Rise of the Planet of the ApesLast week we received word that Rupert Wyatt's Planet of the Apes prequel, initially titled Rise of the Apes was given a name change. Apparently test audiences were having trouble connecting it to the classic 1960's-era Planet of the Apes series, so Fox decided to throw efficient grammar to the wind by renaming the film, Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Two instances of "of the" are extremely awkward, but most important, we suppose, is the attachment to the iconic sci-fi series. So, be it.

Today, on the Rise of the Planet of the Apes Facebook page was revealed a clip that gives us a brief but somewhat unsettling first look at one of the apes. No word on whether this is the lead ape, Caesar, but one thing is for sure… the thing is creepy as hell. Not sure if it's the brevity of the clip, the stirring soundtrack, or the fact that the ape is sitting, staring into space, very human-like. *Shivers*

Amazing that a brief 4-second clip can be so influential, but consider us officially interested!

Also appearing is what we believe to be the film's logo which gives a nice tip of the hat to the originals. Well done!

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is directed by Rupert Wyatt, and stars James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Tom Felton, Andy Serkis and Brian Cox. It is slated for and August 5 launch. The film's website can be found at apeswillrise.com

More than likely, the film's first teaser trailer will arrive within the next few days, but in the meantime you can watch the clip below and judge for yourself. You can also see a couple versions of the film's logo below:

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Rise of the PLanet of the Apes