Although Charlton Heston showed little interest in reprising his role as Taylor, studio head Richard D. Zanuck thought the actor was essential to the sequel. After some disagreement with the actor's agents, Heston agreed to briefly appear with the provision that his character be killed and that his pay go to charity. The writers decided to have Taylor disappear at the story's start and only return by the film's ending, and have a new protagonist for the major part of the story.Russo, Joe and Landsman, Larry with Gross, Edward Planet of The Apes Revisited, 2001. Thomas Dunne Books James Franciscus accepted the role of Brent as a break from his usual TV fare.
