Star Trek: The Next Generation's Brent Spiner has reportedly joined the cast of Roland Emmerich's Independence Day 2...
NewsUpdate 10/4/15: After years of nothing much happening at all, Independence Day 2 is finally in production, with its release set for next year. And newly added to its cast, director Roland Emmerich has revealed, is Brent Spiner.
Spiner, of course, is best known for his wonderful turn in Star Trek: The Next Generation and its movie spin-offs, but you may remember that he also had a prominent role as Dr Brackish Okun in the original Independence Day. With long hair, glasses, and the wild expression of a scientist who's spent far too long tinkering with alien tech in a New Mexico bunker, Spiner was almost recognisable in the role.
In the same tweet, Emmerich also revealed that Joey King, best known for her roles in Oz The Great And Powerful and Emmerich's White House Down, is also joining the cast of Independence Day 2. The sequel will also star Jeff Goldblum, Liam Hemsworth and Charlotte Gainsbourg.
Original Story: March 4th, 2015
Roland Emmerich is set to start shooting Independence Day 2 this coming May, with the film set to arrive in cinemas on June 24th 2016, 20 years after the release of the original. We already know that Will Smith won't be returning to the cast for this one, but some pieces of definite casting news have been sliding into place.
Firstly, some confirmations.
Jeff Goldblum will indeed be back for the new film, reprising the role of David Levinson in it. Furthermore, Liam Hemsworth had been rumoured for a leading role in the movie, and Roland Emmerich has now confirmed he is indeed part of the cast. Hemsworth's character is believed to be the son-in-law of President Whitmore from the original film. Bill Pullman, who played Whitmore, is also expected to return.
And then a new face has been added. Jessie Usher, best known so far for the TV show Survivor's Remorse, is also taking on a lead role in Independence Day 2. Specifically, he's going to be playing Dylan Hiller, the son of Will Smith's character from the first Independence Day. Here's Jessie Usher, in case you've not met him before...
Expect more casting news before Roland Emmerich starts shooting. We'll keep you up to date with further Independence Day 2 developments...
THR.
