Why Didn’t the Humans Nuke the Apes in War for the Planet of the Apes

In the elaborate and thought-provoking world of War for the Planet of the Apes, the conflict between humans and apes takes center stage. A critical question often raised by viewers is why the humans didn't resort to using nuclear weapons against their intelligent primate adversaries. This article delves into the nuances of the film's universe, exploring the reasons behind this decision and the implications of such a scenario.

Universe Context and Constraints

The War for the Planet of the Apes trilogy focuses on the aftermath of a pandemic that wiped out most of humanity, leaving a few factions and the intelligent apes as the surviving species. In the time between War for the Planet of the Apes Rise and War for the Planet of the Apes: Dawn of the Apes, a virus emerged that began decimating the human population, leading to a state of emergency and potential martial law.

Given the circumstances, it is plausible that the government or military leadership would have taken drastic measures to secure weapons of mass destruction (WMD) from falling into the wrong hands. In this context, nuclear weapons might have been stored in secure locations only accessible to select government officials. The lead antagonist, The Colonel (played by Woody Harrelson), was likely not in possession of these weapons, as evidenced by his failure to use any during the brutal chase scene.

Fictional Factors and Plot Decisions

The film is, of course, a work of fiction, and the writers likely made this particular decision to enhance the emotional impact of the story rather than to follow a realistic timeline. Utilizing nuclear weapons would have drastically altered the narrative, shifting focus away from the cultural and emotional connections established between humans and apes.

By excluding the use of nuclear weapons, the filmmakers could explore deeper themes of survival, morality, and empathy. The absence of nuclear attack ensures that the film remains rooted in the human-animal conflict, providing more opportunities for character development and emotional depth.

Scientific and Social Ramifications

Assuming the scenarios presented in the film are plausible, the absence of nuclear attacks on apes has significant implications for their evolutionary trajectory. The pestilence responsible for the human population's decline likely affected both sides, with both apes and humans suffering from the same virus. This shared adversity might have fostered a sense of unity or mutual respect between the two species, preventing outright annihilation through WMD.

It is also worth considering the long-term consequences if such weapons had been used. The destruction of apes and survival of humans would have irrevocably altered the course of evolution, leading to a very different outcome for the planet. With intelligent apes potentially evolving further to fill the void left by humans, this alternate history would have profound effects on the planet's ecosystems and cultural development.

The Apes' Evolution and Human Degradation

In the original Planet of the Apes series, a common narrative suggested that apes evolved intelligence through a nuclear war, while humans regressed. However, the modern take of War for the Planet of the Apes offers a more nuanced perspective. The intelligence of both apes and humans appears to have evolved through natural selection and adaptation, rather than through a catastrophic technological advancement.

A nuclear attack on apes would have perpetuated a vision of intelligence as a liability, leading to further regression in human societies. This scenario might explain the reluctance of Colonel to use nuclear weapons, as it could be seen as a cruel and unnecessary act, an unnecessary destruction of what little could be left of human civilization.

Conclusion

The decision not to depict the use of nuclear weapons in War for the Planet of the Apes serves multiple narrative and thematic purposes. It preserves the emotional and intellectual connection established between humans and apes, and it offers a more hopeful and realistic depiction of survival in an apocalyptic setting. While the absence of nuclear weapons remains a fascinating point of discussion, it underscores the film's themes of unity and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.