Keri Russell Joins ‘Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes’

Keri Russell has joined Dawn of the Planet of the Apes in a role that Variety describes as “the female lead.” The announcement came earlier this week, but little else is know about the character — or any of the characters, for that matter.

What is known: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes will begin about 15 years after the 2011 reboot, Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Empire noted that things will not be ideal for humanity, which has become overrun with apes and “a rampant virus.”

The protagonists will be a group of scientists in San Francisco looking for a solution to humanity’s woes, but no details on who those humans are have been released at this time.

Her role in the film will reunite Russell with director Matt Reeves, co-creator of Felicity, who along with J.J. Abrams gave the actress her first big break on the series, which ran from 1998 to 2002.

Felicity centered on Felicity Porter, a high school graduate who chooses to attend the same college as her high school crush. Russell, who will turn 37 this month, took a brief hiatus after the series finale, but has worked steadily in films and TV since 2005.

Russell’s latest work can be seen in the film Dark Skies, which opened at theaters nationwide in February, and on the TV series The Americans airing on FX.

As for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, it was announced James Franco would not be returning to the franchise in December 2012. At that time, things didn’t appear optimistic for the newest entry in the 45-year-old film franchise, but business has picked up with the addition of Russell and veteran Gary Oldman to a cast that also includes Jason Clarke and Andy Serkis.

What do you think about the casting of Keri Russell in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes? Are you excited for the film, or have the simians finally run their course?

[Image via Sam Aronov / Shutterstock.com]