Don Cheadle and Freida Pinto in Apes prequel?

Filming on PLANET OF THE APES: RISE OF THE APES is set to begin filming this fall and Fox is looking at who will co-star alongside James Franco, who will play the scientist who gives apes human intelligence and unwittingly allows them to overthrow humans. Bloody Disgusting is reporting that Fox has offered Don Cheadle and Freida Pinto roles in the film.

I don’t know a whole lot about the script but from what I’ve read online it’s likely that Pinto would be playing Stewart, a female scientist who works with Franco’s character. Cheadle could be playing the human villain of the film whose mistreatment of the apes leads them to want to revolt against humans. Of course, that’s not 100% but based on some of the script beats that have been revealed, it seems to fit the actors.

Also it should be mentioned that both Cheadle and Pinto have only been offered the roles in the film and could easily turn them down. Rupert Wyatt (THE ESCAPIST) is directing the film for a June 24, 2011 release date.