Luca was an evolved gorilla who served as the chief of the Gorilla Guard, a member of the Ape Council, and the fourth-in-command of the Ape Army. During the final Human-Ape War, Luca aided Caesar in his quest to find Colonel McCullough.
Biography
Early Life
In 2016, Luca was one of the many gorillas liberated from the San Francisco Zoo by Caesar's forces during the infamous Ape Rebellion. He fought alongside his fellow apes in the intense Battle on the Golden Gate Bridge. After emerging from this crucial confrontation, Luca found true freedom in the safe haven of Muir Woods, where he and his companions built a flourishing ape colony. Over time, Luca's extraordinary strength set him apart from the other gorillas, resulting in his elevation to the position of fourth-in-command of the Ape Army, taking over from Buck.
Luca first suggested the creation of the Gorilla Guard to Maurice, intending to establish a protective wall with the gorillas safeguarding the entrance to their temporary residence while Caesar sought a permanent home for them. Caesar took Luca's concept further by developing the Ape Village, which was defended by the guard against any threats or predators that might encroach upon their territory. Due to his position as the fourth-in-command of the Ape Army and his role as the leader of the Gorilla Guard, Luca secured a place on the Ape Council, where he formed a strong friendship with Caesar and his key lieutenants. [1]
Luca and his group of gorillas were positioned at the entrance of the Ape Village, known as the Ape Gate. He resided in a modest hut and mainly focused on monitoring for any intruders, but he also participated in hunting expeditions with the Ape Army.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Hunting Trip
Luca participated in the deer hunt, equipped with bolas and spears strapped to his back for Caesar. His contributions proved valuable when the apes successfully captured one of the escaping deer. However, they were compelled to engage in a struggle to retrieve a dead bear that had attempted to seize the deer for itself, ultimately bringing it back to the village.
Rediscovery of Humans
Upon hearing a gunshot echoing through the woods, the apes swiftly made their way to the source, where they were taken aback to find Blue Eyes standing with a wounded Ash, facing off against armed humans. Once the humans holstered their weapons, the apes intimidated them by speaking and commanding them to vacate the area. Caesar then instructed Koba, Stone, and Grey to trail Malcolm's group in their van to ensure they exited the forest and to assess how many more humans remained. Luca attempted to join Koba's group but was promptly stopped by Caesar to prevent the humans from realizing they were being followed.
Council Meeting
He subsequently joins the other apes in the village as they convene a council meeting to deliberate on the appropriate course of action regarding the humans. He contributes to the conversation by highlighting that the apes are unaware of the reasons behind the humans' arrival in the forest and their intentions. When Koba suggests that they should take immediate action against the humans, Luca lightens the mood with a humorous comment directed at the others. The meeting concludes with Caesar proposing a strategy to address the humans in a peaceful manner.
March to the City
The following morning, the ape army rides into the remnants of San Francisco, confronting the humans at their settlement. Luca remains quiet as Caesar delivers a stern warning to the humans, advising them to steer clear of the Muir Woods, or face the consequences of war. He observes as Caesar directly instructs Malcolm to refrain from returning to the village, before departing with his army. The humans, witnessing the formidable presence of the talking apes, are filled with trepidation.
Human Intruder
As Malcolm stepped into the village, captivated by the impressive abilities of the apes, Luca appeared from his hut and confronted him. He signaled to the other gorillas in the vicinity, and together they swiftly subdued the intruder, who promptly surrendered upon realizing the formidable opposition he faced. Luca and the other gorillas effortlessly overpowered Malcolm and proceeded to drag him through the village, ultimately presenting him before Caesar, the Ape King.
Throughout the interrogation, Luca repeatedly forces Malcolm to the ground in front of Caesar, likely to thwart any potential threat he might pose to his leader. Afterward, he joins the other apes as they observe Caesar deliver his verdict to their human prisoner.
Koba's Command
After Koba seizes control from Caesar, Luca aligns himself with Koba and the other apes as they initiate an assault on the human armory located in San Francisco, subsequently making their way to the colony shelter. Upon their arrival in the city, Luca and the ape army engage in a brutal confrontation with the humans. During the skirmish, Luca is depicted carrying two injured apes while enduring numerous injuries himself, until Blue Eyes comes to his aid, helping him transport the wounded to the safety behind an old truck. He is taken aback when he sees Koba abandon a wounded ape on the ground to retrieve his weapon, throw another ape off a horse, and lead the remaining apes into battle. Later, Luca hurls a flaming oil canister at the humans and collaborates with other gorillas to break down the gates of the human camp using a ram. However, it is Koba who ultimately commandeers a tank to blast open the gate, allowing the ape army to surge into the city and unleash chaos. It remains unclear whether Luca continued to participate in the subsequent phases of the attack.
Imprisonment
The following day, Luca is depicted as being held captive on a bus alongside Rocket, Maurice, and several other apes, all imprisoned by Koba due to their continued loyalty to Caesar. Two days later, Blue Eyes arrives to inform the captives that their release is imminent, which inspires the imprisoned apes to collectively tip the bus, enabling them to escape and flee the vicinity.
