There has been talked about an Independence Day sequel for years and, for a time, it did look like it wasn't going to happen... but this summer we are going to see Independence Day: Resurgence hit the big screen and Roland Emmerich return to the director's chair.
Independence Day: Resurgence
It is hard to believe that twenty years have passed since Independence Day hit the big screen; yes, it really was back in 1996 when the earth was under threat and Will Smith kicked some alien ass.
The movie went on to be a HUGE box office success and, in my humble opinion, remains Emmerich's best movie. Twenty years on, Independence Day is just as exciting and still looks fantastic.
But the next instalment is on the horizon and Independence Day: Resurgence looks set to be one of the biggest films of summer 2016. I know that we still have quite a wait until the film is released in June, but there really is a lot of anticipated building around the sci-fi sequel.
Emmerich has brought us movies such as Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, and 2012 over the years; it is fair to say that he is no stranger to the big budget blockbuster genre. I am glad to see him returning to the franchise - I don't think this film would quite have been the same if he had not been in the director's chair.
As well as a familiar face in the director's chair, there are also plenty of familiar faces on the cast list, as Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Vivica A. Fox and Judd Hirsch are all returning to reprise their roles as David Levinson, former President Whitmore, Jasmine, and Julius Levinson.
But there are plenty of big new additions to the cast list as Liam Hemsworth, Joe King, William Fichtner, Maika Monroe, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Sela Ward, and Jessie Usher are all on board. In fact, Usher is set to take on the role of Dylan Hiller, the stepson of Will Smith's character from the first film.
While it is a shame that Smith will not be reprising the role of Captain Steven Hiller, it is great to see that this family story is being continued in this second film and that these characters have not been forgotten about.
We always knew they were coming back. After Independence Day redefined the event movie genre, the next epic chapter delivers global spectacle on an unimaginable scale. Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth have collaborated on an immense defence program to protect the planet.
But nothing can prepare us for the aliens' advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can bring our world back from the brink of extinction.
I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive when it was announced that a sequel was going ahead - I am such a massive fan of the first film and would hate to see that ruined by a sequel that doesn't even come close to being as good. Having said that, the more that I see of Independence Day: Resurgence, the more I am looking forward to seeing what Emmerich and co deliver this time around.
The summer season is set to be packed with big budget and unmissable movies and Independence Day: Resurgence is one that promises to set the box office alight.
Independence Day: Resurgence is released 23rd June.
Tagged in Roland Emmerich