Jason Clarke To Star In ‘Dawn of The Planet of The Apes’

Jason Clarke, an actor who played a pivotal role in this year’s Oscar contender Zero Dark Thirty, is now set to star in the Rise of The Planet of The Apes sequel, Dawn of The Planet of The Apes. What a difference a year makes for the indie actor, who broke out of the pack this year in Zero Dark Thirty.

2011’s Rise of The Planet of The Apes starred James Franco, who played a scientist doing an Alzheimer’s trial on the apes before they ruled the world. While Andy Serkis, who stole the show as chimp Caesar is set to return for his role, Franco is not, and we’re guessing that’s where Jason Clarke fits in to it all.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that the new installment will be directed by Matt Reeves, and although the plot is unknown at this point, the second film is set fifteen years after the uprising of the apes in Rise of The Planet of The Apes. One source notes about a possible plot:

“One focus is on the group of human scientists who are struggling to survive alone in San Francisco. Another aspect of the story is the struggle of intelligent ape Caesar, to maintain dominance over his kingdom.”

While it is unknown at this point who Jason Clarke is set to play in Dawn of The Plane of The Apes, he is still set to star. Perhaps as a scientist that’s hiding out in San Francisco? Or maybe he’s on the apes side?

This is the first big development in the latest installment since it was announced that Andy Serkis would reprise his role. Are you excited about the new installment?