Why Charlton Heston Didn't Want To Star In The Planet Of The Apes Sequel

Beneath the Planet of the Apeswas released just a few years after the original film, but Charlton Heston was hesitant to reprise his role in the sequel. After the smashing success of 1968's Planet of the Apes, it was only natural that 20th Century-Fox was clamoring to cash in on the box office appeal of the new sci-fi franchise. Therefore, Beneath the Planet of the Apes was rushed into development and would arrive shortly afterward in 1970. However, it was immediately clear that the first Planet of the Apes sequel was lacking something crucial.