Speculation has been mounting since the “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” trailer first aired during the Super Bowl. One character in particular, Mae, showcases such a high level of intelligence and speech capability that it’s led some to theorize about her origins. Considering the human populace fell into a state of speechlessness and decreased cognition in “War for the Planet of the Apes” due to the mutated Simian Flu, Mae’s abilities raise questions. Could she be a survivor from before the catastrophe struck?
Support for the time travel theory isn’t just because she speaks; it also comes from Mae’s clothing, which comprises a tank top and jeans—garments seemingly from a time before civilization’s fall. This attire hardly resembles the primitive garments worn by other humans post-apocalypse and implies that she may originate from the present day, which in the context of the film’s universe, is the apes’ historical past.
Her parallels with George Taylor, a character from the original 1968 film, are notable. Both characters encounter the apes while running for their lives, indicating a potential homage or narrative mirror. “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” alluded to space exploration with a brief news report, fueling speculations of a planned nod to the iconic storyline where astronauts return to a transformed Earth.
The expectation is that “Kingdom” will invert the original’s iconic twist. Rather than discovering the planet is Earth, which is likely already known by the audience, the revelation of time-traveling humans may serve as the central plot surprise. The film might employ dramatic irony, with audiences aware of the planet’s identity while Mae remains unaware.
FAQ Section
What is the main theory about Mae in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”?
The main theory is that Mae, a human character who displays high intelligence and the ability to speak, could be a time traveler from before the Simian Flu outbreak that rendered the rest of humanity mute and intellectually impaired.
How does Mae’s appearance support the time travel theory?
Mae’s clothing, consisting of modern items like a tank top and jeans rather than primitive attire, suggests she may have come from our present, which is the apes’ historical past, thereby implying time travel.
Who is George Taylor, and how is Mae similar to this character?
George Taylor is a character from the original 1968 “Planet of the Apes” film who meets the apes under similar circumstances as Mae, sparking connections between the narratives of the two films.
Are there any hints from previous films that support the time travel or astronaut theme?
Yes, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” contained a background scene with a news report about astronauts leaving Earth. This has been speculated by fans to possibly foreshadow the presence of astronauts or time travelers in future installments.
Conclusion
The upcoming “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” may have cleverly concealed a twist in its narrative, as evidenced by the oddly modern appearance and capabilities of the human character Mae. If these speculations hold true, the film could deliver an engaging turn on the well-known franchise that challenges both new and longtime fans’ expectations. With twists and possibilities like these, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is shaping up to be a potentially complex addition to the storied franchise, blurring the lines between past, present, and future in its continuity.