John Lithgow and Frida Pinto will join James Franco in “Rise of the Apes,” a “Planet of the Apes” prequel that is set to release in June of 2011.
“Rise of the Apes” is slowly building a terrific cast and with veteran series actor Lithgow and Pinto hot off her start in “Slumdog Millionaire” and Woody Allen’s “You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger.” Rumor has it that Don Cheadle may also be involved, although no official confirmation has been set.
Lithgow will play Franco’s dementia-stricken father, while Pinto will play the lead female role as a primatologist who’s trying to find a cure for Alzheimer along with Franco’s character.
Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver are penning while Peter Chernin is producing. The apes will be digitalized by WETA and filming begins soon in British Columbia.
