Planet of the Apes star Kevin Durand reveals how he found his inner ape

Planet of the Apes is back, and to mark the return of the epic sci-fi franchise, we catch up with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes star Kevin Durand about ape school, working with motion capture technology, and whether the latest addition can live up to the Caesar trilogy.
Durand told The Independent: “I did four weeks of ape school, watched a lot of documentaries on bonobos and spent time at the zoo” to get into the character of despotic ape leader Proximus Caesar.
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[@Nin13666]

Kevin Durand has been crushing roles for so many years. It's really nice to see him getting bigger roles.

[@slydoesnotknow393]

i always knew him as the average american country jackass character

[@NPC1173]

😂yeah always knew the guy as the prick in every movie. Love him in Abigail.

[@THE.MICHAEL.ANGELO]

It's so exciting to see Kevin finally getting a LEAD and in an epic movie franchise! Meaning, he's not a side actor, or part of an ensemble or what have you. It's hard to put it in words. He's such an awesome actor and I love that we get to see a level of an even GREATER potential from him! So proud and happy for him!!!

[@mudshrooze]

Yeah hes been around for atleast 2 decades probably 3. But he always plays side characters. And that's totally fine to be honest he has always been really really good. Nothing wrong with side characters but the fact that he is the main guy. That's so awesome

[@THE.MICHAEL.ANGELO]

@@mudshrooze You're right for sure. Nothing wrong with being side characters at all, but for him to be at the forefront, and to finally get what he deserves is so smile-worthy. In all of his interviews, especially the ones as of late (post POTA), he's expressed how much he has truly dreamed of becoming an actor, pretty much all of his life. I especially loved that one interview where he literally told his Mom, "someday..." So happy for him.

[@mananimal3644]

He was soooo good I didn’t even recognize him.😎

[@goldeneagle99]

​@@mudshroozeyes...Walkimg Tall..

[@OSMCHILLS]

He nailed the voice so intimidating

[@goldeneagle99]

Indeed..i believe i could do this..never acted before but i'm a huge fan of animals "especially apes"...and this for me would be beyond epic lol

[@i-craftsdesign3175]

I had no idea Proximus was him. Well done.

[@wbell5405]

I kept trying to figure out who he looked like. "He reminds me of somebody I know." When I saw his face I was like "OHHH!!😮"

[@Zekrel]

I hate that actors aren’t nominated for playing CGI characters. Andy Serkis should have been nominated and so should this guy. Somebody from this film needs a nomination (preferably one who played a CGI character)

[@voodude1074]

Andy DEFINITELY deserved awards for Caesar. One of the greatest performances I've ever seen. Gollum too, honestly. Dude has been robbed for years.

[@justthinking650]

not only nominated, they should've won

[@Zekrel]

@@justthinking650 well that goes without saying 😎

[@Johnny.bar99]

@@voodude1074andy did win awards for gollum

[@rmzbro2766]

Did you just called me BLOBBB!!!😂😂

[@addyrose26]

STOP 😂

[@swoozytv23]

BRO I WAS LOOKING AT THIS WONDERING WHY HE LOOKED SO FAMILIAR AND THIS IS THE FIRST COMMENT I SEE😭😭😭

[@goldeneagle99]

​@@addyrose26❤

[@SleepySloth2705]

"I told you not to mention his weight. And why'd you call him "Blob"?" "I didn't say "blob", and I said "BUB"!"

[@scoobysnak07]

"Look at him! Big ol ass coming out the front of his shirt."

[@veldhuizenhenk]

Kevin Durand is an amazing actor!!!

[@purplex_purple7717]

Great in the strain

[@ShadowofFenrir]

wu assassins as well.

[@TheNowhereMan0]

He is. I can't wait to see him on this one

[@WandererNamedGuy]

An underrated one for sure.

[@goldeneagle99]

WALKING TALL...

[@MetaCitizen]

Its really cool and uncommon how Kevin Durand is so generous with his skills in all these interviews, no hesitation whatsoever to bust out the voice and the moments, he is not above just going right to the party trick.

[@Urd-Vidan]

Oh, he's Proximus Caesar. Just realized it was him when he spoke and moved like him. That's cool to see that his acting comes through the CGI just like the trilogy. Spoiler: Just hope his character comes back. He had wonderful potential. 😢

[@Bruester]

Spoiler: Both he and Raka "died" while being swept away by water, the most ambiguous way to die in a movie, so they might both be coming back

[@Urd-Vidan]

@@Bruester Raka seems to be really dead, but I can see how he can be alive. Like, he could swim to areas with air. Very unlikely though(but it does make a good reason for Raka to get weapons for Proximus.

