Marvel Comics have announced they have gained the rights to the Planet of the Apes films, and that they will begin publishing new series in early 2023, during the 55th anniversary of the original Charlton Heston film from 1968, and the 60th anniversary of the Pierre Boulle novel it was based on.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Planet of the Apes back to the House of Ideas!,” said Marvel editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski. “The new saga in the pipeline is going explore the limits of what this beloved franchise has to offer through bold comics storytelling, and we look forward to setting foot on this new adventure!”
Planet of the Apes is the latest classic sci-fi franchise from 20th Century Studios (formerly Fox) — after Star Wars, Alien, and Predator — to come under Marvel’s roof, following the Disney acquisition of the studio and Lucasfilm. Marvel previously held the license for the “Planet of the Apes” comics from 1974 to 1977, publishing “Planet of the Apes Magazine,” which contained new stories and adaptations of the movies, and “Adventures on the Planet of the Apes,” which featured color reprints of the magazine’s retellings.
BOOM! Studios was the most recent license holder for Planet of the Apes, releasing various comics based on the original films, and the prequel trilogy starring Andy Serkis, from 2011 to 2018, including crossovers with DC’s Green Lantern, Star Trek, and King Kong. Most of these will presumably be reprinted by Marvel, who promised details on “comic book titles, collections, reprints, and creative teams will be shared at a later date.”
