The new Planet of The Apes Movie is shaping up nicely. The Hollywood Reporter has just announced that Woody Harrelson has nabbed one of the lead roles in the upcoming sequel, 'War of The Planet of The Apes.'

Not much is known about his role, but THR did mention that he will be playing a character known as 'The Colonel.' The name obviously hints at some sort of a military-related figure, but we'll have to wait and see if that proves to be the case.

On Youtube, Collider mentions that Harrelson will serve as the film's villain. But that remains as a speculation for now.

No mention was made of whether any of the series' previous human cast members would be returning.

2011's Rise of the Planet Apes, The first film in the rebooted franchise, starred James Franco and Freida Pinto. The pair did not return for the sequel, 2014's Dawn of the Planet Apes, which was fronted by Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, and Jason Clarke.

The trilogy's one constant has been Andy Serkis. The motion capture wizard known for his role as Gollum in The Lord of The Rings has already been confirmed for this film. He will be reprising his role as Caesar, the highly evolved ape at the center of conflict.

The movie will be directed by Matt Reeves, who was also the man behind the camera for its predecessor. Mark Bomback is returning as screenwriter while Dylan Clark will produce.

It's already been penciled in for a July 14, 2017 release date in the US.

For now though, you can catch Harrelson in the next Hunger Games movie which is opening this November. Serkis on the other hand, will star in December's Star Wars The Force Awakens.