Let’s just slip into geek out mode for a few minutes with these ten new Dawn of the Planet of the Apes stills released by Empire Magazine and USA Today, among others. The stills reveal nearly the entire cast of Dawn characters, some really cool CGI and the biggest news of all – it looks like the formerly mild-mannered and lovable Caesar is now wielding a shotgun.

Watch the Dawn teaser trailer below.


We also get several glimpses of the apes, which have well and truly taken over the world by the time of the film. The virus, released in Rise has by this point wiped almost all of humanity, including James Franco’s character from the previous film (or his contract expired, both valid possibilities). Either way, the main protagonist is now Gary Oldman’s character, the leader of a small band of survivors, whom we’ve already seen give a rousing speech in one Dawn trailer. Oldman stars alongside Jason Clarke and Keri Russell, the other leaders of the colony, which settles just outside of San Francisco.

"The small group of humans are struggling to come back from devastation, and the apes are fighting for survival," says director Matt Reeves for USA Today. "The big question is, can they co-exist?"

"We all know it doesn't become Planet of Humans and Apes," says Reeves. "It becomes Planet of the Apes. But this is that one moment of time where there is hope for humans."

Watch Matt Reeves and Keri Russell discuss survival in Dawn at Comic-Con.


 The apes have formed a complex, functional society based on Ceasar’s teaching of a number of skills. Oh, and he’s married now, too. Jurassic World actress Judy Greer was chosen for the part of Caesar's wife Cornelia. Stunt coordinator and movement choreographer Terry Notary, a former Cirque du Soleil performer, had to give the green light to Greer's performance.

"Terry was supposed to report back to me to see if Judy would be able to express herself in a simian way," says Reeves. "He called me afterwards and said that Judy was going to make a great ape. And she is."

Read More: Third Planet of the Apes Film Confirmed

Read More: First Teaser for Dawn Is Darker Than Anything in the Franchise

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Promo
Caesar is 100% done.