[@fazenibbs]

Raka is alive, at the end of movie credits you can hear orangutan sounds (there wasn't any other orangutan alive than Raka in the movie)​@@Urd-Vidan

[@Urd-Vidan]

@@fazenibbs oh wait, I forgot about Raka. Thought he was the Gorilla. That good that he's possibly alive.

[@Dolphibsuck]

If Elon Musk ever has a movie about him this will be the guy. They weirdly look like brothers

[@Ifalvarado]

Except Elon is scrawny and he is not but they can cgi it like proximus caesar

[@JYang0602]

Kevin Durand looking more like Elon Musk more than Elon Musk looks like how he should???

[@Fth363]

YEEEESSS 👌 absolutely 💯 agree 👍

[@cruzinthruspace]

Not even close

[@RobertD55]

The greatest villain of all

[@tyronewilliamson5527]

Scary when he morphs into Proxima in the interview

[@martinsear5470]

Everytime I see Kevin Durand's name in a cast I know we are gonna have some fun, love the guy.

[@matthewryan2060]

Man, Kevin finally made it. I remember him in so many different films but never got any hype from them.

[@yassirjalal8607]

He look so invested and passionate about this role, love to see it

[@jaket8947]

Kevin is such a fantastic actor in everything he's done. He commits himself wholeheartedly to roles because he loves acting as an art, and not just as a job.

[@MarkoTiano]

People need to see his funny performance in " Abigail " the vampire comedy horror.

[@andysun73]

Vasiliy Fet will always be my favourite Kevin Durand character. The Strain

[@EmpyreanDreamer]

Same.

[@sangweeni304]

perfection, absolute hammer smashing nails.

[@germainerashad1997]

He killed that role

[@rudymarquez1939]

Same here

[@cgmoran91]

It's Amazing how quickly he switches. I've enjoyed him in everything I've seen of his. My favorite was him in Robin Hood and a totally different guy in Wild Hogs. I still have to see this one.

[@jk802]

Why isnt Durand in Mad Max? He is awesome

[@ecurb_2558]

Cause he was busy w this movie

[@goldeneagle99]

You can tell he is huge into his roll! So he owned it! Enthusiasm is at the top of the scale here !

[@RyanFloom]

I have watched every interview he’s done for this movie cuz it’s so damn entertaining for some reason. Talented dude!

[@drewashington7414]

Sameee

[@nimrodxify]

The very first time I hear Proximus Caesar spoke, I was amazed by the voice...even more amazed to find out it was Kevin Durand behind the character!...I really like this actor.

[@MantismanTM]

Kevin Durand is another actor that I will watch shows with his name in them. He is very flexible in his capabilities both fantastic villain & hero. His growth is very noticeable & I wish for him only the best in his career!

[@spidey-67]

He is so awesome! He did such a great job in this film!

[@d.6786]

Underrated actor!

[@swannix]

I agree. Westerns, sci-fi, horror or thrillers he is great in all. Not just the physicality. I'm glad he's achieved the success he has, but yeah, just waiting for others to catch up and for him to just break...it'll be well deserved

[@mattkrauss7170]

Always liked him, he’s even cooler than I remember from other interviews! Good for you you, you deserve all of this success and recognition!

[@easy56wedge]

Kevin Durand is such a good actor. Seems like a nice guy. Can’t wait to see this film!

[@iamnotarobot9657]

Happy for him, he always stood out to me

[@techneeque34]

Not the Kevin Durant I had in mind when I looked at the credits😅

[@madelineerwin9743]

1st time saw him was in Legion and have watched his acting since then,great actor and now finally has a lead role,as well as doing an amazing voice for Proximus xx

[@hilltop9524]

Glad to see him getting bigger roles. He's such an underrated actor and deserves it. Seems like a cool guy, like that one cool buddy who acts just for fun.

[@colevedan7631]

This was an amazing performance by Kevin Durand. Loved the movie and character. I didn't even know it was him till I read the actor list after the film. Bravo

[@kimmysue42569]

Looking forward to seeing this Kevin Durand is amazing

[@superkoff1]

That voice is incredible. Whoa.

