Out of the many Ridley Scott historical pictures, Kingdom of Heaven is one of the most underrated. Despite a stacked cast including Orlando Bloom and Eva Green, it is somehow rarely in the conversation.

At the height of Bloom’s popularity in the mid-aughts, he was the focal point of a film that delved into the brutal realities of the Crusades. He plays the character of Balian, a blacksmith who reluctantly joins the fight in Jerusalem. By putting the protagonist in the Christian camp of armies waging war against Muslims, the film could have easily subjected to anti-Islamic rhetoric. Instead, Ridley’s vision handles the subject matter with grace, showing the Christian defeat at the hands of the Muslims, Saladin’s (Ghassan Massoud) fascinating characteristics, and painting the Knights Templar in a gruesome light.

Though Kingdom of Heaven is admittedly heavily fictionalized, it is based on historical figures of the time. Notably, the ruling class of King Baldwin (Edward Norton) and his sister Sibylla (Green), with whom Balian becomes close. Balian’s romance with Sibylla should be taken with a grain of salt, but King Baldwin’s portrayal lies closer to reality, down to his real-life ailment.

What was King Baldwin’s disease in Kingdom of Heaven?

King Baldwin of Jerusalem ruled from 1174 to 1185 and was generally considered a kind and fair king. The terrible irony was that his reign was littered with war, infighting, and disease. These events are depicted in Kingdom of Heaven when Balian first arrives in Jerusalem. He is taken by Sibylla, but notices that her brother is never without his ornate mask. Baldwin’s mask was in place to obscure his diagnosis of leprosy. A common ailment at the time, Baldwin would get sicker and sicker throughout his reign as his body rotted away. 

Baldwin’s disease was the cause of much of the unrest within the kingdom. His leprosy was well known throughout his court and threw doubt on his succession. Baldwin had not married due to his ailment and, therefore, never provided any heirs. At the time, women could ascend the throne, so long as they were married. Sibylla would be the prime candidate for his successor. Her claim was strong because she had a son who would continue the family line. But because of the uncertainty, others found an opportunity to disrupt this reign. Sibylla’s husband Guy de Lusignan (Marton Csokas), who was a Templar Knight, was particularly interested in gaining power for himself.

Ultimately, Sibylla’s young son, Baldwin V, succeeded his uncle after Baldwin IV died from his illness. The reign ultimately did not matter in the end, however. Saladin’s defeat of the Christian ruling class made the Leper King’s activities during this time a moot point. All of these events and more fictionalized ones are depicted in Scott’s epic historical film. There is no evidence to suggest that the real king wore such a mask, though he did suffer from the disease depicted.

As always, Scott proves to be a filmmaker with a specific vision and dedication to his craft. He implemented the mask as a source of fiction, which ultimately inspired a subdued and moving performance from Norton. The film would go on to be appreciated due to the Director’s Cut, viewed as the definitive version of the film.

Fans are squealing in unison for Bridgerton season 3 to finally see Lady Whistledown herself, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), find love. But that isn’t all that the upcoming season has in store. 

The third season of Netflix’s steamy series took many by surprise when the plot was revealed. After season 2’s enemies-to-lovers trope united Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate (Simone Ashley), fans of the books had expected that the subsequent season would follow suit. But instead of focusing on Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) love life, the series skipped over to the third son, Colin (Luke Newton). Though deviating from the source material, this shouldn’t come as a complete surprise. Penelope’s affection for Colin was duly noted in the previous seasons, and it would be a disservice to wait any longer to give this couple traction. But hope is not lost for Benedict, who will still play a part in the season. His story is adjacent to the incoming character, Lady Tilley Arnold.

Who is Tilley Arnold in Bridgerton season 3?

News first broke about the new character’s casting in 2022 when Deadline announced Hannah New would join the cast as the character. She appears briefly in the Brazilian teaser for the new season.

