Planet of the Apes Prequel Opens in 2011

Fox is confirming rumors of a Planet of the Apes prequel film, tentatively titled Rise of the Apes, and has set a June 24, 2011, release date.

Here's what Variety reported:

"Rise of the Apes" is an origins story set in present-day San Francisco. The film is a reality-based cautionary tale, where man's own experiments with genetic engineering lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy. WETA will render, for the first time ever in the film series, photo-realistic apes rather than costumed actors."

Gfest loves all the Planet of the Apes movies, old and new.  We are excited to see the prequel and view CGI apes.  And, as long as they are going CGI route an Ape Batman may be something to consider or at least a Detective Chimp. "Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape!"

Comedy Central Shows in the Works - For Real

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Comedy Central is set to unveil an unbelievable television slate that is sure to offend nearly everyone with a television (cue the Tea Party protest).

The network has 22 projects in the pipeline ranging from script deals to pilots, with the usual formats of animated shows, sketch comedy and talk shows represented.

A few of the pilots or scripted projects are below. 

"Highdeas"

In this comedy reality show based on the Web site highdeas.com, our comedian co-hosts will explore the kind of mind-blowing questions that can only be posed by stoners.  By delving into concepts such as "white chocolate milk" and "hamster-sized rhinos," "Highdeas" will bring the highest ideas to light using a combination of field reports, prototype tests and, of course, black lights and lava lamps.  Executive produced by Embassy Row (Michael Davies, Jen Kelly and Dave O'Connor).

"JC"

A half-hour animated show about JC (Jesus Christ) wanting to escape his father's enormous shadow and to live life in NYC as a regular guy.  A lot has changed in 2000 years and he is the ultimate fish out of water.  Meanwhile his all-powerful yet apathetic father would rather be playing video games than listening to JC recount his life in the city.  JC is a playful take on religion and society with a sprinkle of dumb.  Executive produced by Reveille ("The Office"), Henrik Basin, Brian Boyle ("American Dad"), Jonathan Sjoberg and Andreas Ohman.

"A**Holes"

You know those people who cut you off in traffic, use their cell phone in the movie theater, and don't hold the door open for old ladies?  They're a**holes, and it's about time we find out what makes them tick.  "A**holes" is a scripted half-hour comedy series that tells the story of the two biggest assholes in the entire world…Jeff and Geoff.  These two twenty-something roommates spend their days scamming on girls, bilking Alzheimer's patients out of money, and generally being the opposite of model citizens.  You've never laughed harder at watching people be so bad.  "A**holes" is written and created by Steve Koren ("Saturday Night Live," "Seinfeld") and Nick Malis ("Tosh.0," "Mind of Mencia").

To see the full list head over to the Hollywood Reporters livefeed.