"Planet of the Apes" to Return With Director Matt Shakman at the Helm

Acclaimed director Matt Shakman is set to transition from spearheading projects for Marvel to reshaping 20th Century Studios' legendary sci-fi series, "Planet of the Apes". Shakman, last year, directed "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" for Disney's superhero department. Now, alongside screenwriter Josh Friedman, the director is set to reignite the captivating world of conversing primates that challenge a harsh human regime.

Friedman is renowned for writing the scripts of "First Steps" and "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes", the final instalment by 20th that raked in close to $400 million worldwide against a $160 million budget. In addition to directing, Shakman will also produce this upcoming venture, the plot details of which remain undisclosed. Co-producing alongside Shakman are Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, while Scott Aversano supervises for the studio. Over the past 15 years, the four films from the contemporary "Apes" series have generated over $2 billion at the global box office.

Shakman has an impressive portfolio, having also directed the successful first streaming series by Marvel, "WandaVision". His notable works include directing pilot episodes for "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters", "The Consultant" and "Welcome to Chippendales". Shakman was also the director of the pilot episode of "The Great" starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. Other noteworthy projects include "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia", "Succession" and "Game of Thrones". Shakman will also head the pilot and the finale of the imminent Siegfried & Roy series "Wild Things" starring Jude Law and Andrew Garfield.

Keeping his roots with 20th, Friedman has also penned scripts for "Avatar: The Way of Water" and "Avatar: Fire and Ash". The news of this fresh reboot of the "Apes" franchise was initially reported by Deadline.