Wing Commander Movie Night: Planet of the Apes

The Wing Commander movie club is home from the (check notes) Bungo Straights and we can confidently say that yes, the Wing Commander movie does owe quite a bit to Run Silent, Run Deep. This week, we're taking the DEDFLASH space/time cruiser back to the future… the distant future of the original Planet of the Apes! You can join us this Friday via Discord to watch along.

The original Planet of the Apes sends Charlton Heston to the distant future as a lone astronaut stranded on a… well, planet of apes. Adapted from Pierre Boulle's novel by the brilliant Rod Sirling, Planet of the Apes' mix of clever plotting, allegory and action helped set a new standard in quality for science fiction blockbusters that had previously been treated more like childrens' fare. It's bold and engaging even when the entire world already knows the twist ending!

With regards to the Wing Commander connection, we normally pick movies that are mentioned as influences in interviews or other behind the scenes narratives. This is one we picked out from a photograph! Look carefully at this image from Wing Commander III's creature workshop which shows the construction of one of the game's Kilrathi masks. One of the references they're using is the album art for the Planet of the Apes soundtrack with a picture of Dr. Zaius! Oh, Dr. Zaius!

Fans suspected as much long before these photos ever surfaced, though; you can't look Wing Commander III Melek in the face without being reminded of those classic apes! If anything, it's more of a surprise that they're using so much material from Wing Commander II as reference.

Planet of the Apes also shares a ship name with Privateer II, the Icarus… but it's not one that's mentioned in the movie. Cool ship, though!

Where can I find a copy of the movie for the watch party?

You can download a copy of Planet of the Apes from the Internet Archive. It is also currently available for rent or purchase on all the standard services. If you would like a physical copy, the movie was released on Blu-Ray in 2008 and remains in print around the world. If you are not able to locate a copy please stop by the Discord and ping a CIC staff member before Friday's showing.

How do we watch the movie together?

It's pretty low tech! Simply join the Wing Commander CIC Discord on Friday and we will be chatting (in text) along with the film in the main channel. Everyone who wants to join in should bring their own copy and we will count down to play them together at 10 PM EST. Everyone is welcome and we encourage you to join in the conversation; sharing your thoughts helps make the experience better for everyone!