Return to the Planet of the Apes concepts would be Tim Burton's reimagining in 2001. Along with the second film "Beneath the Planet of the Apes", this is one of only two original "Planet of the Apes" productions in which Roddy McDowall was not involved. In 1975, after the failure of the live-action series, NBC and 20th Century Fox agreed to adapt "Planet of the Apes" for an animated series. The network contracted DePatie-Freleng Enterprises to produce a half-hour Saturday-morning cartoon titled "Return to the Planet of the Apes". Doug Wildey, co-creator of "Jonny Quest", took on most creative control as associate producer, storyboard director, and supervising
Planet of the Apes (2001 film) in the series, "Planet of the Apes" (1968) and "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" (1970) as George Taylor and Nova, respectively. 20th Century Fox president Craig Baumgarten was impressed with Adam Rifkin's filmmaking with "Never on Tuesday". In 1988, Rifkin was brought in the studio to pitch ideas for films. Rifkin, being a fan of the 1968 "Planet of the Apes" felt it was best to continue the film series. "Having independent film experience, I promised I could write and direct a huge-looking film for a reasonable price and budget, like "Aliens"." Fox commissioned Rifkin to write what amounted