Gary Oldman for Rise of the Planet of the Apes sequel

Gary Oldman has reportedly signed up for the anticipated sequel to 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes'.

Film site Coming Soon is putting the 'Dark Knight Rises' star in the frame as the leader of a human colony, following the spread of a virus which wipes out most of humanity.

[Related story: Details and new star of Planet of the Apes sequel emerge]

'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' is thought to take place 15 years after the first film, which was a surprise hit following the much-maligned take on the franchise by Tim Burton in 2001.

The action takes place in San Francisco following the outbreak of the virus seen in the first film, with a group of scientists leading a resistance group against the apes, lead by Caesar (mo-cap specialist Andy Serkis).

Caesar, meanwhile, is fighting his own battle to maintain his power over the new ape civilisation.

Reports recently have also put 'Zero Dark Thirty' star Jason Clarke in the new film, along with 'Let Me In' and 'The Road' star Kodi Smit-McPhee, while directing the feature is 'Cloverfield' helmsman Matt Reeves.

It's dues for release on May 23, 2014.