Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Where to Watch and Trailer
by Srinithi | Updated Aug 11, 2023
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Released in 2014, "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" is an American post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie directed by Matt Reeves. The screenplay, crafted by Mark Bomback, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver, follows the success of its precursor, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (2011), marking the second chapter of the Planet of the Apes reboot series.
Notable actors such as Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, and Kodi Smit-McPhee bring the narrative to life. The film's plot unfolds in a world devastated by a pandemic, where humans fight to survive, while Caesar strives to maintain authority over his growing ape community.
The sequel's announcement in 2011 brought back Andy Serkis and Rupert Wyatt, but Wyatt later departed, leading to the hiring of Matt Reeves in 2012. The production, undertaken between April and July 2013, used innovative visual effects and motion capture techniques to portray apes and other creatures.
"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" received global acclaim for its direction, effects, cast performances, music by Michael Giacchino, action sequences, and emotional resonance. It emerged as a box office hit, earning over $710 million, making it 2014's highest-grossing film and garnering accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects. A subsequent sequel, "War for the Planet of the Apes," arrived in 2017.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Ending Explained
The conclusion of Matt Reeves' "Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes" underwent a significant alteration, opting for a more contemplative ending that highlighted Andy Serkis' Caesar. In the revised ending, Caesar disavows Koba (Toby Kebbell), leading to Koba's demise. The final version depicts Caesar's triumph as he regains control over the Apes, yet the impending war with humans looms heavily.
The original ending diverged considerably. The climactic battle between Caesar and Koba was to unfold on the remnants of the Golden Gate Bridge, paralleling a pivotal scene in the predecessor. The movie would have concluded with Caesar gazing at approaching American warships.
Although the initial ending nearly made it to the theatrical release, director Matt Reeves recognized the need for emotional resonance. He believed the original ending rushed into the next installment, diminishing the impact of Caesar's sacrifices. Reeves altered the ending to prioritize character development and thematic depth, allowing the weight of past and future events to sink in.
Reeves' decision paid off, garnering critical acclaim for the film's narrative, action, and emotional complexity. The film's closing shot, mirroring the opening scene, underscores Caesar's emotional journey. This departure from the expected blockbuster approach resonated with audiences and critics alike, reflected in the film's impressive 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Plot
A decade after the deadly Simian Flu pandemic, humanity's numbers have dramatically dwindled, leaving only a small genetically immune population. The apes, enhanced by the virus, have established a colony near San Francisco. Malcolm and his group of humans, seeking a hydroelectric dam, inadvertently enter ape territory and clash with them. Caesar, the ape leader, warns them to leave.
Tensions rise as Caesar showcases his army's might. Malcolm aims to reconcile, gaining permission to work on the dam. A fragile trust forms between humans and apes. However, Koba, a resentful ape, schemes against humans, framing them for violence. Koba's uprising leads to chaos and confrontation.
Amidst the turmoil, Malcolm, Caesar, and their kin strive to restore peace. A climactic battle between Caesar and Koba unfolds. Dreyfus' misguided actions worsen the conflict. Caesar prepares the apes for an impending war, understanding that Koba's legacy has ignited irreversible strife between species. He encourages Malcolm's family to find safety, acknowledging the dire situation.
As the film concludes, the stage is set for an impending war, underlining the somber reality of a world torn by mistrust and conflict.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Cast
Caesar
Andy Serkis
Koba
Toby Kebbell
Cornelia
Judy Greer
Blue Eyes
Nick Thurston
Rocket
Terry Notary
Maurice
Karin Konoval
Ash
Doc Shaw
Grey
Lee Ross
Stone
Richard King
Luca
Scott Lang
Malcolm
Jason Clarke
Dreyfus
Gary Oldman
Ellie
Keri Russell
Alexander
Kodi Smit-McPhee
Carver
Kirk Acevedo
Foster
Jon Eyez
Kemp
Enrique Murciano
Finney
Keir O'Donnell
McVeigh
Kevin Rankin
Werner
Jocko Sims
Character
Actor
Where to Watch Dawn of the Planet of the Apes ?
Experience the captivating world of "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" on Disney+ Hotstar. Immerse yourself in this post-apocalyptic science fiction masterpiece directed by Matt Reeves. Witness the epic struggle between humans and genetically enhanced apes, led by the charismatic Caesar, brilliantly portrayed by Andy Serkis.
With breathtaking visual effects, intense action, and emotional depth, the film explores themes of power, survival, and coexistence. As the humans seek a hydroelectric dam, tensions rise, and alliances form, setting the stage for a battle that will determine the fate of both species. Don't miss the opportunity to watch this thrilling saga on Disney+ Hotstar.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Trailer
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Ending Explained- FAQs
The original ending featured a climactic battle between Caesar and Koba on the Golden Gate Bridge, but director Matt Reeves altered it for a more contemplative ending, focusing on Caesar's emotional journey and decisions.
"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi film set ten years after a deadly pandemic, following the struggle for survival between genetically enhanced apes, led by Caesar, and a dwindling human population.
Matt Reeves felt that the original ending rushed into the next film and lacked emotional resonance. He wanted to prioritize character development and thematic depth, allowing the impact of Caesar's sacrifices to resonate.
Caesar, portrayed by Andy Serkis, is the leader of a tribe of genetically enhanced apes. He strives to maintain control over his growing ape community while navigating the tensions between humans and apes.
"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" is available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, offering viewers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the captivating world of the film's post-apocalyptic struggle for power and coexistence.