The ending of “Planet of the Apes” leaves viewers with a shocking and iconic twist. After escaping the clutches of the ape civilization, astronaut George Taylor discovers the ruins of the Statue of Liberty on the shoreline, realizing he has been on Earth all along, albeit in a distant, dystopian future. This revelation turns the narrative on its head, highlighting themes of human folly and the potential for self-destruction.
The final scene’s impact lies in its profound commentary on society and its ability to resonate with audiences long after the credits roll. Table of Contents Also Read: The ending then sees Leo, the human protagonist, reunited with Pericles, the chimpanzee he had followed into the electromagnetic storm at the beginning of the film. This ceases the hostilities between humans and apes, and Leo is able to use Pericles’ intact pod to fly back into the storm in the hopes of returning home.
However, upon emerging from the storm and crash-landing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Leo is horrified to find that the statue has been replaced with one of General Thade, and he is surrounded by a simian police force. This unexpected twist effectively flips the original “Planet of the Apes” premise on its head, leaving audiences and critics alike confused by the convoluted and unconventional ending. A Messy Conclusion to Leo’s Journey While the film’s overall Ashlar storyline is wrapped up neatly, the confusing final twist of the ending creates a som.