New Director for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Rise of the Planet of the Apes was one of the surprise films last year surpassing both box office and critical/audience expectations. Director Rupert Wyatt had hoped to return for the sequel, but recently had to drop out, leaving Fox to find someone new to take over.

The studio targeted Matt Reeves (Let Me In, Cloverfield) and today announced he is officially on board to direct Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. The film is being written by the same duo as the first and will continue the story of Caesar (with Andy Serkis back) whos leadership, along with the effects of a deadly spreading virus, eventually results in the world that is seen in the original 1968 Planet of the Apes. A release date of May 23, 2014 has already been announced.