New is most notable for her role as the cutthroat authority of Nassau, Eleanor Guthrie, in the historical series, Black Sails. The pirate show took from real-life events as well as the characters from the classic book Treasure Island. Now it appears the New is ready to don a corset again in another heightened historical show. Deadline describes the new character as a “firebrand widow” who will take the ton by storm in the following statement:

“Widowed at an early age, she enjoys the privileges and power that come with being at the helm of her former husband’s estate, living life on her own terms with financial independence and sexual freedom.”

Bridgerton always gravitates toward stories that modernize characters at a time famous for being restrictive. Though a romance at its core, Shonda Rhimes’ celebrated series makes an effort to give autonomy to its characters — especially the ones that historically may not have as much freedom. A character like Tilley Arnold fits well into this landscape. As a widow, she does not need to concern herself with finding a husband for security. Instead, she has the rare privilege of being able to operate within her own means. This fact may open the eyes of many of the female characters.

Penelope has similarly found independence in her own right. She is a rare woman in this society who has a career, even if no one knows she is the mysterious gossip columnist. Tilley Arnold’s presence could further establish that Bridgerton isn’t just about romance, but also elevating its characters. At this point, we can only speculate what the character’s role will be. 

She is original to the series and does not stem from the books. It is unlikely she will serve as a romantic interest for Benedict — at least not a long-lasting one. Book readers know that his romantic fate lies with Sophie Beckett, whom he marries and fathers four children with. As far as Tilley Arnold is concerned, fans will have to wait until Bridgerton season 3, part I airs on Netflix, starting May 16.

Netflix’s series Wednesday is full of twists and red herrings during its first season, but the show’s mysteries weren’t just relegated to on-screen drama.

Inspired by the Charles Addams comic of America’s First Goth family, Wednesday follows the titular character, played by Jenna Ortega, as she attends a spooky private school called Nevermore. In a school full of outcasts, Wednesday Addams tries to remain a maverick, which is easier said than done — especially regarding her love life.

While the series has many enjoyable aspects, throwing Wednesday in the middle of a love triangle was one of the more confounding. By the looks of it, however, said love triangle will not be continuing in the show’s sophomore season, as Percy Hynes White ⏤ the actor who played Wednesday’s schoolmate Xavier ⏤ has been officially dropped from the cast following a disturbing controversy.

What were the claims against Percy Hynes White?

In 2023, Variety reported that an anonymous Twitter user had claimed White assaulted them at a house party. They alleged that White and his friends would ply minors with alcohol to assault them. The outlet did not reveal the alleged victim’s identity, but posted their claims at length.

“He would pursue, have sex with, abuse and get my friend high who was 13/14 at the time. Last time I knew they had sex she was 16 and he was 20. He assaulted me at one of those parties awhile I was too drunk, and he had cornered and pressured and assaulted multiple of my friends.”

The tweet has since been deleted, but consequences soon followed. Others supported these claims and contributed additional corroborative stories. At the time, no further action was taken, but White maintained his innocence.

White’s response to the allegations

White later took to Instagram and denied the poster’s claims. He explained that he had never met this person and that his friends and family had been targeted due to these allegations. The Gifted actor further described how he was affected following the events.

“Underage photos of me were used, and examples of me acting in character were presented as hateful. My friend Jane was falsely portrayed as a victim, and her attempts to set the record straight have been ignored. She gave me permission to include her in this message. The rumors are false. I can’t accept the portrayal of me as someone bigoted, or criminally negligent of people’s safety. These are the kind of baseless, harmful claims that can create mistrust toward victims. It’s very distressing to know that this misinformation has upset people. I’m really thankful for everyone who’s stood by me and helped share the facts. Harassment of my family, friends and coworkers needs to stop please. Thank you for taking the time to read this.”

At the time this news broke, Wednesday season 2 had yet to go into production. However, there were rumblings that White would not reprise his role as Xavier in the upcoming season as a result of the claims made against him. At the time, there had been no confirmation of official action taken, but fan outcry made the ultimate result somewhat inevitable. With such public allegations of such a brutal nature, White quickly lost stock as a romantic interest for Wednesday’s character.

