Contagion screenwriter tackles Rise of the Planet of the Apes sequel

Scott Z. Burns has been recruited by Fox to write the sequel to Rise of the Planet of the Apes, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Burns previously penned Contagion and The Informant for director Steven Soderbergh.

He will do a pass on the first draft by the original flick’s screenwriters, Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa.

Andy Serkis is set to reprise the role of revolutionary chimp Caesar, and the film will continue to track the evolution of his species whilst also documenting the fall of man at the hands of a virus (there’s that Contagion connection!).

Rupert Wyatt returns to direct.

Discuss: Is Burns a good fit?