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes probes deep into the philosophical divides between its central characters, excellently portrayed by Kevin Durand and Peter Macon. Their roles as Proximus Caesar and Raka, respectively, bring to life a profound debate on the innate natures of apes and humans, reflecting broader societal themes. In an interview with MovieWeb’s Valerie Parker, Macon and Durand explored their characters’ views, providing insights into how they personally relate to and interpret their roles.
At the heart of the film is a tension between two ideological stances. Peter Macon’s Raka is an idealist who believes in the potential for a harmonious existence between humans and apes. He draws from the oral traditions and histories that suggest a past where such peace was possible. Raka’s optimism about mutual coexistence and learning presents a hopeful, albeit somewhat naïve, viewpoint.
I think Raka is a unique entity in this film. I feel like he is a great shift. The movie sort of moves in maybe three or four acts. I think when I show up with Raka and Noa and their storyline, I think the audience needs that […] I think [he’s] a feel-good guy. He gives free hugs.
Contrasting sharply with Raka’s idealism is Kevin Durand’s Proximus Caesar, a character who embodies realism influenced by a harsh view of human history. Durand’s Proximus is convinced that the destructive patterns of humans are bound to repeat, arguing that peace is nearly impossible given the species’ track record of violence and domination. This perspective is rooted in a deep skepticism of change, reflecting a darker view of both human and ape nature.
“[Proximus has] learned everything that he knows from human history.
You read, from the beginning of time for Homo sapiens, all we have done is kill all the flora and fauna and each other over little ideals
. Over interpretations of written works and oral history.
We can’t ever seem to just sit down and talk and find common ground and live peacefully
. We never have been able to. And so here you have these completely different interpretations of the same words. And it’s really very, very resonant with what’s been happening in the world from the beginning of time.”
Their on-screen conflict is enriched by the actors’ off-screen discussions, which dives into these differing philosophies. The conversation revealed how each actor sees elements of human reality in their portrayals—Raka as the embodiment of who we aspire to be, and Proximus as a mirror to who we often are.
