Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is an upcoming American science fiction film directed by Matt Reeves and starring Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke, and Keri Russell. It is the sequel to the 2011 film Rise of the Planet of the Apes and is scheduled for release May 23, 2014.

Plot
Scientist plague survivors struggle to stay alive in the aftermath of the plague. Caesar, leader of the ape colony, struggles to retain his leadership.

Cast

 * Andy Serkis as Caesar
 * Gary Oldman
 * Jason Clarke
 * Kodi Smit-McPhee
 * Keri Russell
 * Judy Greer as Cornelia
 * Terry Notary as Rocket

Production
Filming began in April 2013 around the town of Campbell River, British Columbia.

Development
Regarding the story setting up possible sequels, Rise of the Planet of the Apes director Rupert Wyatt commented: "I think we're ending with certain questions, which is quite exciting. To me, I can think of all sorts of sequels to this film, but this is just the beginning." Screenwriter and producer Rick Jaffa also stated that Rise of the Planet of the Apes would feature several clues as to future sequels: "I hope that we're building a platform for future films. We're trying to plant a lot of the seeds for a lot of the things you are talking about in terms of the different apes and so forth."

In an interview recorded after the release of Rise, Wyatt stated that "We want to grow and evolve, in the films that will [hopefully] come after this, to the '68 original." Wyatt also stated that he wants it to take place eight years after the original, as a whole new ape generation can be born, and explore the dynamics of Caesar and Koba's relationship.

According to 'Rise' screenwriter Rick Jaffa, a version of the spaceship from the 1968 Planet of the Apes under the name Icarus was in the film as a deliberate hint to a possible sequel. Andy Serkis confirmed that there will be a sequel for the film and that he will be reprising his role as Caesar.

On May 15, 2012, it was announced Scott Z. Burns had been hired to do rewrites on Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver's screenplay. On May 31, 20th Century Fox announced that the sequel, titled Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, was scheduled for release on May 23, 2014.

On September 17, 2012, there were reports that director Rupert Wyatt was considering leaving the sequel due to his concern that a May 2014 release date would not give him enough time to make the film properly. On October 1, Matt Reeves was confirmed to direct. On October 18, Mark Bomback was reported to be doing a re-write for Reeves. On December 17, James Franco speculated he will not be returning for the sequel, saying "Now Rupert's not a part of it so I don't know. My guess is I won't be in it. Nobody's talked to me since Rupert left."

In February 2013, actors Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke and Kodi Smit-McPhee were cast in lead roles and the film set 15 years after the events from the first film. In March 2013, actress Keri Russell was cast in a role. That same month, Judy Greer was cast as Cornelia, a female chimp and love interest for Caesar.

Filming of "Dawn" started on North Vancouver Island around the beginning of April 2013. The location of Vancouver Island was chosen for its similarity to the locations depicted in the film, the forests, and the variety of landscapes. Further filming will be done in New Orleans.