As of May 2024, Variety confirmed that White won’t be returning for season 2 when it released a full cast announcement. 12 additional cast members have joined season 2, with White conspicuously being left off the list. Other cast members to be added to the official list are Steve Buscemi, Thandiwe Newton, Christopher Lloyd, and Haley Joel Osment.

There is no current news about what season 2 has in store for the multitude of Wednesday fans out there, but it’s fair to surmise that the storyline of the upcoming show will boast an ambitious overhaul. Viewers will be able to see these events when Wednesday airs season 2 on Netflix.

Of all of the creatures big and small, there is one villain in The Vampire Diaries who stands among the rest: Klaus Mikaelson.

His name was uttered episodes before his long-awaited appearance, his reputation infamous. And for good reason. Damon Salvatore’s (Ian Somerhalder) machinations in season 1 pale in comparison to what Klaus gets up to in the following iteration. Played by industry professional Joseph Morgan to a practically Shakespearean degree, Klaus is the biggest bad the vampire series has ever had.

Rumblings of Klaus first occur upon the reappearance of Katherine Pierce (Nina Dobrev). The vampire ex of both Damon and Stefan (Paul Wesley) has been on the run for centuries because of the crime she committed against Klaus — escaping her own sacrifice. In season 2, Katherine finds a way out of her torment by offering up her doppelgänger, Elena (Dobrev), in exchange for her freedom. The blood of the doppelgänger is the most powerful of all, and Elena’s death will mean Katherine’s freedom.

The second season builds up the monstrosity of Klaus for almost the entirety of it. After episodes of pure anxiety, he appears — though not in his true form. He possesses a local history teacher, Alaric Saltzman (Matthew Davis), in order to ingratiate himself into Elena’s inner circle. It is only in the season’s final batch of episodes that Klaus makes his dramatic entrance.

Klaus’ The Vampire Diaries debut

Morgan first appears in the role of Klaus in an episode with a fitting title. Entitled “Klaus,” season 2, episode 19 reveals the titular villain’s origins in a series of flashbacks. His brother Elijah (Daniel Gillies) tells the story of how the original vampire family plotted to break Klaus’ curse, which would allow him to become a vampire-werewolf hybrid. Klaus’ introduction in the episode is relatively risk-free. Viewers know that Katherine ultimately avoids being sacrificed by turning herself into a vampire before the ritual can be completed.

But this bubble of safety can only last for so long. Klaus does not remain relegated to the confines of this flashback territory. At the end of the episode, Klaus has his essence transferred back into his body, and the true horror can begin.  He starts a reign of terror that only gets worse with time. He resurrects his vicious sister, Rebekah (Claire Holt), and forces Stefan’s worst instincts to come through by any means necessary. Morgan’s charisma as the character was so palpable that it was hard to continue to find excuses not to kill him. The actor would go on to lead his own spin-off in the series, The Originals, which followed the vampire family’s adventures in New Orleans. Klaus was truly one of a kind, and no other Vampire Diaries villain could compare.

The challenge of adapting comics is the number of characters to draw from. The character of Ant-Man features one of these challenges.

For a long time, Hank Pym was the one and only Ant-Man in Marvel comic continuity. He and Janet took on the mantle of the insect-related superheroes and had a fine time doing it. Scott Lang was only added later. While Hank’s (Michael Douglas) contribution to the Ant-Man mythos is acknowledged in the Marvel films, there is no denying that Paul Rudd in the role of Scott is the main draw of the films. His humor and unlikely heroism make him one of the most enjoyable characters in the franchise. But this switcheroo adds fuel to the fire of the questions prevalent in another Marvel entity. 

Deadpool & Wolverine unites the Merc With the Mouth (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) at last in a multiverse-heavy film. The Deadpool franchise has always pushed the envelope with its content, so it’s anyone’s guess who the man behind the Ant-Man of the film will be.

Who is Ant-Man in Deadpool 3?

