Who Dies in War for the Planet of the Apes?
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
The third installment of the Planet of the Apes reboot series, War for the Planet of the Apes, brings an emotional and intense conclusion to the story of Caesar and his fellow apes. The film is packed with action, suspense, and heart-wrenching moments, leaving audiences wondering who will make it out alive. In this article, we’ll delve into the shocking deaths that occur in the movie, highlighting the significance of each character’s demise.
The Setup:
Before we dive into the deaths, it’s essential to understand the context of the story. The film takes place two years after the events of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, where Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his followers have established a thriving colony in the woods. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted by the arrival of a human army, led by the ruthless Colonel (Woody Harrelson), who seeks to eliminate the apes and assert human dominance.
Character Deaths:
Here’s a list of the major character deaths in War for the Planet of the Apes:
| Character | Actor | Circumstances of Death |
|---|---|---|
| Bad Ape | Steve Zahn | Sacrifices himself to save Caesar and Maurice from the human army’s attack |
| Alissa | Judy Greer | Killed by a human soldier while trying to escape with her son |
| Cornelius | Terry Notary | Dies from injuries sustained during the human army’s attack on the ape colony |
| Maurice | Karin Konoval | Shot by the Colonel while protecting Caesar |
| Colombus | Peter Macdissi | Throat slit by a human soldier while trying to escape |
| Corn | Max Lloyd-Jones | Killed by the human army during the assault on the ape colony |
The Significance of Each Death:
While all the character deaths have an impact on the story, some stand out more than others. Here are the most significant ones:
- Bad Ape’s Sacrifice: Bad Ape’s death is particularly poignant, as it showcases his growth and evolution from a troubled, misunderstood ape to a selfless hero. His sacrifice buys Caesar and Maurice time to escape, highlighting the ape’s capacity for compassion and bravery.
- Alissa’s Tragic Death: Alissa’s demise is a heart-wrenching moment, as she’s trying to protect her son from the human army. Her death serves as a reminder of the horrors of war and the innocent lives lost in the conflict.
- Maurice’s Heroic Demise: Maurice’s sacrifice is a testament to his unwavering loyalty and devotion to Caesar. As one of the oldest and wisest apes in the colony, his death is a significant loss for the group and a turning point in the story.
The Impact on the Story:
The character deaths in War for the Planet of the Apes have a profound impact on the story, shaping the apes’ journey and their ultimate fate. The deaths:
- Raise the Stakes: The frequency and severity of the deaths escalate the tension and emotional investment in the story, making the audience more invested in the apes’ plight.
- Highlight the Human Cost: The losses suffered by both humans and apes serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the need for compassion and understanding.
- Shape Caesar’s Journey: The character deaths influence Caesar’s emotional journey, as he struggles to come to terms with the losses and find a way to bring peace to the warring factions.
Conclusion:
War for the Planet of the Apes is a masterclass in storytelling, with a keen focus on character development, emotional resonance, and world-building. The character deaths in the film are significant, impactful, and carefully crafted to advance the story and deepen our connection to the characters. As the credits roll, audiences are left with a sense of sadness, reflection, and a newfound appreciation for the complexity of the human (and ape) condition.
