Just a few days ago we brought you a rumor that Don Cheadle (Iron Man 2) and Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire) had both been offered roles in the Rupert Wyatt (The Escapist) directed Planet of the Apes prequel, RISE OF THE APES. Now it’s been confirmed that Freida Pinto has joined the cast and will play the female lead, a primatologist named Caroline.

Also joining the cast is John Lithgow (Dexter). Lithgow will play James Franco‘s Alzheimer’s-stricken father. According to THR, the film will focus on a scientist (Franco) who has been working on a cure for Alzheimer’s that is being tested on apes. The test subject named Caesar evolves rapidly, and the scientist takes him home to live with him and protects him from cruel doctors.

There’s been no confirmation of the Don Cheadle casting rumor.