The Planet of the Apes franchise has followed a consistent trend for years, but Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes may be the film to break that cycle. Freya Allan’s role as Mae brings something fresh, offering the potential to shift the series’ long-standing narrative structure. The 2024 installment became the fourth film in the modern Planet of the Apes saga, introducing Noa, a young ape who must take action after another group of apes destroys his home. While the movie featured exciting developments, one of its most intriguing aspects was the possibility of a human resurgence.
At the conclusion of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Mae and Noa part ways, neither as allies nor true enemies. Noa returns to his village, while Mae ventures into an abandoned field filled with massive, decaying satellites. There, she connects with a group of intelligent humans working to restore communication technology. This pivotal moment suggests that despite appearances, the apes have not achieved total domination. Instead, humanity is regrouping, potentially preparing to challenge the apes. If Mae returns in the next film, her role could reshape the franchise’s traditional approach.
Mae Must Return In The Next Planet Of The Apes Movie After The Last Film’s Ending
Mae’s Role Brings A Fresh Perspective To The Franchise
Given the ending of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Mae’s return seems inevitable. Unlike previous human characters in the franchise, who appear for one movie before being replaced, Mae’s arc feels incomplete. Her resentment toward the apes and her determination to help humanity make her a standout figure. Additionally, her discovery of other intelligent humans sets up a compelling continuation.
Over the years, Planet of the Apes has introduced various human characters, but Mae is particularly intriguing. One reason is that Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes featured far fewer human characters than its predecessors, making Mae’s presence even more significant. Moreover, her story raises deep questions about morality, history, and power dynamics. She exists in a moral gray area—not a clear hero or villain—which is a rarity in the franchise. If she remains in the series, Freya Allan’s Planet of the Apes character could introduce a level of complexity never seen before.
Why Planet Of The Apes Kept Changing Human Characters In Previous Movies
The Pros And Cons Of The Constantly Changing Cast
Throughout the modern Planet of the Apes films, human characters have frequently been replaced. This pattern has a logical explanation. The story spans decades, showing Caesar’s journey from youth to old age. With each time jump, it would not make sense for certain characters to remain, as entire generations pass between movies. Furthermore, given the state of the world in these films, survival for humans is uncertain, making their constant disappearance more believable.
While this trend allowed the franchise to introduce diverse characters—from James Franco’s compassionate Will Rodman to Woody Harrelson’s ruthless Colonel—it also meant that audiences rarely formed deep connections with them. Unlike the apes, who had ongoing character arcs, human figures were often abandoned after a single film. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes went even further by changing much of the ape cast as well. This is why Mae’s return would be a refreshing change. Keeping her in the next film could give viewers a human character with real development, rather than another one-off appearance.
Mae’s Moral Ambiguity Makes Her Return Even More Exciting
The Future Of Planet Of The Apes Looks Promising Either Way
What makes Mae’s character so compelling is her unpredictability. She does not fit into a traditional hero or villain role. While she resents the apes for their dominance over humanity, she also forms a connection with Noa, showing that she is not entirely against them. This complexity allows for numerous storytelling possibilities in the next film. Mae could either lead a human rebellion or find herself torn between the two species, creating a dynamic conflict.
No matter what direction the franchise takes, the future of Planet of the Apes is filled with potential. Several generations after Caesar, the ape world has evolved in fascinating ways, and Noa’s journey as a leader is just beginning. As he faces other ape factions, human involvement will likely complicate things further. If Mae remains part of the story, she could serve as a bridge between both worlds, making Freya Allan’s Planet of the Apes character one of the most crucial figures in the franchise moving forward.
