Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes’ Callback To Tom Felton’s Character Shows How Twisted Proximus Really Was

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

Summary The new installment in the Planet of the Apes franchise, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, pays homage to a character from the earlier movies.

The use of taser sticks in the film serves as a symbolism of power and reflects the shift in dynamics between humans and apes.

Proximus Caesar's disregard for the rule "Ape not kill ape" highlights the fundamental differences in ruling styles between him and the original Caesar.

Despite taking the franchise in a new direction, the recently released Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes features a pleasing callback to Tom Felton's character from the earlier movies which, in turn, gives the sequel greater substance. The fourth installment in the reboot series, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes takes place at a later stage in the Planet of the Apes movie timeline than its three immediate predecessors. Though the movie serves as the first in a new trilogy, it features a pleasing reference to 2011's Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

Like every Planet of the Apes movie, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes focuses on the fractured relationship between humans and apes. The latest installment introduces a host of new characters, including the tyrannical Proximus Caesar, who has enslaved other clans of apes, as well as humans. Although it is set 300 years after the events of the previous movie, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes contains a neat throwback to the first film, and it only demonstrates how twisted Proximus Caesar really is.

Related Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes' Biggest Theory Was Wrong & I'm Shocked A popular Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes theory was disproven by the film, which is taking the franchise in a direction no one anticipated.

Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes’ Taser Sticks Are A Callback To Tom Felton’s Rise Character

They Feature In An Iconic Scene From The First Movie

Close

In Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Proximus Caesar is depicted as having a fascination with human technology, believing that with it, he will have ultimate power. As such, his followers can be seen brandishing electric weapons that differ greatly from the more primitive weapons used by Caesar's clan in the earlier movies. Proximus Caesar's apes wield electric batons or taser sticks, which they use to hunt humans and injure other apes. Interestingly, the weapons are eerily reminiscent of one used during a key scene in the first movie.

The first three installments in the Planet of the Apes reboot series are currently available to stream on Hulu.

In 2011's Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Tom Felton's Dodge Landon is seen using a similar, electric baton-style weapon. Throughout the film, he uses the baton to intimidate and discipline the apes of the shelter, including Caesar. At a crucial point in the movie's third act, Dodge goes to strike Caesar with the weapon, but Caesar stops him by grabbing his wrist and yelling "No!", showcasing his ability to talk for the first time. It's an iconic scene and one that Mae copies in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

Proximus Caesar’s Followers Were Using Taser Sticks To Hurt Other Apes

It's Not Just Humans That Proximus Has Power Over

Close

In Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the taser stick symbolized humanity's power over apes.

The use of electric weapons in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is not only a satisfying nod to the opening installment but it also highlights how much the human/ape dynamic has shifted over the course of the series. In Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the taser stick symbolized humanity's power over apes, with the character of Dodge representing humankind's worst traits. The apes in the first movie, though intelligent, are put in cages, beaten, and ultimately have very little power. This contrasts heavily with the apes of the latest film.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes portrays apes as the superior species, while humans are depicted as feral creatures who are hunted and enslaved by the apes. The electric weapons in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes once again represent power. However, this time, it's the power apes have over humans as well as other apes. Indeed, Proximus Caesar and his followers are shown using taser sticks on several fellow apes, maiming or even killing them. The movie demonstrates how power is infectious; once a group has dominion over everyone else, they will turn on each other.

Related I Was Not Prepared For Caesar's Scene In Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes Despite taking place 300 years after War for the Planet of the Apes, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes revisited Caesar in the most bittersweet way.

Proximus Broke Caesar’s Most Important Rule In Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes

The Two Characters Have Very Different Ruling Styles

In 2014's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, the apes, led by Caesar, are shown to have three simple rules that form the basis of their society and that are inscribed on a rock face for all to see. The first and most important of these rules is, "Ape not kill ape". Caesar strives to be better than humanity, who, from his first-hand experiences, he characterizes as violent and self-destructive. It's, therefore, a rule that he takes very seriously, and in the instances where Caesar is forced to harm a fellow ape, the guilt takes its toll on him.

Again, this is wildly different from Proximus Caesar's attitude and behavior. Unlike the original Caesar, Proximus has no problem hurting or even killing other apes. While Caesar only resorted to violence if there was no other option, Proximus Caesar and his followers use brutality and force to get what they want. Ultimately, this fundamental difference between the two Planet of the Apes characters is that Caesar was motivated by what was best for apekind, while Proximus cares only about gaining power.