In the latest installment of the renowned Apes franchise, actor Kevin Durand assumes the role of Proximus Caesar, the antagonist in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.”
Durand’s portrayal in the film draws striking parallels to the notable entrepreneur Elon Musk, as he incorporates some of Musk’s mannerisms into his character. Speaking on the Inside Total Film podcast, Durand acknowledged the comparisons, expressing his amusement at being likened to the tech titan. Despite playing an ape, Durand finds it gratifying that Musk’s influence still shines through in his performance.
Known for his roles in “Lost” and “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” Durand revealed that Musk served as one of his inspirations while preparing for the role of the alpha ape. He studied charismatic speakers such as Tony Robbins, Elon Musk, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, aiming to emulate their commanding presence and charisma.
In the film, Proximus Caesar mirrors Musk’s disruptive nature. Set in a world where electrical power has disappeared, Durand’s character reclaims it and utilizes it to establish dominance over his simian counterparts.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is slated to hit theaters this Friday, promising audiences an enthralling cinematic experience.