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British actor Andy Serkis, the man behind one of the year's best movies - Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - as launched his Oscars campaign for the sci-fi drama. Serkis plays King Ape Caesar in the gripping movie and 20th Century Fox wants the Academy to recognise his role when the nominations are announced in January.

Andy Serkis [R] shooting Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

It is likely that, should Serkis be nominated, it would be in the category of Best Supporting Actor. That would probably see him up against JK Simmons (the big favourite for Whiplash), Mark Ruffalo, Edward Norton and Ethan Hawke. 

Continue reading: Andy Serkis Launches 'Planet Of The Apes' Oscars Campaign - But Can He Win?

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is out one year today. This is huge news for the legions of fans that are eagerly awaiting J. J. Abrams’ take on the epic Episode VII. But does anyone know anything about what this new enterprise will entail?

The countdown to Star Wars: The Force Awakens has begun

One person who certainly has more than a bit of a clue is Andy Serkis who has cryptically admitted that he plays one character in the film.

Continue reading: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Has A Year To Go. But What Do We Know?

Hot on the heels of Disney announcing their star filled Jungle Book cast, Warner Brothers have unveiled an equally impressive list of names for their 2016 adaptation. Jungle Book: Origins will mark the directorial debut of Andy Serkis, who has put together an enticing list of well known names to help bring Rudyard Kipling’s famous characters to life. So let’s find out who’s playing who so far in the much anticipated Jungle Book: Origins.

Benedict Cumberbatch as Shere Khan

Continue reading: Benedict Cumberbatch, Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett: Meet The Cast Of Andy Serkis’s ‘The Jungle Book’

As promised by the release of Smaug from Eribor, war has descended upon Middle Earth and threatens to strip landscape of peace, serenity and beauty. The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies finally has its first full trailer.

Martin Freeman looks on with dispair in The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies

In this trailer, a despondent Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) speaks solemnly of what he’ll remember of his incredible journey to Eribor and the consequences of his actions. "One day I'll remember. Remember everything that happened here - the good, the bad, those who survived and those that did not.”

Continue reading: Middle Earth Is Ravaged By War In 'The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies' [Trailer + Pictures]

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes confirmed itself as one of the biggest cinematic success stories of 2014 this weekend, holding off three new releases to top the box office for a second successive week with £36 million. The critically acclaimed movie swatted away competition from all corners, with horror The Purge: Anarchy, children's animation Planes: Fire and Rescue and comedy Sex Tape all failing to land significant blows.

Andt Serkis [R] shoots 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes'

Following on from 2011's Rise of the Planet of the Apes, 'Dawn' benefitted from hugely positive reviews to take around half of its opening weekend haul of $72.6 million. The movie has grossed $138.9 million so far.

Continue reading: 'Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes' Holds Off Newcomers To Rule The Box Office

Motion-capture technology has come a long way since it was first used in a major release for the 2001 sci-fi adventure Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. But in that movie as well as Robert Zemeckis' three performance-capture animated films - The Polar Express (2004), Beowulf (2007) and A Christmas Carol (2009) - there was a severe "dead eye" problem, as the figures didn't look properly alive.

On set with Dawn of The Planet of The Apes

James Cameron overcame this with Avatar (also 2009). But it was the collaboration between filmmaker Peter Jackson and actor Andy Serkis that pushed the technology even further in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, as well as King Kong. Now Serkis has become the go-to guy for performance-capture, from working with Steven Spielberg on The Adventures of Tintin (2011) to coaching Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk on the set of The Avengers (2012).

Continue reading: Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes Redfines Motion Capture

Gary Oldman says he has doubts over Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' Oscars chances - specifically those of Andy Serkis, who plays ape leader Caesar. The movie is comfortably one of the most critically acclaimed cinematic offerings of the year, though Serkis' co-star Oldman is wary of the O-word.

Andy Serkis [R] on the set of 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' 

"There isn't a review that hasn't said how wonderful he [Serkis] is," Oldman told Digital Spy, "The audiences and critics acknowledge the work but I just don't know if it's the sort of thing that the Academy will accept."

Continue reading: Gary Oldman Warns Academy Won't Accept Serkis In 'Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes'

Andy Serkis was a prominent figure as Madrid got its first taste of ‘Dawn of The Planet of The Apes’ with the film’s premiere at the Capitol Cinema. 

