NYCC 2016: ‘War For The Planet of the Apes’ Teaser Trailer
Prior to the NYCC panel, 20th Century Fox unveiled a teaser for the film, depicting Caesar’s likeness in a flurry of snow with the voice over of his speech from Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes. But us fans attended the Q&A panel were also treated to three more videos, which included a full trailer!
In War for the Planet of the Apes, the third chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise, Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.
The first was a behind-the-scenes clip that mainly broke down shots from the trailer with video of the actors and early CGI renderings explaining how the ‘Planet of the Apes’ movies are made. The other two previews were a bit more fulfilling, the filmmakers revealed an unfinished scene and debuted the first full trailer. The effects seemed pretty finished so we can only assume the full trailer should be released very soon. Below is a description of the events that unfolded during the trailer.
The teaser opens with a squad of well-armed and highly-trained soldiers searching a dark cave. In the cave, ape architecture (log platforms, bridges, and other structures) is visible. A soldier’s comm crackles when, out of the black, Caesar grabs him and tosses him to the ground – picking up his radio headset to listen-in. They’re searching for him – they’re on a mission to assassinate him. The footage then cuts to the film’s antagonist “Colonel” (Woody Harrelson), decked out in black war paint, repelling out of the waterfall – with Caesar pursuing and leaping off a ledge after him.
The rest of the footage is a sizzle reel that, like most teaser trailers, presents the majority of its shots out of context – intended to set the stage for the state of the world and returning characters in War for the Planet of the Apes rather than outright spoil the story. The footage reveals apes, bowing in respect to Caesar, presenting their leader with human captives. We see shots of a fiery battle, and wintery mountain compound where the Colonel, along with his soldiers, mount their war against the apes. The Colonel narrates throughout, acknowledging the irony that humans created the apes, and nature has been punishing them ever since, while stating that his army is prepared for a final stand – to do all they can to prevent the world from becoming a “planet of apes.” Finally, the teaser reveals Caesar on his knees before the Colonel – who cocks a handgun and presses the barrel into Caesar’s forehead. Caesar, in turn, snarls and pushes his face against the gun.
‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ goes down in theaters July 14, 2017.
