Is the Legend of Tarzan Based on a True Story? Legend of Tarzan Plot, Cast and More

No, "The Legend of Tarzan" is not based on a true story. It is a fictional adventure film inspired by the character Tarzan created by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

by Naveenkumar | Updated Feb 20, 2024

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Legend of Tarzan

"The Legend of Tarzan" is a 2016 adventure movie directed by David Yates. It's based on the character Tarzan created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The film features actors like Alexander Skarsgård, Samuel L. Jackson, Margot Robbie, Djimon Hounsou, Jim Broadbent, and Christoph Waltz. 

The story follows John Clayton, also known as Tarzan, who returns to the African jungle from London to investigate reports of slavery, persuaded by George Washington Williams. This was the last film produced by Jerry Weintraub before his death in 2015.

Filming began on June 21, 2014, at Leavesden Studios in the UK and ended four months later. The movie premiered at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on June 29, 2016, before its theatrical release in the United States on July 1, 2016. 

It was shown in 2D, 3D, and IMAX formats by Warner Bros. Pictures. Despite a budget of $180 million, it earned $356.7 million globally. However, it received mixed reviews from critics.

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Is the Legend of Tarzan Based on a True Story?

The Legend of Tarzan movie is not based on a true story. It is a fictional adventure film that puts a unique spin on the classic character created by author Edgar Rice Burroughs.

While the original Tarzan books by Burroughs continued past the original story, film adaptations like The Legend of Tarzan typically don't cover these additional tales.

The movie follows the story of John Clayton III, also known as Tarzan, who returns to Africa after leaving for England with his wife, Jane. This departure from the original story is a departure from reality.

The film introduces new elements to Tarzan's life, such as his title as the fifth Earl of Greystoke and his struggles with the legacy of his past in Africa.

While The Legend of Tarzan incorporates some elements inspired by historical events, such as King Leopold II's claim over the Congo Basin, the overall narrative is a work of fiction rather than a true story.

Legend of Tarzan Plot

At the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885, King Leopold II of Belgium claims control over the Congo Basin. Five years later, Leopold sends his envoy, Léon Rom, to find diamonds in the Congo after accumulating debts. Rom's expedition is attacked by Chief Mbonga's warriors, who offer diamonds in exchange for Tarzan.

Tarzan, also known as John Clayton, Earl of Greystoke, lives in Britain with his wife Jane. They're invited to the Congo by Leopold, but John refuses until suspicions of slavery arise. With George Washington Williams, they journey to the Congo, facing Rom's corruption and rescuing villagers captured by him.

John and George discover Rom's plan to conquer the Congo with slave labor and expose Leopold's involvement. They fight through challenges, including encounters with the Mangani apes and Rom's mercenaries. Eventually, John saves Jane from Rom, defeats him, and rescues the Congo from oppression.

In the end, John and Jane return to Africa, celebrating the birth of their son and John's return to the jungle as Tarzan. Meanwhile, George exposes Leopold's atrocities, bringing justice to the Congolese people.

Legend of Tarzan Cast

Character

Actor

John Clayton III

Alexander Skarsgård

18-year-old Tarzan

Rory J. Saper

5-year-old Tarzan

Christian Stevens

Captain Léon Rom

Christoph Waltz

George Washington Williams

Samuel L. Jackson

Jane Clayton

Margot Robbie

Chief Mbonga

Djimon Hounsou

The 3rd Marquess of Salisbury

Jim Broadbent

Major Kerckhover

Casper Crump

Captain Moulle

Ben Chaplin

John Clayton II

Hadley Fraser

Alice Clayton

Genevieve O'Reilly

Muviro

Yule Masiteng

Eshe

Mimi Ndiweni

Mr. Frum

Simon Russell Beale

Legend of Tarzan Trailer

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Is the Legend of Tarzan Based on a True Story?-FAQs

1. Is "The Legend of Tarzan" a true story?

No, "The Legend of Tarzan" is not based on a true story. It is a fictional adventure film inspired by the character Tarzan created by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

2. Is Tarzan a real person?  

Tarzan is a fictional character created by author Edgar Rice Burroughs. While he is not a real person, he has become a popular figure in literature and film.

3. What is the plot of "The Legend of Tarzan"?

"The Legend of Tarzan" follows the story of John Clayton III, also known as Tarzan, as he returns to Africa with his wife, Jane. Together, they confront threats to the jungle and uncover secrets from Tarzan's past.

4. Who is in the cast of "The Legend of Tarzan"?

The cast of "The Legend of Tarzan" includes Alexander Skarsgård as Tarzan, Margot Robbie as Jane, Christoph Waltz as Captain Léon Rom, Samuel L. Jackson as George Washington Williams, and Djimon Hounsou as Chief Mbonga, among others.

5. What inspired "The Legend of Tarzan"?

"The Legend of Tarzan" is inspired by the original Tarzan stories written by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The filmmakers put their own spin on the character and storyline for the movie adaptation.