Release date alert: Keener studios are still planning ahead and planting early flags in the ground with 2015 and even 2016 dates, and in this case it’s 20th Century Fox. Peering into the still-feels-far-away future, Fox has already dated the as-of-now-untitled third ‘Planet of the Apes‘ movie, which director Matt Reeves recently signed on to make (which is a bit sad because his talents feel like they could be better utilized elsewhere; how about one tentpole and then something else rather than two in a row, one a sequel no less?). ‘Apes Untitled 3’ is scheduled to rise on July 29, 2016.
The studio has also carved out a February 13, 2015 release date for its “Poltergeist” remake. It’ll be directed by Gil Kenan (“Monster House,” “City Of Ember”) and it stars Rosemarie DeWitt, Sam Rockwell, Jared Harris, Nicholas Braun and Kyle Catlett. Fox’s requisite Nicholas Sparks adaptation, “The Longest Ride”—which of course has no cast or director attached yet—will be slotted for April 3, 2015.
Coming later this year, the Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr.-starring buddy comedy “Let’s Be Cops” arrives August 13, 2014 and “Night at the Museum 3” will move off its Christmas bow and now land December 19th at the tail end of this year.
…or perhaps Reeves has found a way to realize his darker sensibilities in the "Apes" franchise and is loathe to pass up a satisfying creative opportunity that actually pays well and will gross north of $500 million worldwide even if it's unwatchable garbage…
More likely, Fox is adamant that this Apes series be turned into a biannual ATM for the studio. They announced the release date for the third Apes film without a script in hand. They dumped Rupert Wyatt because he wanted more time and I would guess Reeves was asked this very question as well: the money train is leaving. Are you on, or off?
Both sequels. To a 'reboot'.