<P> On September 17, 2012, there were reports that director Wyatt was considering leaving the sequel due to his concern that a May 2014 release date would not give him enough time to make the film properly . On October 1, Cloverfield director Matt Reeves was confirmed as his replacement . Reeves had been working on developing a new Twilight Zone film . On October 18, Mark Bomback, writer of Live Free or Die Hard, was reported to be doing a re-write for Reeves . </P> <P> In December 2012, after the departure of director Wyatt, James Franco speculated that he would not be returning for the sequel, saying, "Now Rupert's not a part of it so I don't know . My guess is I won't be in it . Nobody's talked to me since Rupert left ." Later, Matt Reeves revealed that Franco would be seen in a cameo in the film . Freida Pinto, who played primatologist Caroline Aranha in Rise, confirmed that she would not be returning for Dawn . In April 2014, when asked by IGN about the fate of Franco and Pinto's characters, producer Dylan Clark said, "I mean, they're the ones that died...They were ground zero of the virus ." </P> <P> In February 2013, actors Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke, and Kodi Smit - McPhee were cast in lead roles for the sequel, set ten years after the events from the first film . In March 2013, actress Keri Russell was cast in a role . That same month, Judy Greer was cast as Cornelia, a female chimp and love interest for Caesar . Toby Kebbell, Enrique Murciano and Kirk Acevedo joined the cast during filming . On May 15, 2013, Jocko Sims was cast in a supporting role of military operative Werner . </P> <P> Filming began in April 2013 around the town of Campbell River, British Columbia . The location of Vancouver Island was chosen for its similarity to the locations depicted in the film, the forests, and the variety of landscapes . Filming in New Orleans started in May 2013 and continued in July 2013 at various locations such as the former Six Flags park Six Flags New Orleans . </P>

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