To Roland Emmerich's credit, he's going to great lengths to make up for the lack of Will Smith in INDEPENDENCE DAY 2. Jeff Goldblum, Liam Hemsworth, Vivica Fox, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Jessie User have already signed on for lead roles, but fan favorite Brent Spiner has also been confirmed, and we have another big member of the first movie making a return trip. The president himself, Bill Pullman, will be appearing in INDEPENDENCE DAY 2, as well as Judd Hirsch, who played Goldblum's father in the first one.
Here's the announced from director Roland Emmerich:
While I think Will Smith really would have brought this sequel to another level, I'm sure Emmerich will bring that sense of fun and ridiculouslness he excells aty to this flick. If anything, it'll be interesting to see how they try to top the scope of the ships from the first film. It can't just be a case of "They're back, and they're REALLY pissed!" At least, I would hope not.
INDEPENDENCE DAY 2 will hit theaters on June 24, 2016.