RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Sequel Gets a New Title & Release Date

Director Rupert Wyatt and actor Andy Serkis are set to to bring the highly anticipated sequel to last summer's Planet of the Apes film franchise relaunch to movie theaters in 2014.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes, which starred James Franco, John Lithgow, Freida Pinto, Brian Cox, Tom Felton and Andy Serkis in a critically acclaimed motion-capture performance as the film's central primate Caesar, was released in theaters August 5th, 2011 to surprising box office success.

Now, the previously announced sequel has garnered an official title, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and a theatrical release date of May 23rd, 2014. No official story details have been revealed but returning director Wyatt has said the film is partially inspired by the darkness and tone of Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket.

At this time there's no word if any other actors aside from Andy Serkis will reprise their roles. Rise of the Planet of the Apes is now available to own on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.