The trailer for Deadpool 3 has such sensory overload that there are many blink-and-you-’ll-miss-it moments. Many old-school Marvel villains, such as Pyro (Aaron Stanford) and Azazel (Jason Flemyng), appear in quick flashes in the trailer. But more prevalent is the giant Ant-Man skull being used as a hide-out. The trailer doesn’t indicate the identity of this dead Ant-Man, but as luck would have it, Deadpool 3 released more footage that hinted at the sad demise of our favorite six-legged superhero. A new clip posted on X (formerly Twitter) gives some context to the giant head as Deadpool offers a quippy line of dialogue.

“Huh, Paul Rudd finally aged,” Deadpool comments about the skull. This quick line plays on Rudd’s reputation as an ageless immortal and also has the benefit of revealing which Ant-Man is in question. Despite exploring the multiverse, Deadpool 3 does not appear to use Hank as the prime Ant-Man. Unfortunately for Scott Lang fans, he apparently does not survive in whatever timeline Deadpool is traversing in the ambitious film.

But that doesn’t exactly make Ant-Man dead in the water. At least, not forever. If Logan can return after his definitive death in his titular 2017 film, there is still hope for Rudd’s Ant-Man. Who knows exactly what timeline that skull is from? And after all, the entirety of Deadpool 2 changed after Wade time-traveled to save Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). That’s how that works in the MCU, right? Fans will have to wait to see what rules Deadpool follows and breaks when the film premieres in theaters on July 26.

The title of the Hulu series explains all you need to know. We Were the Lucky Ones is a harrowing and emotional tale about one family’s experience during the Holocaust.

Based on the book of the same name, the series paints the story inspired by Georgia Hunter’s family during World War II. There have been many portrayals of one of the worst atrocities in human history, but the series wants to make viewers understand that even those lucky enough to escape these atrocities had a harrowing experience. The Kurc family depicted in the series were Hunter’s great-grandparents, who were separated when the Germans invaded Poland in 1939.

Throughout 8 episodes, the Kurc family struggles to survive the war and find each other in the aftermath. We Were the Lucky Ones breeds hope about an event that is regrettably more topical than ever. It all culminates in the last episode of the season, which showrunner Erica Lipez told The Hollywood Reporter was a challenge to write.

“The fact that they all survived, and the fact that, over the course of this episode, they find each other — those are some of the most joyful things I’ve ever gotten to write. But also embedded within that is the very real pain of surviving something like that. It comes at a cost.”

We Were the Lucky Ones is a specific tale unlike other series covering the same subject material and begs to be explored further.

We Were the Lucky Ones season 2 fate

Many viewers may wonder what future lies in store for We Were the Lucky Ones. The short season stars young industry professionals Joey King and Logan Lerman as Kurc siblings Halina and Addy, respectively. It would be a no-brainer to throw them together in another season. Unfortunately for fans, that isn’t a likely prospect. We Were the Lucky Ones covers the entirety of the book and was billed as a limited series. Like other shows on the platform, such as Shōgun, the quality of the series doesn’t necessarily mean more is to come. Both series are based on books that have a decisive end, which was already depicted at the end of their first seasons. Unless there is a specific cause to continue the story, this may very well be the end of the emotional show.

Miniseries are also more prevalent during the streaming era. Platforms are more inclined to invest money into a short-lived series that has a projected end date instead of a drawn-out show that might get canceled in the long run. Ending We Were the Lucky Ones at the end of one season means there will be no letdown and give fans a complete story. Viewers can watch all 8 episodes of this story streaming on Hulu.

The King of Rohan has gone to his fathers, in whose mighty company he shall not feel ashamed. Fantasy icon Bernard Hill, most notable for playing Théoden in Lord of the Rings, died yesterday at age 79.

After his death, heartfelt responses to the news flooded media outlets. Hill had a long and storied career in the entertainment industry, starting with his breakout role in BBC’s Boys From the Blackstuff, to his supporting role in James Cameron’s epic, Titanic. But Lord of the Rings is arguably the most beloved addition to his credits. Appearing in The Two Towers and The Return of the King, Hill’s characters represent one of the few strongholds of Men to stand up to Sauron in the war for Middle-earth.

