When "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" surprised with $453 million world-wide, the talk of Hollywood didn't center on the on-camera leads James Franco and Freida Pinto, but the man behind Caesar the ape, Andy Serkis.

Good news, then, that the mo-cap wizard responsible for the life-like ape and the iconic Gollum from "The Lord of the Rings" just signed for more "Apes" movies in a deal that Deadline Hollywood is reporting is for more than seven figures.

Serkis is the first cast member to sign on for any further installments, beating all the on-screen actors from the first hit film. Deadline's report also mentions that director Rupert Wyatt and screenwriters Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver had already agreed to a sequel when they initially signed on for "Rise of the Planet of the Apes."

The only man to rocket to stardom just for donning a motion capture suit, Serkis' slate is more than filled up with further work behind CG characters. He's currently at work on Peter Jackson's "Hobbit" films, reprising the role that made him famous. His work, both for motion capture and voice acting, in the upcoming "Adventures of Tintin" as Captain Haddock hits theaters this December.

Ever since the release and subsequent success of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," there has been buzz about whether Serkis could garner serious awards attention early next year. Fox confirms to Deadline that they'll be making an Oscar push for Serkis come 2012.

It is still unclear what form more "Apes" movies will take, but it is certain that Serkis will be there for whatever is to come.

Are you excited to see more "Apes" movies with Andy Serkis? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter!