The Legend of Tarzan
Tarzan is a 2016 adventure film directed by David Yates. The film is based on the character of Tarzan created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The film stars Alexander Skarsgård, Samuel L. Jackson, Margot Robbie, Djimon Hughes, Jim Broadbent and Christoph Waltz.
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The story follows John Clayton, aka Tarzan, who returns from London to the African jungle to investigate a report on slavery at the urging of George Washington Williams. This was the last film Jerry Weintraub made before his death in 2015.
Filming began on June 21, 2014 at Leavesden Studios in the United Kingdom and ended four months later. The film premiered at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on June 29, 2016, and was released in theaters in the United States on July 1, 2016.
The film was released in 2D, 3D, and IMAX formats by Warner Bros. Pictures. It grossed $356.7 million worldwide, despite a $180 million budget. However, it received mixed reviews from critics.
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Is The Legend of Tarzan based on a true story?
The Legend of Tarzan is not based on a true story. It is a fictional adventure film that offers a unique take on the classic character created by author Edgar Rice Burroughs.
While the original Tarzan books written by Burroughs continued the original story, books adapted for film, such as The Legend of Tarzan, don’t usually cover these additional stories.
The film tells the story of John Clayton III, also known as Tarzan, and his wife Jane, who return to Africa after leaving England. This is different from the original book and also out of touch with reality.
The film introduces new elements to Tarzan’s life, such as his title as the fifth Earl of Greystoke and his struggle with the legacy of his past in Africa.
While The Legend of Tarzan incorporates some elements inspired by historical events, such as King Leopold II’s claim to the Congo Basin, the overall narrative is a work of fiction rather than a true story.
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The Legend of Tarzan
At the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, King Leopold II of Belgium claimed control of the Congo Basin. Five years later, a debt-ridden Leopold sent his envoy, Léon Rom, to the Congo in search of diamonds. Rom’s expedition was attacked by the warriors of Chief Mbonga, who offered to trade Tarzan for diamonds.
Tarzan, also known as John Clayton, Earl of Greystoke, lives in England with his wife Jane. Leopold invites them to the Congo, but John refuses until suspicions of slavery arise. Together with George Washington Williams, they travel to the Congo to confront Roma’s corruption and rescue the villagers he has held captive.
John and George discover Rom’s plan to conquer the Congo using slave labor and reveal Leopold’s involvement. They overcome challenges, including encounters with Mangani apes and Rom’s mercenaries. Ultimately, John rescues Jane from Rom, defeats him, and saves the Congo from oppression.
Finally, John and Jane return to Africa to celebrate the birth of their son and John’s return to the jungle as Tarzan, while George exposes Leopold’s atrocities and seeks justice for the people of the Congo.
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The Legend of Tarzan
Features |
actor |
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John Clayton III |
Alexander Skarsgard |
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Tarzan at age 18 |
Rory J. Sapper |
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Tarzan at age 5 |
Christian Stevens |
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Captain Leon Rom |
Christoph Waltz |
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George Washington Williams |
Samuel L. Jackson |
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Jane Clayton |
Margot Robbie |
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Chief Mbonga |
Djimon Hounsou |
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3rd Marquess of Salisbury |
Jim Broadbent |
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Major Kerkhove |
Caspar Crump |
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Captain Moore |
Ben Chaplin |
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John Clayton II |
Hadley Fraser |
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Alice Clayton |
Genevieve O’Reilly |
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Mulverro |
Yul Masten |
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Esher |
Mimi Ndiweni |
|
Mr. Froome |
Simon Russell Beale |
The Legend of Tarzan trailer
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