His heroism at Helm’s Deep and love for Éowyn (Miranda Otto) contrasts with Denethor’s (John Noble) cowardice and abuse of Faramir (David Wenham). Hill’s legacy lives on through these films, something that his costars are readily aware of. Karl Urban, who played Théoden’s nephew, Éomer posted a touching photo of the actor after his passing on Instagram. And he wasn’t the only one to remember the actor fondly. 

Elijah Wood’s touching tribute to Lord of the Rings’ Bernard Hill

The outpouring of appreciation for the actor came from all corners, including the Ring Bearer himself, Elijah Wood. Wood gained household stardom for appearing in Lord of the Rings as the humble Hobbit, Frodo Baggins. And though he never shared any scenes with the actor, the set of the film was something close to a family. The four Hobbits, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Sam Astin, and Wood regularly get together for reunions. Per Entertainment Weekly, Orlando Bloom even joined in on the fun recently. 

Wood’s reaction to Hill’s death, however, was much more somber. As the defacto face of the franchise, his words carry a lot of weight. The actor posted on X (formerly Twitter) his public sentiments. 

Wood honored the late actor with a photo credited to Viggo Mortensen, otherwise known as Aragorn son of Arathorn, rightful heir to Gondor. The beautiful photo against the backdrop of the mountains is the perfect way to send off the performer. As Gandalf says:

“Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain curtain of this world rolls back and all turns to silver glass… And then you see it… White shores and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.”

Hill was a timeless actor who will be remembered in his long career of significant roles. For nostalgic fans keen on revisiting the franchise, Lord of the Rings is currently streaming on Max.

Harry Potter. The Magicians. My Hero Academia. We could go on, but it’s safe to say there’s no lack of stories about youngsters getting up to adventures in a fantastical school. But, even in this crowded field, Jujutsu Kaisen, stands out.

Premiering in 2020, the story focuses on high school student Yuji Itadori, who becomes cursed and must join the Tokyo Metropolitan Magic Technical College – aka Jujutsu High School.

Like many anime series, Jujutsu Kaisen has found its way to US audiences through a few streaming platforms. Season 1 can be found on both Netflix and Hulu, while season 2 remains on Crunchyroll for subscribers. But many may be wondering when the next installment can be expected.

Jujutsu Kaisen season 3

Unfortunately for fans, Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 has not been released in any capacity and there is no release date, but it was confirmed to be in production as of 2023. Judging from this lack of information, we can project that the series will come out in 2025 at the earliest on CrunchyRoll and follow on Netflix at some point afterward.

Until then, fans can relive Yuji’s story as well as view the Jujutsu Kaisen film that came out in 2021. Entitled Jujutsu Kaisen 0, the film is adapted from the manga of the same name and revolves around another sorcerer: Yuta Okkotsu.

Six years after the death of his friend, Rita Orimoto, Yuta is still dealing with the consequences. They had promised to get married one day, and after her death, her spirit clings to the young sorcerer as a protective force. The standalone story was a massive success, earning a Certified Fresh score of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. The prequel to the series should whet the appetites of fans yearning for season 3.

According to GamesRadar, season 3 of Jujutsu Kaisen will follow the manga story of the Shibuya Incident Arc, where the rogue sorcerer Geto tries to seal the blindfolded icon, Gojo, an authority figure at Jujutsu High. Until the season comes to fruition, however, viewers will have to make do with seasons 1 and 2.

Those craving medieval arrow-based wealth distribution are in luck, as Variety is reporting that The Death of Robin Hood is about to go into production.

However, this new venture may not be the typical fare about an archer stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. The official synopsis for the film tells quite a different story. 

“A battleworn loner finds himself gravely injured and in the hands of a mysterious woman, who offers him a chance at salvation.”

So, basically The Dark Knight Returns version of Robin Hood? The film will be helmed by Michael Sarnoski, a director not exactly known for his gentle subject matter. For reference, the filmmaker is responsible for the excellent Nicolas Cage film, Pig, and be warned, it did not have a happy ending.

