Jeff Goldblum back for Independence Day 2

He’s been in the hearts and minds of movie-goers for over three decades, so when it was announced that Jeff Goldblum was confirmed for Independence Day 2, fans everywhere were understandably ecstatic.

There was further good news for those eagerly awaiting the follow-up to the 1996 sci-fi hit, as Liam Hemsworth and Jessie Usher have also joined the cast. However, it is almost certain that Will Smith will not be coming out to play.

Director Roland Emmerich recently posted on Facebook: ‘”First you strategically position your pieces, and when the time is right you strike.” Excited to officially announce Liam Hemsworth and Jeff Goldblum as the next two pieces of the Independence Day sequel!’ Goldblum, who will be reprising his role as computer wizard David Levinson, is undoubtedly the big draw, but the inclusion of both Hemsworth and Usher will be warmly welcomed, especially as the former has played such an important part in the huge success of The Hunger Games.

On the subject of Smith, Emmerich has said that the former Fresh Prince is “too expensive” and that “maybe half of the people that you know, you would know from the first film, and the other half are new,” is how he and the rest of the crew would like things to be. It is the now grown-up son of Smith’s character that Usher will be playing, so you would think that there will be some explaining to do through the dialogue.

The previous point illustrates the beauty of having Goldblum on board your set. While he’s never quite had the star quality and pulling power of someone like Smith, there’s no doubting his acting credentials are firmly within the heavyweight division, which means filmmakers get plenty of bang for their buck. The Jurassic Park veteran also plays scientists with particular relish – no wonder Emmerich is doing cartwheels.

The release of Independence Day 2 is bang on schedule to mark the 20th anniversary of the original, on June 20, 2016.