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‘Independence Day’ Sequel: Title, Plot Details Revealed By Cast

By Jonathan Franks
Published on: 15:51 PST, Jun 22, 2015

The official title of the highly-anticipated Independence Day sequel has now been revealed.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 2016 Roland Emmerich-directed film is titled Independence Day: Resurgence.

The title was revealed during a live stream with Emmerich as well as the cast. According to the report, the Independence Day live stream consisted of both old and new cast members. Actors Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, and Brent Spiner will reprise their roles from the original 1996 film.

Each of them were joined by newcomers Liam Hemsworth, Sela Ward, Maika Monroe, and Jessie Usher for the live stream panel. During the live stream, the official title graphic was revealed and finally made available for online viewing as well by 20th Century Fox.

Emmerich did not hesitate to reveal the primary plot of the upcoming sequel during the live stream. According to the Day After Tomorrow director, Independence Day: Resurgence picks up 20 years after the original movie left off.

In the two decades that have passed since that first victory, the human race has apparently joined forces to develop an international defense system that uses alien technology to effectively preempt future attacks and invasions.

“We call it in the film the War of ’96. It’s like a post-World generation that’s unified, and that’s amazing to see a world come together with a common enemy. That’s a resurgence.”

Even though Will Smith will not be reprising his role as Captain Steven Hiller in the new film, fans and critics of the original movie are more than likely excited to hear that Jeff Goldblum decided to return.

Goldblum explained the new role that his character, David Levinson, will play in the new movie.

“It’s my job to lead the way in making sure everyone is safe on this precious planet. Having faced that last challenge, we’re all working in a beautiful way under one [goal]. Borders are no longer relevant in the same way, and that’s a very beautiful idea. We’re working together.”

The new initiative essentially created a job opportunity for Jake (played by Liam Hemsworth) to drive a “moon tug” forklift-like vehicle for the lunar outpost.

Jake’s backstory started when he ended up in an orphanage after his parents died in the first attack, leading to his decision to join the military and become a highly-skilled fighter pilot.

Actress Sela Ward is playing a female President of the United States. According to Ward, her character is “tougher, more decisive, not afraid to use force” and “more aggressive” than Bill Pullman’s presidential portrayal in the original film.

Survivor’s Remorse actor Jessie Usher will play the son of Will Smith’s leading character from the first film. He essentially grew up with the desire to fill his father’s shoes – even though that means living in his shadow.

Independence Day: Resurgence is currently scheduled to be released in theaters on June 24, 2016.

[Image Credit: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images]

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