Restoring Caesar to Power
He reunites with his fellow comrades on their journey to the Rodman House, where they are both shocked and overjoyed to find their leader, Caesar, alive and in good health, waiting for their arrival. A few hours later, he stands alongside his fellow apes, witnessing the intense battle between Caesar and Koba. As the conflict escalates, he assists his allies in caring for the injured apes after much of the tower is devastated by Dreyfus. Luca then helps Rocket and Blue Eyes as they tend to the wounded Maurice, who has sustained a gunshot wound to the side of his cheek from Koba, ensuring his safety. Ultimately, he makes his presence known when the apes bow in reverence to Caesar, preparing for the looming war against the approaching military forces.
War for the Planet of the Apes: Revelations
More to come...
War for the Planet of the Apes
Battle of Muir Woods Park
Luca played a crucial role in overcoming an Alpha-Omega platoon that launched an assault on the ape trenches in the forest. He also assisted in capturing the remaining survivors, including Red, a gorilla who had betrayed the apes in favor of his loyalty to Koba. Although Caesar permitted the human survivors to depart, the apes expressed their apprehensions about this decision.
Caesar's Quest for Revenge
Upon sensing the presence of an intruder, Caesar encounters Luca, who is on patrol. Together, they join forces with Rocket and Maurice, only to confirm Caesar's suspicions as they confront the human intruders. After the skirmish, the group returns to their fellow apes, only to be met with a devastating sight: many of their companions, including Blue Eyes and Cornelia, have been killed.
The following day, they find Cornelius after Luca discloses that Winter has disappeared, leading them to conclude that he betrayed them to ensure his own safety. In response, Caesar directs the ape colony to move towards the location that Blue Eyes and Rocket uncovered, while he sets off alone to seek vengeance against the Colonel. Loyal to Caesar, Luca, Rocket, and Maurice decide to accompany him on this mission.
Subsequently, Luca is depicted atop a telephone tower alongside his companions when he spots a figure near the horses and lets out a startled shout. They pursue the figure to a deserted ski lodge, only to discover that it is another ape known as "Bad Ape." After Bad Ape informs them about the Human Zoo, which serves as the Colonel's base, they decide to investigate. Before they embark on their journey, Luca presents Nova with a pink flower after noticing her attempting to gather them from a tree. The young girl is moved by his thoughtful gesture, and he beams at her delight.
Final Battle
As Caesar descends to explore the situation, he stumbles upon soldiers erecting crosses. Luca leaps down, confronts one of the soldiers, and eliminates him. Just as the soldier prepares to fire at the unsuspecting Caesar, Luca intervenes, shielding Caesar from an ambush by other soldiers. However, during this brave act, he is tragically stabbed in the chest by a soldier's bayonet.
Death
Following the soldier's death at Caesar's hands, he rushes to the side of his dying friend. Luca, with his last breaths, expresses a sense of fulfillment, stating that he has finally managed to protect Caesar. Nova then steps forward, gently placing the pink flower that Luca had given her earlier into his ear. Soon after, Luca succumbs to his injuries, passing away peacefully.
Legacy
The death of Luca prompted Caesar to recognize the peril he was placing on his fellow apes, leading him to rediscover his true self. It is likely that Maurice, Lake, and Rocket would recount tales of Luca's life to Cornelius and the other apes, ensuring that they remember the hero who selflessly sacrificed himself for the colony.
Personality
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Luca, similar to many gorillas, presents a tough exterior but reveals a playful sense of humor, especially when engaging in lighthearted banter with the Ape Council. His commitment to his responsibility of safeguarding the village entrance from potential intruders is evident, particularly when he promptly notified the other gorillas about Malcolm's arrival in the village.
Luca demonstrates an unwavering loyalty to his fellow apes, a quality that was vividly illustrated during Koba's assault on the San Francisco Human Colony. He bravely put his own life on the line to rescue as many injured apes as possible, even while sustaining injuries himself. This loyalty was further exemplified in the aftermath of the destruction of the human tower, where he took it upon himself to save or liberate numerous wounded apes trapped under the rubble.
As a supporter of Caesar, Luca holds the belief that not all humans are inherently evil, which is clearly demonstrated by his friendship with Malcolm.
War for the Planet of the Apes: Revelations
More to come...
War for the Planet of the Apes
Luca remained a resolute warrior as he continued to assist Caesar in the conflict against Colonel McCullough and his forces. His understanding of the harsh realities of war was evident when he chose not to intervene as Caesar killed Winter by strangulation, a consequence of Winter's betrayal to the colony. This betrayal had resulted in the tragic massacre of numerous apes, including Caesar's eldest son and wife.
In spite of the grim circumstances surrounding them, Luca displayed a gentle side when he delicately placed a pink flower on the ear of the orphaned girl, Nova. This act illustrates that Luca was genuinely a compassionate ape, holding no resentment towards humans, even amidst the chaos of war.
In Luca's last moments, he expressed no regret about his impending death, telling Caesar that he found solace in having sacrificed his life to protect his king. This act demonstrated his profound loyalty, not only in safeguarding his fellow apes but also in honorably serving his king and dearest friend.
