We’ve been told the Planet of the Apes prequel is called Caesar and that it’s scouring the realm of B-list directors for a suitable candidate, but since when does that mean it is actually happening? Despite the barrage of criticism that’s destined to come its way, Caesar will be made and it’s happening much sooner than you’d think.

As tweeted by Production Weekly, “The Fox Planet Of The Apes prequel Caesar has opened production offices at Mammoth Studios in Burnaby, BC - filming starts mid-July.” It’s impossible to be anything but pessimistic about this project. First off, who wants a Planet of the Apes prequel anyway? Secondly, and more importantly, is 2001 that long ago that we’ve forgot about the Tim Burton travesty?

Oh well, it’s coming and there’s nothing we can do about it. With a mid-July start date, hiring details must be on the way. Perhaps attaching some decent talent will raise hopes. We’re also nearly completely devoid of plot details. Yes, we know it’s a prequel, but that leaves one too many possible paths of pursuit and one too many that are likely heading in the wrong direction. Way back when, in 2008, PW provided this synopsis: “The origins of how the Apes took over Earth. A hyper-intelligent chimp raised by humans incites a worldwide ape revolution and causes the downfall of mankind.” Gee, that sounds, er – different.