Deadline is reporting that a sequel for Rise of the Planet of the Apes is already in the works, with Andy Serkis signing a “seven figure deal” to reprise the role of Caesar. Additionally, Fox have confirmed they will be running an Oscar campaign for Serkis’ motion-capture performance in the film.
According to Deadline, the deal has been finalized despite the sequel being in the very early stages of conception. Says Deadline (Minor Spoilers):
Director Rupert Wyatt’s original deal came with a sequel option, so he’s locked. So are screenwriters Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, who are producing with Chernin Entertainment’s Peter Chernin and Dylan Clark. The studio is still in the idea stage and the sequel hasn’t been dated for release. As for Franco and Pinto, those decisions will likely be made when the direction of the film crystallizes. The studio certainly has the leverage there; the clever construct of the first film ended with a wallop that makes everyone expendable.
Fox clearly thinks a lot of both this potential franchise, as well as Serkis himself, as they have told Deadline an Oscar campaign on his behalf is underway:
Fox informs me that the studio will wage an Oscar campaign for Andy Serkis for Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
It will be interesting to see whether the Academy will be prepared to award a motion-capture performance.
What do you think of this news? Does Serkis deserve award consideration?
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