Fox and director Roland Emmerich have finally found the star for Independence Day 2 and it will come as a surprise to many. Jessie Usher, the star of Starz’s Survivor’s Remorse, will replace Will Smith as the lead in the franchise.
The casting was first confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. Usher will play the son of Smith’s character from the first film.
Michael B. Jordan was reportedly being considered for the film’s lead, but that didn’t work out. Jordan is already a star for Fox, as one of the members of the Fantastic Four reboot.
THR also confirmed that Liam Hemsworth, who was offered another big role in the film, has joined.
In addition, Jeff Goldblum will definitely return to play the same part he had in the original ID4. Emmerich has also said that Bill Pullman will be making an appearance.
Emmerich and original ID4 co-writer Dean Devlin wrote the original script. JAmes Vanderbilt and Carter Blanchard also worked on drafts.
ID4 2, which is also known as ID Forever Part I, is envisioned as the first part of two sequels to the original 1996 box office smash hit. It has been scheduled for release on June 24, 2016, almost exactly 20 years after the original swept into theaters.
The original film centered on an alien invasion of the Earth, stopped only by an unconventional group of heroes. It was Smith’s first blockbuster and set him on the road to being an international superstar.
image of Jeff Goldblum courtesy of Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com