Having already dominated American box offices, ‘Dawn of The Planet of The Apes’ moves to European markets this weekend, hitting the UK tonight (July 17) and Spain tomorrow (July 18). 

Reviews for the ‘Apes’ sequel have been emphatically positive, with many critics noting the vast improvement to the franchise with this sequel. Serkis plays Caeser, the Ape raised by humans caught in the middle of a burgeoning, all out war. But despite being famed for his work with CGI and motion capture – something integral to his roles both in this film and as Golem in The Lord of The Rings trilogy, Serkis thinks acting trumps special effects each and every time. 

Continue reading: 'Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes' Madrid Premiere [Pictures]

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes opened in US theatres this past weekend and immediately stormed to the top of the box office chart, taking over $73million. Really, this should come as no surprise as the film has earned almost universal praise from critics and currently holds an impressive 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But if you don't believe us, here’s 10 lines from the critics that should get you running to the movie theatres to see Dawn of The Planet of The Apes now. Seriously, this movie is awesome, but don't just take our word for it. 

Apes versus humans, can't we all just get along?

1. "Just when it seemed like blockbusters could never evolve, in rides this extraordinary epic - a towering fable of humanity and brutality that takes a great movie myth and launches it forward. " Joe Neumair, New York Daily News' . 

Continue reading: 10 Lines That Prove How Awesome ‘Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes’ Is

CGI supremo Andy Serkis made his name in the motion capture game with Golem, one of the more memorable characters to emerge from Peter Jackson’s expensive Tolkien trilogies, which comprise both The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit.

Dawn of The Planet of The Apes, out this Friday

Golem, a feral creature, shares many physical characteristics with the titular apes in Dawn of The Planet of The Apes – the extremely well-received sci-fi sequel set for release this Friday. Speaking to Entertainmentwise, Serkis outlined the specific challenges involved in bringing his character, Caeser, to life, and making the apes’ evolution seem believable and realistic. 

Continue reading: Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes: Andy Serkis On Mastering Chimps' Evolution

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is released in US cinemas this Friday. The film has already caused controversy but early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive and indicate it may prove a huge success.

Early reviews have praised Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

Watch The Movie Trailer For Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

Continue reading: 'Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes': Early Reviews Suggest It's Action Packed & Thought Provoking

It was a week for photo-calls, as the cast of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes gathered in San Francisco. Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke, Keri Russell and director Matt Reeves were all on-hand to premiere the film and then pose for some picturesque shots in front of the Golden Gate Bridge. The film opens next week in the US and July 18th in the UK. Watch 'Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes' trailer.

Dwayne Johnson and his costars in the blockbuster retelling of the Hercules myth gathered in London this week to meet the press. Director Brett Ratner introduced the cast and showed a new clip-reel before heading out into Trafalgar Square for a photo op with Johnson, John Hurt, Ian McShane, Reece Ritchie, Aksel Hennie, Ingrid Bolso Berdal and Irina Shayk. The film opens at the end of the month. Take a look at some photo's from the Hercules Photocall taken in London on Wednesday 2nd July 2014.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Stars Stage Photo-Calls As Apes, Greek Gods And Musicians, While Will Ferrell Films In Los Angeles

Good news for Star Wars fans, Lupita fans and just people who enjoy good things in general – Lupita Nyong’o has joined the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. Kudos to whoever is making the casting decisions there, by the way. After the original casting was criticised for basically populating the film with all white men, hiring the most promising young Oscar winner of 2014 is probably the best way to recover.

Nyong'o and her impeccable style at Liberty State Park.

And in other “awesome ladies, who we’d love to see kick all the tail in Star Wars,” Gwendolyn Christie, aka Game of Thrones’ Brienne of Tarth, has also been cast in Episode VII. Sidenote: if you’re not a fan of Christie/Brienne, we’re not saying you’re wrong, but you definitely aren’t right.

Continue reading: Where Are The Women In "Star Wars: Episode VII"? Here They Are - The Most Wanted In The Business

Now that the official Star Wars: Episode VII cast has been revealed (thee whole women, the production team have really outdone themselves this time) it’s time for the constant, non-stop barrage of on-set material to commence. Starting with a full cast photo, of course.

