Details of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes emerge

Tantalising details of the sequel to 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' have emerged in the form of the film's first official synopsis.

Although the film is now already deep into principal photography, 20th Century Fox has only now let a few more plot details slip.

[Related story: Gary Oldman for Rise of the Planet of the Apes sequel]

The action was rumoured to be taking place 15 years after the first film, and after the outbreak of the deadly disease vying to wipe out the human race.

So says the synopsis: “A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier.

“They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth¹s dominant species.”

In addition to these early details, Fox has also confirmed some more stars for the roster.

Brit actor Toby Kebbell has joined the cast, along with Enrique Murciano.

They join an already impressive role call, featuring Jason Clarke, Keri Russell, Gary Oldman, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Judy Greer.

Andy Serkis will reprise his role as Caesar, the dominant ape who led the escape in the first film.

The production is currently filming in New Orleans and Vancouver.

It's being helmed by 'Cloverfield' director Matt Reeves, while Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, who wrote the first film, are among the producers.

'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' is due out on May 23, 2014.