Scott Z. Burns Takes Over Writing Duties on Rise of the Apes Sequel

This is the virus connection talking, isn't it?

Scott Z. Burns, writer of Contagion (of which Warner Brothers reportedly wants a sequel – UGH!) is writing the Rise of the Apes sequel for Fox, per Heat Vision. Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, who penned Rise, did a few drafts but have since vacated. Not much on plot details besides taking off where the last left with a virus spreading that (eventually) wipes out the human race and "the apes on the path to emerge as society’s new rulers."

Only returning players, for the moment, are director Rupert Wyatt (turned out plum work elsewhere, thank you very much contractual obligation) and star Andy Serkis. Both were to the key to its surprising success last August. Locked them down, then we're set.

If there's one request (Not lose James Franco or Freda Pinto since it's doubtful either return, me thinks), go in your own path. Many still want to label Rise as a reboot when it was clearly following the original 1968 Planet of the Apes' continuity. Considerate of you but drop it. You have an audience now and don't need to get bogged down by the original franchise’s (at times) loopy time-line. If you want to end on mankind eradicated, have at it.