[@lightheadedman2]

It’s really cool to see praise for Kevin Durand , he’s been an exemplary actor . I’ve always been a fan of his, he really commands the screen whenever he’s on. Finally getting his flowers

[@Cletus_the_Elder]

Kevin Durand is so good in action movies. I wish he and Neal McDonough would get more mainstream roles.

[@petercampbell8694]

Love Kevin Durand! - Brings ALOT to the table as an actor! - BIG respect to the big guy!! 👍

[@balachandar548]

What a wonderful daaaaaaaaaaay!!

[@squints01yt56]

How could you not love Kevin Durand

[@andrewjacob9707]

wish he had more scenes!

[@charlesindig8101]

Kevin Durand is such a underrated actor!

[@AngriestAmerican]

Kevin is such a genuine guy and role model!! Never hear anything bad about him!

[@Walterwhite_cooks]

MOVIE OF THE YEAR ❤❤❤❤

[@yodirt6230]

I just watched it last night and it was so good.

[@qayyumchariff4357]

Good to see he finally got the spotlight 👍, totally deserved this role

[@rickythomas9698]

What a wonderful day!! Absolute badass.

[@baronvonslapnuts]

Polite, intelligent, and engaging. What an excellent Interviewee.

[@MwayiComfort]

Dude!!!!! The voice 😮😮

[@jujub4553]

I love Kevin Durand, he’s such a big hot stud of a man 😍

[@user-vp6po3el5c]

He was amazing in strain

[@kuarifu]

*"OH MY GOD WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY!!!!!!!!!"*

[@simonsuniverseofmusic8585]

Saw it last night what a great movie

[@pillshere5218]

loved this guy in legion!

[@nathanchong7731]

I hope Kevin will be back in the sequel

[@lukewilliam3601]

This dude killed it in Lost years ago. Always like him.

[@purplex_purple7717]

Hes so great. You all have to watch The Strain from FX. Youll love his character

[@madelineerwin9743]

I loved him in that

[@tagalilly]

It was soooo good!!

[@rogeliogarcia3836]

And some deep reverb but coverd very great due to added layers on his vocals to make him sound more animal like

[@everyonesguy7466]

Kevin is a great actor

[@aubreycervantes1405]

Im going to watch this, just because of this guy.

[@denisee_260]

im waiting on the next movie where it’ll make this movie make more sense i feel like this one was more of a placeholder for the next one

[@Mat_mep]

Not a place to do this but I do have an idea for the next villain after the new Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, he tries to align the tribes of apes but with a motive after learning more about the humans plus within his past to motivate his goals (ideas in the works definitely needs updating) New villain: General Otho Background: Otho is a powerful and influential Chimp in the new ape society, deeply inspired by Koba's vision and methods. He believes that humans are a persistent threat to the survival and dominance of apes and that Koba's aggressive approach was the correct path to ensure their future. Unlike Caesar, who sought peace and coexistence, Otho is convinced that the only way to secure the future of the apes is through the eradication of humanity. Appearance: Otho is a formidable figure, standing taller and more robust than most chimps, an ape resembling Caesar showing the parallels from the recent Proximus Caesar and a kinda Villain looking Caesar who believed in Koba . His fur is a deep, jet black with a streak of gray running down his back, symbolizing the weight of the past he carries. His eyes are piercing and filled with a fervent intensity that often intimidates those who oppose him. He bears scars from numerous battles with humans and other apes alike, showcasing his experience and dedication to his cause. Personality: Otho is charismatic and persuasive, capable of rallying many apes to his cause with his powerful oratory skills. He is fiercely intelligent, using cunning strategies and ruthless tactics to achieve his goals. His belief in Koba’s vision borders on fanaticism, and he views any ape who seeks peace with humans as a traitor. Despite his harsh exterior, he genuinely believes he is protecting his people from extinction. Motivations: Otho's motivations are deeply rooted in fear and trauma from past human conflicts. He witnessed firsthand the atrocities humans committed against apes and has sworn to never let his kind suffer again. He sees himself as a savior and protector, willing to make any sacrifice necessary to ensure the safety and supremacy of apes. His hatred for humans is matched only by his disdain for apes who advocate for peace and cooperation. Methods: Otho employs guerrilla tactics and psychological warfare, leveraging the natural environment to stage ambushes and surprise attacks on human settlements. He forms a loyal faction of like-minded apes, often using fear and intimidation to maintain control. Otho is not above using manipulation and deception, even within his own ranks, to eliminate opposition and secure his leadership. Conflict with Protagonists: Otho’s ideology puts him in direct conflict with apes who seek a more harmonious coexistence with humans, particularly those inspired by Caesar's legacy. He views these apes as naive and dangerous, believing their actions could lead to the downfall of their species. This ideological clash sets the stage for intense internal strife within the ape community, as well as escalating conflicts with human survivors. Ultimate Goal: Otho's ultimate goal is to establish a new world order where apes reign supreme and humans are either subjugated or eradicated. He envisions a future where apes thrive without the shadow of humanity looming over them, a vision he is willing to pursue at any cost. After the new Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," Otho's character serves as a dark reflection of the struggle between fear and hope, violence and peace, showcasing the complexities and consequences of adhering to extreme beliefs in a fractured world.

