NOTE: This article features spoilers for the film. Do not continue to read if you have not seen the film or have not read our review of the film.
Dawn of the Planet of Apes director Matt Reeves revealed in an interview that he had a much different ending for the film in mind, but was cut in the later phases of post-production in order to leave the film more free and open for future installments and to place more emotional weight on the film's final scenes.
In an video interview with Collider, Reeves alluded to an alternate ending to the film that featured a battle between the apes and the military forces that aided the human camp. Reeves explains that he changes his mind at the last minute for a variety of reasons, claiming that he did not want to be “boxed in.”
Reeves admitted that he not only was considering future installments, but wanted to avoid a sequel bait ending, choosing to instead end on a more emotionally poignant moment between ape leader Caesar (played by Andy Serkis) and human survivor Malcolm (played by Jason Clarke). Such a moment, implies Cinema Blend, is supposed to make us dread the upcoming war between apes and man, rather than make us excited about it.
Cinema Blend, however, noticed that this more combat-focused original ending was hinted in the marketing of the film, including clips from the final trailer featuring lines about the military and shots of large military ships heading toward San Francisco with a group of apes hanging on the Golden Gate Bridge, ready to attack the looming ship.
Reeves admitted, however, that an extended version of the film will be released on the film’s Blu Ray release. Collider even noted that composer Michael Giacchino has already composed music for the footage that will be included in the extended cut. Whether the Blu Ray will include this alternate ending is unknown, however.
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