Franco Rises for Apes Prequel
James Franco will take the lead in 20th Century Fox's RISE OF THE APES, a prequel to PLANET OF THE APES, reports VARIETY. Rupert Wyatt is directing.
The story is set in modern day where genetic experiments lead to apes gaining advanced intelligence. Franco will play a scientist who gets wrapped up in a war between apes and humans.
WETA Digital is creating photoreal apes for the film.
Peter Chernin and Dylan Clark are the producers with writers Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa.
Production starts on July 5th with an eye on a June 24, 2011 release.