Andy Serkis hosts New York Comic Con sneak peek of 'War for the Planet of the Apes' footage

NEW YORK, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Acclaimed, motion-capture artist Andy Serkis was on hand to screen a teaser trailer and share other exclusive footage from his film War for the Planet of the Apes with a New York Comic Con crowd Thursday.

Set for theatrical release July 14, the third chapter in the re-booted franchise stars Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Terry Notary and Karin Konoval. The movies blend live-action, with photo-realistic, computer animation, powered by motion-capture performances.

"Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel," a synopsis said. "After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet."

The Comic Con audience was treated to several minutes from the as-yet-unfinished film, showing Serkis as a hardened Caesar debating with Konoval's kindly Maurice about whether they should help a young human girl whose family was apparently killed in the titular conflict.

Serkis is also known for his work in the film King Kong, as well as The Lord of the Rings blockbusters.