Talking Apes Ape-tacular Halloween Special 2026!

“What a wonderful day!” – Proximus Caesar, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

That’s right, Talking Apes is back with a Halloween Ape-Tacular episode, and we’re celebrating not one, but TWO special occasions: Halloween and the 12th anniversary of Talking Apes! Original co-host Mark Oguschewitz returns to join Richard, Kevin, and Dr. Zaius puppet for a fun-filled reunion packed with ape-tastic memories, news, nostalgia, and a few spooky surprises!

After a year-long hiatus, we kick things off by explaining what’s kept us away from the ApeVerse for so long. We won’t spoil everything here, but one major reason is that Richard and his wife Sarah have been hard at work on their new book, So You Think You Know Star Wars, from Chronicle Books! It’s the first officially licensed Star Wars trivia book in more than 20 years, arriving November 17!

Preorder your copy here: https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/book/

Apes Return to Malibu Creek State Park!

In September, Richard and Mark attended Stories Under the Stars, a special event celebrating the 50th anniversary of Malibu Creek State Park opening to the public. Once part of the historic Fox Ranch, the property became a California state park in 1976 and has served as a filming location for countless movies and television shows, including several Planet of the Apes films!

Naturally, you can’t celebrate this iconic location without a few apes! Apemania transported some familiar faces through time and across the ApeVerse for the occasion, including Zira, Cornelius, Dr. Zaius, Ursus, Julius the gorilla jailer, and a gorilla soldier. We share our experiences from this memorable celebration and revisit the park’s incredible Hollywood history.

Explore the park’s filming history: https://malibucreekstatepark.org/about/movies-tv/

What’s Next for Planet of the Apes?

News of another Planet of the Apes film has us talking! Reports suggest the next installment may take the franchise in a different direction rather than directly continuing the storylines established in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. What does this mean for the future of the Ape franchise? We have opinions. Lots and LOTS of opinions!

A Halloween Costume Ape-Stravaganza!

What’s Halloween without a few questionable costumes? We’re taking a hilarious trip through the history of Planet of the Apes costumes, from officially licensed Ben Cooper Halloween creations and dedicated 1970s cosplayers to some truly bizarre designs that leave us wondering, “Who approved THAT?” We also take a look at Baby Zira!

And in a shocking turn of events, Richard—who famously prefers to keep his collectibles sealed in their original packaging—does the unthinkable and unboxes his NECA Ape Warrior trick-or-treat figure!

Trick or Treating in Ape City!

We close out our Halloween celebration by revisiting our Ape City Trick or Treating segments from 2024 and 2025, featuring Bobby Porter, who portrayed Cornelius in Battle for the Planet of the Apes, returning to the role for some Halloween fun!

So grab your ear buds, put on your best ape costume, and join us for a spooky, nostalgic, and wonderfully ridiculous celebration of 12 years of Talking Apes!

Go Ape, and Happy Halloween!

Support YOUR Planet of the Apes podcast with these new shirts available at https://skywalkingthroughneverland.dashery.com/

Audio version is below: