'Independence Day 2' Release Date, Cast News: Won't Feature Will Smith, Filming to Begin May 2015

Sequel to the 1996 film "Independence Day" has been given the green light by Twentieth Century Fox to begin filming on May 2015. It's almost close to 20 years since the first film but "Independence 2" is looking to be coming together. The studio is also reportedly getting Roland Emmerich to direct the sequel.

Will Smith, who starred in the first film as Captain Steve Hillier, won't be returning for the new film, however. It was reported last year that Will Smith was not returning to the sequel since he would cost too much to hire.

"Will Smith cannot come back because he's too expensive," Emmerich had said.

The film, though, has been reported to face a release date on June 26, 2016.

Casting has not yet begun for the new film but will commence once a director has been assigned. It was rumored that those who are returning though to the sequel will be Jeff Goldbum as scientist David Levinson and Bill Pullman as U.S. President Thomas Whitmore but currently, that has not been confirmed.

"We have, like, maybe half of the people that you would know from the first film (in the script) and the other half who are new. I think some aliens will be back," Emmerich has said.

The first film was about the story of a giant spacecraft looking to destroy Earth. Smith's character, Captain Steve Hillier, along with scientist David Levinson, were entrusted with the task of saving the population from the invasion.