UPDATE: Roland Emmerich confirmed via Twitter that Jeff Goldblum and Liam Hemsworth will also star in the sequel, with Goldblum reprising his role from the original film.

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With Will Smith not returning to reprise his role in Independence Day 2, the upcoming sequel has been in need of a new charismatic hero to carry the torch. It looks like that hero has been found, as 20th Century Fox has cast rising star Jessie Usher as the son of Smith’s character. In addition, Liam Hemsworth is reportedly in talks to play Bill Pullman’s son-in-law.

According to THR, Usher has joined the cast of Independence Day 2, playing the role of Captain Steven Hiller’s son, described as a “central character.” Independence Day was a huge hit for Smith and kickstarted his career as the king of summer blockbusters, so the sequel has the potential to similarly skyrocket Usher’s career. The actor currently stars on the LeBron James-produced Starz series Survivor’s Remorse and recently appeared in the sports drama When the Game Stands Tall.

The Wrap adds to the story, reporting that Hemsworth is in talks to play the son of Bill Pullman’s former President Whitmore, though he hasn’t yet officially signed on to the project. It remains to be seen if Arrested Development star Mae Whitman will reprise her early career role as Whitmore’s daughter, Patricia.

Original Independence Day director Roland Emmerich is returning to helm the highly anticipated and long-gestating sequel, with tentative plans for a third installment. Independence Day 2 is scheduled for a June 24, 2016 release, 20 years (!) after the original film hit theaters.

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