It's really happening!

The epic black and white photo was taken during a table read in London. It shows all the castmembers sitting in a circle, with director J.J. Abrams, who's talking to Han Solo/Star Wars actor Harrison Ford in the center.

Continue reading: First Cast Photos Amps Up The Hype For "Star Wars: Episode VII"

The cast of the new Star Wars movie has been revealed in a new teaser photo posted on the Star Wars website. The team shot shows includes John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max Von Sydow.

Mark Hamill [L] Will Be Making A Return To 'Star Wars' In Jj Abrams' [R] Disney Reboot.

The franchise's new faces join original cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels (C3PO), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Kenny Baker (R2D2). The photo shows the cast plus director JJ Abrams chilling out in comfy chairs as they lay the foundations for Disney's reboot of George Lucas' well-loved sci-fi movies.

Continue reading: Guess Who? 'Star Wars 7' Cast Revealed In Team Photo

The newly released trailer for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is about as dark as an “end of the world” movie can be and just as exciting. The short clip, released by 20th Century Fox on Wednesday, includes Gary Oldman giving a rousing speech to his small band of survivors, who managed to outlast a deadly virus and subsequent war. Meanwhile we, the audience, get to see flashes of the devastation left behind. The clip is just a teaser though, so maybe fans will get a better idea of the story in an upcoming extended trailer.

Just in case you aren't that excited yet, take a look at the moody trailer below.

To top it off, the trailer then cuts to Andy Cerkis’ newly terryfying Ceasar. This is not the intelligent, mild ape James Franco’s character befriended in 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes (the titles are bound to get really confusing at some point) – this Ceasar is all war paint and fury. As the camera pulls away and we get a glimpse of the gathering ape army, the message of the trailer becomes abundantly clear – humanity is well and truly doomed by now.

Continue reading: New 'Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes' Trailer Makes Us Fear Global Primate Invasion [Trailer]

Two years ago, Samantha Shannon was a nobody - certainly in the literary world. A 19-year-old slaving away as an intern like thousands of other aspiring writers, she put her mind to realising her dream - writing a fantasy novel.

Two years later came the manuscript for The Bone Season, a 480 page novel that's already being likened to Jk Rowling's Harry Potter. Snapped up at the first time of asking, the book has already been sold in 20 countries and hits shelves today (August 20, 2013).

Andy Serkis - who plays Golum in the Lord of the Rings movies - has bought the film rights to the book from publisher Bloomsbury and will begin work on a big-screen adaptation with his company The Imaginarium.

Continue reading: How A 19-year-old Intern Wrote 'The Bone Season,' The New Harry Potter

Two years ago, Samantha Shannon was a 19-year-old intern - though no ordinary 19-year-ordinary intern. She had 480 pages of a fantasy novel locked away, for which - two years later - she would be paid a £100,000 advance.

The Bone Season looks set to become an international bestseller and comparisons are already being made to JK Rowling and Harry Potter. So far, the rights to the novel have been sold in 20 countries and it hits shelves in the UK on August 20. However, perhaps far more lucrative to both Shannon and publisher Bloomsbury is that the film rights to the novel have been bought by Andy Serkis's company The Imaginarium.

"A few Hollywood studios were interested, but I went with The Imaginarium," she told the Telegraph, "They're a British company and I felt they got the book and would keep to its spirit."

Continue reading: Do Andy Serkis, Samantha Shannon, Have The New Harry Potter On Their Hands?

Following last Christmas' first instalment that kicked off the trilogy, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the new episode of adventures in Middle Earth will take Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and the band of aggrieved-yet-upbeat dwarves further into their quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor; stolen from them by the evil dragon, Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch).

Now, Bilbo has gained The One Ring after his life-changing meeting with the wretched Gollum (Andy Serkis) and the brave group have escaped the Goblin Kingdom to start the next leg of their quest to reclaim their kingdom and riches from Smaug, travelling through the Misty Mountains.

Based on the novel that preceded J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit was one book that has been turned into three films. Sure, this is probably to rake in maximum profits, but at least three 3 hour films will allow Jackson to deliver close interpretations and stretch out the franchise for another few years.

Continue reading: The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug Trailer - First Look