Matt Shakman has been tapped to helm the next installment in the Planet of the Apes series for 20th Century Studios, according to a report from Deadline.
Shakman, who recently directed Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps and earned acclaim for the Disney+ series WandaVision, will take over directing duties on the yet-untitled project. The film is part of the studio’s continued expansion of the rebooted Apes universe, following 2024’s Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
The screenplay will be written by Josh Friedman, known for his work on the Avatar sequels and for penning Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Friedman has an established track record within the franchise, having helped shape its modern storytelling direction.
While plot details remain under wraps, the new film is not expected to be a direct continuation of the most recent entry, signaling a possible shift in timeline or narrative focus within the evolving Apes saga.
Shakman’s hiring marks a notable pairing, as he and Friedman have collaborated before, including on The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Their reunion on a major franchise project suggests a continued creative partnership as 20th Century Studios looks to chart the future of its flagship sci-fi series.
No release date or casting details have been announced.