Sarnoski is also doing post-production on A Quiet Place: Day One, if that gives fans any indication of what they will be in for. He announced the following statement about his feelings on approaching the film.

“It has been an incredible opportunity to reinvent and freshly innovate the story we all know of Robin Hood. Securing the perfect cast to transform the script to screen was essential.”

And a perfect cast, Sarnoski received.

The Death of Robin Hood release date and cast

Hugh Jackman will play this older take on Robin Hood and, after Logan, he’s no stranger to a story that explores the legacy of a classic character. Jackman will be joined in this project by Killing Eve star, Jodie Comer, playing a mysterious woman who finds herself in the path of the Old Man Robin. Comer got her start in the period drama about the Plantagenet era in The White Princess and, more recently, starred in Ridley Scott’s devastating chronicle about the famous 14th-century sexual assault case, The Last Duel. 

At the time of this writing, the film is in early development. The project will begin production in Feb. 2025. If the film stays on schedule, fans can expect the movie to release in 2026 at the earliest.

That’s about all we know about The Death of Robin Hood, but fans can expect an exciting twist on an old story as information becomes available.

Netflix has finally jumped on board the medical procedural train. The upcoming series, Pulse,  will be the first of its kind on the streaming platform. 

According to Tudum, the series is reportedly set at the Miami-Dade hospital in the titular city. Like its primetime network predecessors, Pulse will follow the emergencies in the medical facility and the lives of the doctors and other emergency personnel. But as this is a Netflix series, it may not be your mother’s medical drama. Though it follows the characters’ personal lives, a la Grey’s Anatomy, the name should tell you everything. The Netflix series doesn’t get its title from the hospital or town. Pulse is a medical drama for the streaming era and has gathered many industry professionals to prove it.

Executive produced by Lost co-showrunner, Carlton Cuse, that may be all the evidence you need that this is something different. Cuse also lent his talent to the bizarre and captivating A&E series, Bates Motel, starring Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore. Pulse has also tapped The Equalizer scribe, Zoe Robyn, to run the show. Pulse promises to have many surprises when it streams on Netflix.

Pulse release date and cast

As of this writing, Netflix has yet to publicize the release date for the upcoming series. However, there is a bit of information concerning who will appear in the procedural. Fresh off his appearance as young Winston in the Peacock limited series, The Continental, Colin Woodell leads the cast. He will appear opposite Willa Fitzgerald, who Netflix promises will indulge in a steamy romance. Fitzgerald plays Danielle Simms, a third-year resident who gets wrapped up with her chief resident, Xander Phillips (Woodell). Typical of many doctors on television, Xander is headstrong and confident, despite his romantic drama. 

Also on the books is Jessie T. Usher, who will play the antithesis of his The Boys character. Sam Elijah is calm and collected in his role as a resident, though competitive. Jack Bannon, Daniela Nieves, and Jessy Yates round out the cast. These actors have appeared in Pennyworth, Vampire Academy, and Law & Order: SVU, respectively. This list is solid and could be instrumental in pushing the series ahead of others of its ilk. It also would not be a Cuse production without including Lost actor, Néstor Carbonell. After appearing briefly in the Hulu phenomenon Shōgun, Carbonell appears as Dr. Ruben Soriano, an intimidating senior surgeon.  

Chelsea Muirhead, Justina Machado, Santiago Segura, Jessica Rothe, Arturo Del Puerto, and Ash Santos are credited as recurring guest stars. Further details for the series remain mysterious, but fans should tune into Netflix when it premieres. 

The music industry has many iconic and innovative artist who tragically died before their time, and Layne Staley from Alice In Chains was one of them.

Contemporaries of Nirvana and Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains was a fellow grunge group with a unique soun. Most notable for Staley’s vocal harmonies with guitarist Jerry Cantrell, their music reflected the darkness the band experienced. Despite their success in the ‘90s, the group went through periods of strain, to say the least. Staley’s heroin addiction was known to the public and noted in a famous 1996 Rolling Stone interview, which pointed out the track marks on his hands. Staley himself mentioned this in his own words. 

