Brian Cox is in talks to join the cast of Fox's RISE OF THE APES, reports THE WRAP. He would play the ruthless owner of the ape sanctuary. His fellow cast members include James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow and Andy Serkis.

Rupert Wyatt is the director. Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa penned the screenplay. Silver and Jaffa are producing with Chernin Ent.'s Peter Chernin and Dylan Clark.

The PLANET OF THE APES prequel follows a father and son genetic scientist team, played by Lithgow and Franco, who increase the intelligence of apes, including the chimp (Serkis).

Weta Digital is providing the visual effects.