Details and new star of Planet of the Apes sequel emerge

Jason Clarke is reportedly set to star in the sequel to 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes'.

The star of films including 'Public Enemies', 'Lawless' and 'Zero Dark Thirty', in which he turned in an electrifying performance as interrogator Dan, Clarke will be joined by Andy Serkis who is confirmed to reprise his motion capture role as the intelligent ape Caesar.

'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' will take place 15 years after the events of 'Rise', following the decimation of the human race by the genetically-engineered virus which emerged in the previous film.

It's thought James Franco's character will have been killed off by the disease, while Caesar struggles to maintain dominance over his kingdom of apes.

'Cloverfield' helmsman Matt Reeves is directing, having taken over from Rupert Wyatt, while the most recent draft of the script has been written by Mark Bomback, who penned forthcoming 'X-Men' spin off 'The Wolverine'.

Origin story 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' was a surprise critical and box office hit, following the mixed response to Tim Burton's effort with the franchise in 2001.