‘Independence Day 2’ Update: Film Set 15 Years After Original, New Character Details Emerge, Production Begins

Production on Independence Day 2 began earlier this month, and original nerves over the blockbuster have developed into anticipation thanks to savvy casting choices and the nostalgia that still exists for the original. This is all despite the fact that Will Smith won’t be returning to lead the way.

And during her recent discussion with MLive, actress Vivica A. Fox provided the closest thing yet that we’ve had to a genuine outline or synopsis for the film by explaining that the film will be set “about 15 years” after the original’s exploits. Meanwhile, she also confirmed, “The aliens are back,” which was pretty much a given otherwise it would make for a pretty tepid sequel.

Meanwhile, Vivica A. Fox continued her press duties for the blockbuster by then talking to Black Film about where her character of Jasmine Dubrow is for the follow-up. And the actress confirmed that she’s left behind her stripping ways, and she’s now working in a more refined and covered up position.

“I will not be on the pole. She was a stripper with a heart of gold, who had said that she was doing it because the money was good,” Fox explained. “Now she’s a hospital administrator and she’s running the hospital and I’m glad that they moved her character forward as a woman.”

Meanwhile, during her conversation with Black Film, Fox admitted that it had been a true joy to return to the set and once again work alongside Jeff Goldblum, whose scientist David Levinson returns, and director Roland Emmerich.

“I just started this week and walking back on that set and working with Jeff Goldblum and Roland Emmerich the director, it was like the first film was yesterday.”

Fox also thanked the fans for helping to persuade and campaign for Independence Day 2 to occur, as she continued, “We are so blessed that the audience has been so hungry for this sequel to happen.”

And even though Will Smith decided against returning, Fox insists that Jesse Usher, who is playing Dylan Dubrow, the son of Vivica and Will Smith’s characters from the original, possesses “the wonderful qualities that will remind you of Will.” In fact, Fox admitted that Will Smith gave Jesse Usher his blessing before they officially cast him.

Fox concluded by bullishly predicting that Independence Day 2 will more than hold its own against the glut of comic-book, reboots, and superhero films that are currently in cinemas, as she declared, “We’re going to hold it down and the sci-fi audience are so faithful that I think the sequel will be successful.”

We’ll see if that’s the case when Independence Day 2 is finally released on June 24, 2016, almost 20 years to the day after the original — which grossed $817.4 million back in 1996 — was released.

[Image via 20th Century Fox]