The workaholic actor James Franco is a busy man who is apparently starring in several upcoming films, one of which is Rise of the Apes, a prequel to Planet of the Apes. JoBlo released an official photo featuring Franco as the main character Will Rodman.

Rodman is a scientist who makes a breakthrough while researching the development of intelligence in an ape test subject. The ape’s name? Caesar. Yes, the same ape who led a war against humankind. Andy Serkis will portray Caesar via motion-capturing.

James Franco has the acting chops as a lead actor, as evident by his recent film 127 Hours. And I must admit that Rise of the Apes is beginning to pique my interest. It releases this November.