“When I tried drugs, they were f–ing great, and they worked for me for years, and now they’re turning against me — and now I’m walking through hell, and this sucks.”

In retrospect, hearing Staley’s comments on the subject portended his tragic future. 

Layne Staley’s last photos

Staley’s last show as Alice in Chains frontman was during the four-night engagement with KISS in 1996. The musician overdosed, leading the band to go on hiatus. They never recovered, and Staley started leading a reclusive life, continuing his drug dependency. Throughout his final years, Staley would publicly acknowledge how drugs affected him. In a 2002 interview with Far Out Magazine, he acknowledged how much drugs had hurt his body, a heartbreaking prophecy for what would happen next.

“The pain is more than you can handle. It’s the worst pain in the world. Dope sick hurts the entire body.”

It was only a few months later that Staley died from his addiction on April 5. Even more tragic, his body would not be found until weeks later. Staley had faded from public life and even the lives of his friends. Only when his accountant raised concerns about his lack of activity were the police dispatched to his home. Staley died at only 34 years old after overdosing on a speedball. His band members were shaken by the news and released the following statement:

“We are proud to have known him, to be his friend, and to create music with him. For the past decade, Layne struggled greatly — we can only hope that he has at last found some peace. We love you, Layne. Dearly. And we will miss you… endlessly.”

Fans and family alike remember Staley for what he gave them. His contribution to the music scene with his visceral lyrics was instrumental for many. Even two decades after the fact, his legacy remains.

Almost a decade after War For the Planet of the Apes premiered, and fans are gearing up for its sequel. Entitled, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the film takes ape supremacy even further.

As humans feared, apes are now the dominant species on the planet. The virus that made them smarter has effectively wiped humans off the map, with only a few struggling to survive. For fans of the franchise, this was the natural course of events and three films in the making. But as viewers head into theaters to see a new era unfold, one question is undoubtedly on everyone’s mind.

Will Caesar be represented in this new hierarchy? It is hard to imagine an Apes movie without this formidable force. In the previous three films, motion cap icon Andy Serkis portrayed the head of the ape resistance with remarkable gravitas and vulnerability. But he’s become so synonymous with the franchise that going on without him almost seems like sacrilege.

How does Caesar appear in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes?

Fans with even a cursory knowledge of War For the Planet of the Apes, know that the outlook is not great for Caesar. After defeating the mad Colonel (Woody Harrelson) and rescuing his family from work camps, Caesar takes a fatal wound. The final shot is the ape leader dying in a new paradise he has found for his family. 

There is another factor that puts a kink in the plan of Caesar’s return. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is not set directly in the aftermath of the ape leader’s death. Actually, it takes place a good three centuries after the fact. Unless Caesar is returning like some Force ghost, it’s safe to say he will physically not be there. But that doesn’t mean his presence will be absent in the film. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes makes sure to acknowledge him as a figure, notably by the name of the leader of this new world order. Kevin Durand plays leader, Proximus Caesar, and told Empire Magazine how his predecessor appears in the film. 

“Caesar is almost a religious figure, and Proximus has taken on the name Caesar because it was the highest position held in ape society. It was a self-proclamation that was achieved by any means necessary, to ensure that apes continue to evolve. So you’re seeing the influence and the evolution of what Caesar left. And, like in every morsel of human history, there’s always some type of tyrant who comes along and scares everyone into believing them.”

Proximus Caesar’s only interest is in power, which is antithetical to what Prime Caesar would have wanted. He uses the knowledge of Caesar as a method of control, as any dictator does. But that doesn’t mean that Caesar will be totally forgotten. Our hero, Noa (Owen Teague), may not know who Caesar was, but the trajectory of the film is about him finding what his legacy means. Caesar will live on in this franchise, even if fans sadly do not get to see the acting prowess of Serkis. Viewers can catch Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes in theaters starting May 8.