Word has been pretty quiet on the upcoming franchise reboot “Rise of the Apes,” but it seems that’s all about to change as 20th Century Fox has dropped a first look (via JoBlo) at the lead star James Franco in the film, not coincidentally just before the actor is set to host the Oscars this weekend.
Directed by Rupert Wyatt — who made a splash with the Brit prison pic “The Escapist” — the film finds Franco joined by Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Andy Serkis and Brian Cox in an origin story that while chronicle the engineering feat that advanced the intelligence in apes and sets off the war for species supremacy. Franco, Lithgow and Pinto (sounds like a law firm) will play the scientists who watch everything go ape as the revolt is led by a chimp named Caesar (Serkis). Cox takes on the role of a heartless owner of a primate sanctuary.
The first look of Franco wearing a bluetooth ear piece and working on a computer is less than thrilling but we’re guessing the big reveal of the apes will be held for a later date. “Rise of the Apes” happens on November 23rd.
