Following the decision of Rise of the Planet of the Apes director Rupert Wyatt to step aside from making the sequel to the terrific 2011 blockbuster, 20th Century Fox have moved in quickly to replace him with a new film-maker.

Deadline confirmed last night that Cloverfield and Let Me In director Matt Reeves will helm Dawn of the Planet of the Apes which is due for release on May 22nd 2014.

He beat off competition from other well-established directors including Guillermo Del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth) and Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter) to get the job.

Original helmer Wyatt left the project following concerns that he couldn’t deliver a quality film because of Fox’s hectic schedule.