Physical appearance
Luca exhibited the classic characteristics of a six-foot-tall western lowland gorilla, with a predominantly black-grey body cloaked in dark fur. The hair on his forehead was a striking reddish-brown, while the fur extending from his back to his legs was a lighter grey, signifying his status as a silverback. Weighing less than the average gorilla, Luca was able to ride a horse without causing any harm due to his weight. After his exposure to ALZ-113 from the other apes, his irises transformed to a vivid green, and his sclera became white. During hunts, Luca would paint his face and torso with white chalk, creating an appearance reminiscent of a skeleton.
Abilities
- Advanced Strength: Like all gorillas, Luca was extremely powerful and strong. His strength was recognized by Caesar, the ape king who trusts Luca so much that he had given him the rank of fourth-in-command of the Ape Army, and made Luca the leader of the Gorilla Guard. In War, Luca was also able to crush a human soldier to death with his sheer weight, though it resulted in him being stabbed in the chest. Luca was the strongest gorilla in the entire San Francisco Ape Colony, his strength was (possibly) rivaled only; by the previous fourth-in-command of the Ape Army, the late Buck.
- Advanced Speed: Despite Luca's massive size, he was much faster than he appeared to be. He can run at a very fast speed that was enough to keep up with Caesar when he was hunting deer in the forest.
- Advanced Endurance: Luca had seen to be withstand high degrees of pain as seen when he took multiple shots from human guns while attempting to save his ape brethren during the Battle in San Francisco.
- High-Level Intellect: Luca had been given the ALZ-113, through unknown methods; giving him increased intelligence.
- Expert Hand-To-Hand Combatant: Due to him being the fourth-in-command of the San Francisco Ape Army, Luca was a capable fighter. Also like most gorillas, Luca used his massive strength and speed in battle to make himself a formidable opponent alone in single combat.
- Expert Marksman: Over the next two years throughout the final human-ape war, Luca had become very proficient in the use of firearms.
- Expert Horse Rider: Luca was able to ride a horse with ease.
- Expert Leader: Due to him being the fourth-in-command of the ape army, Luca was a capable leader.
- Sign Language: Like his fellow apes, Luca knows American Sign Language. He used it as a way of communication. He used most frequently when with Caesar.
- Speech: Having been given the ALZ-113, through unknown methods; Luca had gained the ability of speech. He did not have any verbal lines of dialogue in Dawn and War respectively. So It was unknown how good his english was.
Relationships
- See Luca/Relationships.
Notes
- Luca is Buck's successor as Caesar's fourth-in-command and the leader of the gorillas.
- Coincidentally, Luca's death was similar to Buck's dying scene from Rise as they both protected Caesar by sacrificing themselves.
- Luca likely comes from the group of apes that were liberated from the San Francisco Zoo by Buck as there were countless gorillas that followed the other apes to the Battle on the Golden Gate Bridge.
- It is unknown how he came to be infected with the ALZ-113 but it is likely that while the apes were attacking Gen-Sys Laboratories they stole canisters of the drug and exposed it to the other apes, or that he contracted the virus by interacting with Evolved Apes.
- As of now, Luca is the one of the few gorillas in the series to use sign language which was shown when he took part in the council meeting.
- At age 24, Luca was the third oldest of the apes (sharing this with Maurice) being two years younger than Koba who was the second oldest and Buck who was the oldest.
- In Dawn, Luca can be seen carrying weapons for the hunt, such as a bolo Caesar used to trap one of the deer.
Trivia
- Luca, Maurice, Rocket, and other apes who are loyal to Caesar and refuse to kill unarmed humans were caged and held prisoner by Koba.
- In Revelations, Luca tells Winter he is third-in-command of Caesar's Army, implying he got the rank temporarily after Rocket left with Blue Eyes.
- Despite it being said that Luca did not kill any humans; during the attack on the city he is seen throwing a flaming oil canister at a pillar, causing an explosion which probably killed or seriously injured nearby humans in the process and he killed the soldier who fatally injured him.
- In the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Official Movie Novelization, it is noted that Luca forms a close bond with Malcolm after himself, Caesar, Blue Eyes, Rocket, and Maurice helped save Malcolm, Ellie, Alexander and their men from the dam. it is unknown whether the scenes only existed in the script that was used to write the book or whether the scenes were shot but ended up on the cutting room floor.
- Luca and his predecessor Buck are the only known Gorillas to have been given the ALZ-113 (off-screen) as all the other gorillas in the ape colony were not given this drug (on-screen).
- In the recent War for the Planet of the Apes trailer, it hints the possibility of Luca dying.
- This was later confirmed in the actual movie.
- Luca was twenty-two years old, during the events of Dawn and Revelations.
- Luca is one of eight main apes to appear in the three movies. The others are : Caesar, Maurice, Rocket, Koba, Blue Eyes, Cornelia and Stone.
Gallery
- See Luca/Gallery.
Appearances
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (novelization)
- War for the Planet of the Apes: Revelations
- War for the Planet of the Apes (novelization)