Planet Of The Apes Included A Great Charlton Heston Cameo 41 Years After His Last Appearance

The celebrated franchise Planet of the Apes paid tribute to the original movie’s star in a subtle and touching manner, 41 years after his last appearance. Originating from the 1963 French novel, La Planète des singes by Pierre Boulle, the first movie Planet of the Apes was released in 1968, starring Charlton Heston. Since then, the franchise has seen the release of nine further movies across its timeline; a tenth movie, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is scheduled for release in May 2024.

Throughout his career, Charlton Heston starred in several critically successful blockbusters, including The Ten Commandments (1956) and Ben-Hur (1959), the latter of which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. His role in Planet of the Apes is regarded as one of the best of his movie career, and he made several appearances across the franchise. Although Heston passed away in 2008, the 2011 reboot Rise of the Planet of the Apes included a special cameo that paid tribute to the original star 41 years after his last appearance.

One Of Charlton Heston’s Movies Is Featured In Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes

His Movie The Agony and the Ecstasy Plays In The Ape Shelter

The 2011 movie Rise of The Planet Apes serves as a prequel to the original story, depicting the beginning of the ape rebellion against humans. In this movie, a genetically enhanced ape named Caesar is taken to a primate shelter, where the apes are subjected to immense cruelty. During a scene where Landon brings some friends on a tour of the shelter, a movie is shown to be playing on the television screen above them; this movie is the 1965 drama The Agony and the Ecstasy, where Charlton Heston plays the role of Michelangelo.

The use of The Agony and the Ecstasy, which depicts the conflict between Michelangelo and Pope Julius II, is a subtle reference to the conflict between humans and apes throughout the Planet of the Apes franchise. It is one of several hidden references the 2011 prequel makes to the 1968 movie (via Film Buff Online). While it is only a brief cameo, compared to his previous appearances in the franchise, it allows Heston to appear once more in one of the most recognized sci-fi franchises ever made.

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes’ Heston Cameo Honors The Franchise’s Past

It Is A Subtle And Poignant Tribute To The Original Star

Despite the remakes and reboots released over the years, the original Planet of the Apes, released in 1968, has been recognized as one of the most iconic movies ever made. It has been praised for its faithfulness to the original novel, costume design, and unusual concept. The final scene is considered one of the greatest sci-fi twist endings in history and Charlton Heston’s performance as George Taylor is credited for having carried the story through.

The decision to use Heston’s movie in Rise of The Planet of the Apes was a clever way of referencing him in the reboot. It is a subtle reminder to viewers of his iconic role in the original movie. While the reboot movies in the Planet of the Apes franchise have been successful, this special cameo is a touching and poignant tribute to the original movie’s star.

Source: Film Buff Online