Universal has finally confirmed that Andy Serkis, the actor who brought Gollum to life in the LORD OF THE RINGS series, will indeed play the giant ape in director Peter Jackson's version of KING KONG, reports HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. In addition, Serkis will play Lumpy the cook, a ship member on the Venture as it ventures to Skull Island.

"I expect this time round will be a very different experience for both Andy and myself as we'll actually get to shoot extended drama sequences together," Jackson said in a statement. "It will be a little weird seeing Andy out of his Gollum gimp suit -- and I hope we can both make the adjustment! While Andy will provide very valuable on-set reference, this doesn't mean we will be softening Kong by attempting to humanize him. The power of the story lies in the fact that this is a savage beast from a hostile environment, and we don't intend to compromise that."

Serkis joins castmates Naomi Watts, Jack Black and Adrien Brody. RINGS writing team of Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are writing the screenplay for the film with Jackson and Walsh producing. Overseeing the project for Universal is vice chairman of worldwide production, Mary Parent.