Tarzan 2013

Meteor impact and the origin of the expedition

In prehistoric times, a massive asteroid crashes into Earth, wiping out the dinosaurs. Centuries later, the present-day industrialist John Greystoke funds an expedition to Uganda to locate the meteor and harness its energy. The mission ends in failure, and John decides to leave Africa with his wife and their infant son.

Uganda expedition ends in failure

The Greystokes' expedition to locate the meteor in Uganda fails to yield results. Disappointed by the lack of progress, John and his wife choose to abandon the venture and return home with their young son. The setback sets the stage for future renewed interest in the meteor's power.

Discovery at the meteor and the eruption

While flying over a semi-active volcano, the Greystokes' helicopter must land on the meteor. John explores a cave, discovers glowing rocks, and collects a sample with his pickaxe. The sample triggers a chain reaction that awakens the volcano, their helicopter crashes, and only John Jr. survives as Kala the mountain gorilla adopts him.

Tarzan grows up among the apes

John Jr. is raised by Kala and other gorillas, learning the ways of the jungle after the Greystokes disappear. Dr. James Porter later funds expeditions by acting as a jungle guide for wealthy tourists. On a safari, a client wanders off, a cassowary attacks, and Jane Porter saves him but is bitten by a viper; Tarzan carries Jane to safety and cures her, leaving her with only vague memories of the night.

Tarzan leaves the gorilla clan and finds the crash site

Growing older, Tarzan becomes a man and grows tired of human contact. He travels to the helicopter crash site, discovers the meteor stone his father took, and builds a shelter nearby. The meteor's remnants become central to his later life and identity as he adapts to the jungle.

Beacon activation draws corporate interest

Tublat, the gorillas' abusive leader, prowls Tarzan's shelter and accidentally activates the helicopter's emergency beacon. The beacon is picked up by Greystoke Energies, the corporation whose CEO is William Clayton. Clayton sees a chance to profit and begins plotting to use the meteor's energy.

Jane joins the Africa expedition

Clayton visits Jane Porter, now working for a conservation group, and offers to fund her organization if she accompanies him to Africa to speak with her father. Jane is uneasy about Clayton's greed but agrees to join the expedition, hoping to protect the forest and Tarzan's homeland. The two travel back to Africa, where the search for the meteor intensifies.

Jane meets Tarzan and learns of his identity

In the jungle, Jane is drawn to Tarzan, who appears as a grown man after years among apes. Tarzan guides Jane to his jungle refuge and, as a token of his affection, gives her a piece of the meteor rock. The couple's bond deepens as Jane remembers little from their first meeting.

Clayton pursues the couple and the mutated valley

Clayton's party tracks Jane and Tarzan into a valley corrupted by meteor mutations, where plants and animals display strange, dangerous changes. The pursuit escalates into a desperate escape as Clayton realizes Tarzan's claim to the meteor's power.

Tarzan reclaims leadership of his tribe

Tarzan returns to his ape family and challenges the abusive rival Tublat for control of the troop. After a fierce confrontation, Tarzan defeats Tublat and exiles him, establishing his leadership over the tribe. That night, Jane and Tarzan confess their love.

Kala is wounded; Tarzan fights back

Clayton's mercenaries attack, and Kala dives into danger to protect Tarzan and Jane, taking a bullet. Tarzan is knocked down and captured, but with the help of his gorilla friends he escapes and carries Kala to safety, nursing her wound as he plans his revenge. The battle intensifies as Tarzan readies his assault.

Rescue and explosive confrontation at the meteor

Clayton brings the resources to the meteor and rigs it with explosives, threatening to destroy the jungle if stopped. Jane and her father Dr. Porter are tied up and left to die, but Tarzan arrives to rescue them and rally his animal allies. The confrontation pivots on preventing the detonation and saving the forest.

The battle ends as the volcano erupts

Tarzan calls on his animal friends with a mighty cry, and the meteor's power awakens the dormant volcano. The mountain begins to crumble, and Clayton and his mercenaries fall to their demise while Tarzan and Jane escape together. The eruption marks a chaotic but cleansing finale.

Reunion and vow to protect the forest

Tarzan returns to his gorilla family and introduces Jane to Kala before reaffirming his place as leader. Jane supports his world and the couple vow to protect the forest and its inhabitants from future threats. The jungle remains their shared home and mission.