Fans Will 'Rise' For 'Apes' Star James Franco, Says Director

Is James Franco's leading role in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" going to be a box office draw or disaster this weekend? He is worried about it, but director Rupert Wyatt isn't. "I think people are going to see this film, hopefully, for the film," the British filmmaker told MTV News. "Those that will go see this film for James Franco will still see the film for James Franco." The question was posed after Franco said in his Playboy interview that he figured critics would skewer this movie because he had such a good year last year. Fortunately, that doesn't look like it's going to be the case. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" currently is 81 percent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and looks like it's headed into a strong opening weekend. But that doesn't mean Wyatt doesn't get why Franco said the things he did. "I totally understand where he's coming from," the director said. "Obviously he took a bit of a knock with the Oscars, but at the end of the day, he's an actor and that's his job." Franco's motion capture costar Andy Serkis also said he understood Franco's mindset, but thinks he is wrong. Serkis, who has plenty of experience working opposite actors while he's covered in motion capture equipment, said he was impressed by Franco's ability to still connect with his character. "It was amazing working with him," he told us. "It really is a testament if they can truly believe the person opposite them who is wearing a performance-capture suit with a head-mounted camera actually go full-on and have a relationship with them. It's all about believability. All credit to him that he bought into the whole process." Does the fact Franco is starring in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" change your opinion of the movie at all? Let us know in the comments section below or on Twitter!