From Human To Simian: An Actor's Journey On The Planet Of The Apes

Those damn, dirty apes are back and better than ever in the new summer blockbuster WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES. Since 1968, the PLANET OF THE APES franchise has had a vast cast of characters that populated the primate dominated apocalypse. This time around instead of interviewing one of the many people who created the apes, I had the opportunity to talk to one of the apes themselves, actor Michael Adamthwaite who stars as Luca,Caesar's faithful & loyal gorilla lieutenant.

AM: What was your first introduction to the franchise? Were you a fan of the previous films?

Michael Adamthwaite: I loved the previous films. They all had that same huge feel. That grand scope, often a wasteland with a stronghold inside. But it’s the same themes, the struggle for life in a hostile world at odds.

AM: How did you get involved with the film; did you audition or did Terry Notary and Weta Digital bring you onboard?

Michael Adamthwaite: I auditioned. I then had a movement call back with Terry and ultimately won the role.

AM: When you got the part, did you study gorillas, in terms of their behavior and intelligence, before you worked with Terry or did he help you with that as well?

Michael Adamthwaite: I worked quite diligently watching everything they provided. Sadly I couldn’t make any Zoo time. We rode horses everyday, and made time for hours of Ape camp. For over a MONTH it was all I thought about, I was consumed by their awareness level. They are animals present in nature. Totally in their bodies, but also I had to digest the realities of the film.

AM: Did you study what Scott Lang did in Dawn after gaining the role? And did you study Richard Ridings’ performance as Buck in Rise since Luca is Buck’s successor?

Michael Adamthwaite: I had seen the films of course, and loved both performances immensely. But at this stage of his life, LUCA is different. Through Terry anyone could become their own Silverback. The posture is so well defined by their size and make up. Once you feel it, you know. Hardened by combat and the loss of so many for years. There is a different weight now in him. That was critical for me, and had to be there in his movement. The weight of all that the history, and the unfortunate circumstances. He has a clearly defined role in this film. I am honored to have the privilege of portraying him in this film.

AM: Can you talk about ape school and working with Terry, along with the other actors and stunt people?

Michael Adamthwaite: It was tremendous really. I went in thinking I was going to be building up this huge layer and posing my way through this experience… but quite the opposite was true. It was about stripping down layers, and allowing real things to be real. Terry created an incredible world of study for us. He put us on our “ Arms” and set us loose in the wild.

AM: Did you work closely with Ty Olsson and Aleks Paunovic since the three of you were playing gorillas?

Michael Adamthwaite: We were all alone together. Some schedules didn’t intersect a lot. I worked mostly with Aleks, he was amazing to watch. Winter has this incredible fear, but also a survivor’s strength. I can only see Aleks’ face when I see Winter. That look is so pure.

AM: It seemed to be a really bonding experience from what I understand it, is that how you would describe it?

Michael Adamthwaite: Exactly how I would describe it, yes.

AM: Previous to this, you were King Magni in Warcraft and the Butcher Boy in The BFG, was this “easier” in a way that you’re playing a digital character who is roughly around the same height and physicality as you?

Michael Adamthwaite: They each offered a particular level of difficulty, I don’t think I could compare them. Its all a lot of leg work. I now have Gigantic legs.

AM: You had previously done performance capture in the volume, but this is the first time where you got to go out on location and sets built outside. What were your thoughts about a change in setting?

Michael Adamthwaite: It was incredibly liberating to be outside and “free”. But it also allowed us to connect more strongly to each other. When we were cold…we were all cold. Wet was ALL wet, tired was WE tired. We became Family.

AM: What was your first day on location?

Michael Adamthwaite: We shot in TOFINO BC at the Oyster shack where we meet NOVA. Simply Breathtaking.

AM: What was it like working with Andy Serkis, Terry Notary, and Karin Konoval? Being the youngest of the four, did that play a part in the dynamic?

Michael Adamthwaite: Luca’s age didn’t seem to impact his role in the group. It wasn’t something I was going to bring in. As the youngest cast member I had the much bigger job of holding my own. Andy, Terry, and Karin have all had countless hours to meld as performers. I had a handful of hours. Thankfully everyone named above happens to be the most kind and giving person I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. You add Steve Zahn & Amiah Miller…this was hands down the best film making experience ever.

AM: What was it like working with Matt Reeves?

Michael Adamthwaite: Matt was everything you can ask for in a Director. He was always so thoughtful & open to ideas, but rigid in the conditions that shaped all the choices. He knows the story so well. It was a career highlight for sure. One I hope to repeat.

AM: I’m curious to know, what’s the relationship between the ape actors and visual effects artists like, both on set and throughout production?

Michael Adamthwaite: We are all one & the same team. Our Grey Army, & their Computer Army. Together we form our own giant movie-making robot. Work everyday is business as usual. It’s a huge undertaking, but you can feel the excitement from everyone there. After a certain point their work takes over, its months and months. They deserve far more credit than they get.(cough) OSCARS!!!

