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Writer's pictureChristina Hammoud

Planet of the Apes Interview





Hey everyone! Christina Hammoud here, your go-to Entertainment Reporter from America's Gone Viral. https://americasgoneviral.com/

Today, I’m beyond thrilled to share an insider’s look into the fantastical world of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. I had the incredible opportunity to dive deep into the creative minds behind this film and experience firsthand the magic of its production. Buckle up as we explore the genius of Virginia Sotelo and Carol Madrigal, two phenomenal women at Weta FX who helped bring this thrilling saga to life!



I had the pleasure of chatting with Virginia Sotelo, the Senior Motion Editor at Weta FX, through a virtual interview on Zoom. Virginia's story is truly inspiring. She vividly recalls how watching Disney's The Little Mermaid as a child sparked her lifelong passion for animation. "I knew I wanted to be an animator when I watched The Little Mermaid," she told me with a nostalgic smile. "Growing up in a small town, there wasn't much information, but my dream was crystal clear."Virginia joined Weta FX in 2016, and her journey has been nothing short of magical. She’s contributed her expertise to acclaimed projects like The BFG and Avatar: The Way of Water. On Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Virginia’s role allowed her to blend realism with fantasy, crafting lifelike performances and immersive worlds that truly captivate audiences.

Next, I spoke with Carol Madrigal, a Motion Editor at Weta FX, via Zoom. Carol’s

enthusiasm is contagious! "It was exhilarating to work on apes!" she exclaimed. "I love animals, and delving deep into studying ape motion was both a challenge and a joy." Her passion and commitment shine through her work, adding incredible depth and authenticity to the film’s characters.Carol shared how fantastic it was to immerse herself in this new story for almost a year. "I thought it was fantastic to dedicate so much time to such a compelling project," she said. Her experience on projects like Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Marvel’s Eternals clearly shows in the detailed and realistic portrayal of the apes in this film.

My exclusive interviews with Virginia and Carol via Zoom gave me a unique glimpse into the creative process behind Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. It was clear that this project is a significant win for women in the film industry. "This project is a win for women in the film industry," I noted during our conversation, celebrating the pivotal roles played by talented women like Virginia and Carol.

I also had the incredible privilege of attending a private screening of the film in Miami. This firsthand experience added even more depth to my insights, further emphasizing the impact and anticipation surrounding this movie.




The film takes viewers on a captivating adventure, showcasing the continuation of the saga after the death of Caesar. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it delves into themes of survival, morality, and the complex dynamics between humans and apes. With breathtaking visual effects and gripping storytelling, this movie is a thrilling and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

So, don’t miss out! Swing into action-packed ape adventures and experience the magic of storytelling like never before with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, now playing nationwide in theaters. Join me in celebrating the creativity, dedication, and brilliance of these incredible women and their contributions to this epic tale!


Until next time,

Christina Hammoud

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