In an engaging interview conducted by Savannah Jewel, Peter Macon and Eka Darville talked about their experiences working on "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes." Peter Macon shared insights from his extensive acting background that spans from theater to film, with a particular focus on his significant experience in clown school. He credits this training as crucial in shaping his versatile acting skills, which were invaluable when adapting to the high-tech demands of performance capture. This method required him to bring a high level of imagination and authenticity to his role, devoid of the conventional props and settings typical in film or theater.Alongside Macon, Eka Darville discussed the rigorous preparation involved in portraying their ape characters, emphasizing the physical and behavioral training at 'AP school.'
The actors studied various ape species to authentically embody their characters' traits, involving a lot of improvisation and background storytelling. Both actors also highlighted the steep learning curve and the initial challenges of working with performance capture technology. Despite these challenges, they noted how these experiences enriched their acting skills and contributed to a more genuine depiction of their characters in the film, underscoring the blend of technical challenge and creative expression that defined their roles.