Tom Rothman, the Fox Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Fox Filmed Entertainment, recently hinted at the fact that we may be seeing a sequel to the hit 2011 film, Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

The sequel was mentioned by Rothman as a part of a list of movies Fox is planning to start production by the end of summer. The list also included films such as The Wolverine, which is expected to begin shooting in Japan.

Based on the fact that most of the films on the list are expected for a summer 2013 release, there is a chance that Fox is planning the Planet of the Apes sequel to hit theaters at the same time. However, it also rumored that they could be saving the sequel for a fall or holiday release considering that the season is fairly open for blockbusters.

At the moment, there is not confirmation that director Rupert Wyatt would be returning. Andy Serkis will most likely be busy working on Peter Jackson’s two-part The Hobbit although he has signed on for the sequel, so they would have to make time for both films in the fall.

More information regarding the sequel is expected to be released soon.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes was meant to act as an origin story for a new series of films based on the original series. Following its release on August 5, 2011, the film became a critical and box office success. In January 2012 the film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.