Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch Return for 'Independence Day 2'

If you didn't already know, next summer we're finally getting the long-awaited sequel to 1996's blockbuster smash, Independence Day.

The film has become an American classic to watch during 4th of July weekend with demand and interest in a sequel having ebbed and flowed for nearly two decades.

We already knew the filmmakers behind the original (Roland Emmerich directing/co-writing, Dean Devlin co-writing) were back with Jeff Goldblum, Vivica A. Fox and Brent Spiner returning to join new castmembers Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Usher, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Joey King and Travis Tope.

We now know too - via director Roland Emmerich's Twitter account - that Bill Pullman (who's 4th of July speech in the original still kick ass) along with Judd Hirsch are back for the sequel as well.

If you're reading this and wondering why something seems off as if there's someone missing, you're right on the money.  Will Smith is not returning.  They tried, they really did, but he was just not interested.  Sorry folks.

While little is known about the plot for the sequel, it's rumored to take place 20 years after the first movie with supposed 'alien reinforcements' trying to invade earth after their 1996 team was unsuccessful.

Independence Day 2 is set for release June 24th, 2016.

Source: Twitter - Roland Emmerich