James Franco: 'Rise of the Apes' This Summer!

James Franco is set to star in Rise of the Apes, a prequel to Planet of the Apes!

The 32-year-old actor will begin shooting this July in the story of what happens when genetic engineering leads to ape intelligence so great that they battle humans for superiority. James will play “a driven scientist who becomes a crucial figure in the war between humans and apes,” according to Variety.

Rise of the Apes will hit theaters June 24, 2011.

Also up for James this spring is his return to General Hospital! He’ll be reprising his role as Franco, a man who turns Port Charles upside down.