"Slumdog Millionaire" actress Freida Pinto has been roped in to star opposite James Franco in the prequel of "Planet of the Apes".

According to reports, in "Rise of the Apes", the actress will character of Caroline, a primatologist.

On the other hand, James will be seen playing the role of a researcher who becomes a crucial figure in the war between humans and apes.

Set in present day San Francisco, the movie deals with the outcome of man's experiments with genetic engineering, which cause the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy.

Rupert Wyatt will direct "Rise of the Apes".

It will hit theatres in July. The makers are planning to release it June 24, 2011. (With Inputs from Agencies)