If Hollywood ever needs a casting director, Freya Allan might just have a future in the business. While promoting Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the latest installment in the iconic sci-fi franchise, Freya made the bold (and hilarious) suggestion that her former The Witcher co-star, Henry Cavill, could be the perfect fit for a sequel—playing none other than a large silverback gorilla.

Of course, I immediately lost all journalistic integrity and threw professionalism out the window by joking that Henry should play a silverback to match his silver tongue. Without missing a beat, Freya laughed and agreed, saying, “Oh, God. Yeah.” Hollywood, take notes!

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: The Next Evolution of a Classic

Directed by Wes Ball (The Maze Runner trilogy), Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes takes place years after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes. The film follows Noa, a young ape played by Owen Teague, as he navigates a world where apes have taken over and humans are on the brink of extinction. Alongside Teague, the cast includes Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy, bringing new depth and intrigue to the legendary franchise.

With Matt Reeves’ Planet of the Apes films setting a high bar, Wes Ball is aiming to push the story even further. He’s exploring a new chapter where apes have formed distinct cultures and societies while humans fight for survival. If that doesn’t scream blockbuster, I don’t know what does!

From The Witcher to the Wilds of the Apes

Freya Allan and Henry Cavill first crossed paths on The Witcher, where she played Ciri and he played the gruff-yet-dashing Geralt of Rivia. Their on-screen relationship was a mix of mentorship, protection, and, let’s be honest, some very dramatic brooding. While Cavill has since departed from The Witcher, their bond remains strong—at least strong enough for Freya to envision him as an ape ruler in a Planet of the Apes sequel.

Henry Cavill in a mo-cap suit, grunting orders as a silverback gorilla? Honestly, it’s not the most far-fetched thing Hollywood has done.

Wes Ball Wants Tom Hanks as an Orangutan?

Freya wasn’t the only one getting creative with casting choices. In my other Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes interview, I spoke to director Wes Ball, who threw out his own dream casting: Academy Award-winner Tom Hanks as an orangutan. That’s right—Forrest Gump meets Planet of the Apes. Imagine Hanks lending his signature warmth and wisdom to an ape elder, dishing out philosophical advice between banana breaks.

While there’s no official word on a sequel just yet, these casting ideas alone should be enough to get the conversation started. Hollywood, let’s make it happen—Henry Cavill as a silverback, Tom Hanks as an orangutan, and Freya Allan leading the charge.

What do you think? Could you see Henry Cavill ruling over the Planet of the Apes? Or should Tom Hanks bring some wholesome vibes to the franchise? Let us know!

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is released in UK cinemas on 9th May.