AM: How challenging was shooting performance capture in snow?

Michael Adamthwaite: Very….cccccold. Thankfully there is a diligent crew who takes care of us. I love them all.

AM: We are treading into spoiler territory, but the final trailer did give it away. Could you talk about the filming of your death scene? It was truly heartbreaking.

Michael Adamthwaite: Awww thanks. It was hard, yes. But knowing he’s dying for a reason makes death easier for LUCA. After so much waste and needless death, I think he feels comforted by his company at his side. Saving Caesar saves all of Ape kind in the end. The greater good is a big responsibility. Heavy.

AM: What scene was your last day?

Michael Adamthwaite: I can’t recall the actual scene. I only remember wrapping the same day as Andy. I got to hear him speak on his last day as Caesar. He was magnificent.

AM: You’re quite well known for your voice work, yet Luca is like Rocket and doesn’t speak. Could you talk about doing ADR for Luca? Did you study gorilla vocalizations to help you out with finding Luca’s “voice”? And did Andy help you out with his experience from working on King Kong?

Michael Adamthwaite: Discovering Luca’s voice was funny, & quite a simple thing. What really broke the formula down for me was my Dogs. I have large African Mastiffs. HUGE dogs, massive chest cavity, not unlike Apes and Humans. One day not long after getting the call from Apes. I was running and playing with them in the yard, & celebration play turned into a moment of inspiration. I just listened to them breath for what seemed like a long time. After a while these large and small sounds, made the beginnings of his voice. Andy is a huge inspiration, someone I’ve watched for a long time.

AM: Even though he was in the last film, when was the first time when you saw the fully rendered Luca?

Michael Adamthwaite: I saw a concept drawing at an early meeting, and some rendered photos. Very striking images. An incredible prescence.

AM: Weta usually incorporates the actor’s features, primarily facial shapes, into the character. Could you spot any of your features in Luca that weren’t in Dawn?

Michael Adamthwaite: My wife sure did. She pointed out in detail all my features. I think I saw my eyes. But it’s hard to be objective. I listened to the feedback from friends and family. They all say he looks like me.

AM: I don’t want to bash makeup effects, but if these prequels still created the apes with prosthetics (cough) by Rick Baker(cough), would you have still taken the role?

Michael Adamthwaite: Totally. I love prosthetics. It would have been difficult I’m sure but. I would have done anything to be in this film. Glad it worked out.

AM: What were your family and friends’ reactions when they saw images and footage of you as Luca?

Michael Adamthwaite: They all said “couldn’t believe how much he looks like you." Very funny when you consider I’m a huge Ape.

AM: When did you get to see the final film and how was your experience?

Michael Adamthwaite: I was sadly busy during many of the big screenings. I saw it in Vancouver in the end. It was breath taking very excited. Glad to have my wife Danika with me for the screening.

AM: You’ve played a 4’ dwarf king, a 40 something foot giant, and now a 6’7” western lowland gorilla. Did you ever imagine that you would have the opportunity to play a wide range of characters?

Michael Adamthwaite: It’s been the single greatest goal of my career. Blend in and disappear, change my voice and movement. Unlock the army of characters in me. Vanish and commit to another beings will and wants and goals, good or evil.

AM: Looking back, were there any highlights in the making of it?

Michael Adamthwaite: All day every day ;)

AM: What did you take away from this film as an actor and what did you take away as an audience member?

As an actor I always try and find the highlights in the moments. The times when everything gets fuzzy, the elements of fiction fade. I find myself drawn to that kind of vanishing. It reveals so much. As an audience member I had a pretty wild ride, I couldn’t help but get dragged along. So many feels.

AM: What do you hope audiences will take away from this film?

Michael Adamthwaite: I hope they see themselves. I hope they see the greater good. I hope they see the madness. I hope they choose LOVE.

AM: People asked Andy if he would return to the franchise as another character and he’s open to the possibility of it. Devyn Dalton played Cornelia in Rise and is now back as Cornelius; Ty played Chief Hamill and is now Red. If you were given the opportunity to return as another character, would you accept it?

Michael Adamthwaite: In a word, yes. I am open to portraying any character. Storytellers tell stories. I am lucky to be a happy story teller.

AM: The PLANET OF THE APES franchise has always had messages about race, equality, corruption, and the human condition among others and is still very relevant. These prequels honor the past, share many of the messages, but bring their own take to it. Even though I love the original films, their depiction of apes are far from accurate and I’m really glad that you brought the real gentle, kind nature of gorillas to Luca. Thank so much Michael for taking the time for this interview, for playing this noble character, and for being a part of this phenomenal franchise.

Michael Adamthwaite: Thank you Andy. Thanks for your time also. Stay Human. Hope that we all do the same.

You can see Michael as Luca and his fellow actors in WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES. I highly suggest seeing it on the big screen, where it deserves to be viewed, while you can. And remember...APES TOGETHER STRONG!!!