That Brian Cox, eh? When he’s not busy being a psychopathic, genius serial killer, he’s taunting mutants or making Jason Bourne’s life more difficult. And now he’s going to be spanking the monkey. Er… Monkeys. Er… Apes. He’s negotiating a deal to join Rise of the Apes.

According to The Wrap's sources, Cox will play the nefarious owner of a primate sanctuary in San Francisco who shows little concern for the animals in his care, favouring the bottom line instead of ape welfare. He’s the direct boss of John Lithgow and James Franco, who are slightly more compassionate scientists.

But with Andy Serkis donning his CG togs to play Caesar, the genetically-tinkered intelligent chimp who leads an uprising among his simian brethren, we get the feeling that Cox will get what’s coming to him eventually. Probably a banana up the arse.

This latest casting for the Planet of the Apes’ new origin story will mark a reunion for Cox with the director of The Escapist, Rupert Wyatt. They’re kicking off shooting this month in Canada, with 20th Century Fox aiming at a June 2011 release date.