The ending of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes marks a pivotal turning point for both the human and ape populations, setting up significant changes for the future of the world. Noa and Mae’s actions play a crucial role in reshaping the dynamics between apes and humans, particularly following a large-scale conflict. Noa’s emergence as a leader, his ultimate confrontation with Proximus Caesar, and the revelations surrounding Mae’s background and the future of humanity, all shape the direction of the narrative. The film ends with a sense of optimism mixed with uncertainty, as the characters look toward potential future threats and new possibilities for their civilizations.
Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes Ending Explained
Noa’s journey reaches its climax when he confronts Proximus Caesar in a final battle. Having led the Eagle Clan to safety after flooding the vault, Noa faces the challenge of defeating Proximus, who represents a tyrannical force that has distorted the legacy of Caesar. Their showdown is intense, with Proximus initially gaining the upper hand. However, Noa calls upon the power of the eagles, his connection to the birds forming a key part of his strategy. When Noa begins to sing the Eagle Clan’s song, the eagles respond to his call and attack Proximus, eventually driving him to the edge of a cliff. The climactic moment occurs when Noa orders his father’s eagle to strike Proximus, causing the villain’s death.
Following Proximus’s demise, Noa assumes leadership of the Eagle Clan, a role he inherited from his father. Noa takes the clan back to their village, which had previously been destroyed by Proximus’s forces. His leadership is marked by his desire to rebuild and strengthen the clan, signaling his potential as a wise and capable ruler. As the film concludes, Noa sets off with Soona toward the remains of the human city, heading to the space observatory, hinting at future challenges and discoveries.
Mae’s Return to a Hidden Human Colony
Mae’s story takes an unexpected turn as the movie’s conclusion reveals her true origins. After parting ways with Noa, Mae is seen traveling back to a secret underground human colony. This location is hidden from the apes, and Mae is greeted by a fellow human in a hazmat suit, suggesting her deep connection to this group. It’s clear that Mae hails from a society of intelligent humans, a group that still retains the ability to speak, unlike many other survivors of the Simian Flu. This revelation confirms that Mae and other survivors have been operating from the shadows, plotting their own future away from the apes.
The colony is home to a sizable number of humans, all of whom harbor a profound distrust of apes. They are determined to reclaim what they believe is humanity’s rightful place on Earth. Mae’s return to this colony serves as a significant plot point, illustrating the growing divide between apes and humans, and setting the stage for future conflicts between the two species.
Mae’s Mission and the Satellite Key
Throughout much of the film, Mae’s objective is shrouded in mystery. Her goal within the vault is initially unclear, though it is revealed that she seeks a SATCOM key, which is essential to restarting satellite systems. This key will enable her human colony to control communications satellites and, in turn, connect with other human survivors across the globe. As Mae successfully retrieves the key and returns to the colony, the humans are able to activate the satellites, receiving a response from a group in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This is a significant moment for the human faction, as it marks the possibility of humanity uniting once more.
The reactivation of the satellites symbolizes the potential for humanity’s resurgence, as it allows survivors to contact each other and plan for the future. This discovery also serves as a direct link to earlier Planet of the Apes films, with the Fort Wayne location being a subtle reference to Charlton Heston’s character, George Taylor, from the 1968 film. The re-establishment of satellite communication may open the door for a larger human effort to reclaim their place in the world.
Noa’s Reflections and the Telescope
In the final moments of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Noa takes a quiet moment to gaze through a telescope at a space observatory. While the film does not explicitly reveal what he sees, Noa’s expression conveys concern and contemplation. It is possible that Noa is troubled by what he sees, especially if the telescope reveals something related to humanity’s technological progress. Since humans have regained access to their satellites, it’s likely that Noa fears the consequences of this technological revival, especially as it pertains to the future of the apes and their coexistence with humans.
There is also the possibility that Noa’s anxiety stems from broader existential concerns. As the leader of the Eagle Clan, he must wrestle with the question of whether humans and apes can truly live together in peace, or if their differences will continue to drive them apart. The final shot of Noa looking up at the sky emphasizes the uncertain future he faces, one that could be shaped by both the advancements of the apes and the growing power of humans.
Mae’s Hidden Gun and Their Final Exchange
The emotional farewell between Noa and Mae is fraught with tension, as it is revealed that Mae has a gun hidden behind her back. This suggests that Mae may have been prepared to kill Noa, as she still harbors a deep-seated mistrust of apes. It could also imply that Mae has received orders to eliminate any prominent ape figures she encounters, though she ultimately refrains from carrying out the act. Her decision not to shoot Noa is influenced by their final conversation, where Noa questions whether apes and humans can coexist peacefully.
In a symbolic gesture of peace, Noa gives Mae the Caesar necklace, a token from his father. This act of goodwill shows that Noa is following in Caesar’s footsteps, embodying the belief that apes and humans need not be enemies. By offering Mae this gift, Noa signals his desire to work toward a future where both species can live together in harmony, despite the deep divides between them.
The Deaths That Shape the Ending
The film’s conclusion is marked by several key character deaths, each of which has significant emotional weight. Noa’s father and Raka are among the early casualties, but the most notable death occurs when Proximus Caesar is defeated by Noa. His death represents the downfall of a tyrannical regime that had twisted Caesar’s ideals. Noa also plays a role in the death of Sylva, a gorilla who meets his end in the flooding vault. Mae, too, contributes to several deaths, including that of Trevathan, whom she kills to protect her team, and Lightning, whom she shoots to save Soona.
The death toll is high, reflecting the brutality of the conflict and the stakes involved in the struggle for control over the planet’s future. These deaths underline the personal sacrifices and losses that the characters experience throughout the film, reinforcing the theme of survival in a world divided by species.
Proximus Caesar’s Kingdom and Its Future
One lingering question at the film’s end is what will become of Proximus Caesar’s kingdom. While Proximus has been defeated, his followers are left without clear leadership. His kingdom, built from the ashes of previous ape clans, has suffered many casualties, and much of its infrastructure has been destroyed. With Mae flooding the vault and drowning key members of the group, the future of Proximus’s followers is uncertain.
It is possible that the various ape clans will disperse, each attempting to rebuild independently. Alternatively, another ape leader may rise to take Proximus’s place, though his death leaves a significant power vacuum. Whether the kingdom will persist or fragment remains a central question for the future of the Planet of the Apes series.
Setting Up the Future of the Franchise
The final moments of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes lay the groundwork for future films in the franchise. By focusing on Noa’s rise as leader of the Eagle Clan and Mae’s connection to the human colony, the film positions these two characters as central to the upcoming storylines. Their mutual gaze toward the sky suggests that both apes and humans are looking to the future with uncertainty and hope.
The idea of space exploration is also hinted at, with Noa’s reflection on the possibility of humanity using technology to reach new heights. As both apes and humans work toward their own technological advancements, the potential for conflict and cooperation looms large. The next installment in the franchise may explore these themes in greater detail, as Noa and Mae continue to shape the future of their species.
The Central Question: Can Apes and Humans Live in Peace?
At the heart of the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is the question of whether apes and humans can coexist peacefully. The film explores the deep-rooted animosity between the two species, but it also presents moments of collaboration and understanding. Noa’s final conversation with Mae emphasizes the idea that, despite their differences, peace is possible if both sides are willing to work together. However, the path to peace is fraught with obstacles, and the future remains uncertain. The upcoming films will likely continue to grapple with this central theme as both apes and humans strive to shape their respective futures.