[@josevicentegutierrez7235]

Amazing! He’s awesome

[@jens2049]

Hes incredible as proximus

[@nobodynothing00000]

I think he had his peak body in "Legion". He was ripped as eff in that movie.

[@gabrielarredondo3825]

Real ones remember him as the evil Sgt. Keamy from Lost.

[@OceanicSix2342]

And he doesn’t look like he’s aged a day

[@ianschmitt4991]

And he's the guy who tried to mess up the Rock's knee in the walking tall remake football game scene

[@olivero3951]

Real ones remember him as Wolfie from Dark Angel.

[@AMARTmtz]

@@ianschmitt4991lmao forgot about that. So specific and niche lol

[@weDieter72]

Zipacna!! Great actor

[@maximprikhodko8204]

Jaffa, kree!

[@awake3083]

Great actor, I liked him on The Strain!

[@matai2437]

It was a great movie

[@elZecu]

me alegra tanto que Kevin Durand este donde debe estar ♥

[@shmoga]

i always liked this dude. nice.

[@Jedtumble]

“You’re gonna get hurt…. HURT!!”

[@TheGuerillapatriot]

that was really good

[@rogeliogarcia3836]

Definitely some reverb In his vocals

[@simplygaming6701]

I met this guy from the Strain!🎉

[@Punya.Haerin]

This guy always has the charisma for the villain role

[@ManCheetah294]

I love this guy. he was Barry in Resident Evil and then he killed all those Vampires in that tv show that i cant remember the name of. and I think he was in that crazy Russel Crow "Robin Hood" movie too. this guy is chadded,

[@TruelyDangerousGuy]

Who remembers Ratcatcher from "the Strain"?)

[@quentinmanson3287]

Been a long fan of Kevin. Loved proximus stole every scene he was in.

[@pjincho]

He looks so good! Wasn’t he in Amadeus in the 80’s?

[@gothbossbaby]

WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY

[@ILLRICARDO]

What a wonder day .....

[@Rmasters08]

Loved him in Abigail, Hated him in Fruitvale Station.

[@bloodywolf8597]

I wish this guy would of played Kraven

[@michaeldukes4108]

He wasn’t in it enough!!

[@jamesminor1945]

long live Vasily Fet

[@Matthias9319]

Awesome series, awesome character.

[@LoveThrowed]

SAY HIS WORDS !!

[@SmoothMoose13]

Loved him since Lost.

[@eternalnjem]

I liked him in Legion

[@chadpeterson6486]

My biggest problem of the new movie is that they killed off his character. Proximus could have been the Darth Vader of this new trilogy and instead he's Darth Maul. Awesome villain, perfect actor in the role and, in the end, simply thrown away in the hackiest of ways.

[@OnionSavoya-jf5hz]

I wish Kevin Durand would release a rap album.

[@lmaocat759]

HOMEEE BOYYY

[@randypiper7485]

Oh that's cool.

[@eddibetty10]

This was the 4 ranked of the installment.

[@mario3mmelero571]

For a second I thought Elon Musk left his beard grow...

[@RySenkari]

Naughty Dog needs to back the Brinks truck up to this guy's door to bring him in for a major role in their next original IP. Hero or villain, he would crush it.

[@syaifin-nuha]

7:25 😂🤩

[@HonestHuck777]

oh my gosh....he's so cool! I wanna role play and be an ape toooooooooooooooo!

[@oceanblueheart1472]

😂 well ill be a monkey's uncle! It is him as Proximos ! Omg

[@olivero3951]

Wolfie from Dark Angel!