In September 2022, oftentimes credible Hollywood insider Daniel Richtman shared a “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” plot summary with his Patreon subscribers, mentioning that an orangutan named Raka would be one of the film’s principal characters. Just after the first “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” trailer premiered online, 20th Century Studios confirmed that the orangutan in the preview is Raka, portrayed by actor Peter Macon of “The Orville” fame.
The plot of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” takes place generations after “War for the Planet of the Apes,” at which point humans have become animal-like. In his first film appearance, Dr. Zaius serves as a foil to its intelligent human protagonists. So even if Dr. Zaius is somehow involved in the upcoming Apes film, his role would be altered significantly since most of the humans appear to be living in a feral state. Fans can find out just what Raka brings to the table when “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” premieres in theaters on May 24, 2024.
