Deadline brings word that character actor William Fichtner (The Lone Ranger, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) has joined the cast of Independence Day 2 as top general, an upgrade from his “Colonel” position in Armageddon. The outlet also notes that Fichtner will have a larger presence in two planned follow-up films to the 2016 release. It had been previously reported that the follow-up to the 1996 film was being conceived of as a two-part sequel, but now it appears that a fourth film could also be in the cards. Check back here as we learn more.
Again directed by Roland Emmerich, Independence Day 2 will also see the return of stars Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum Vivica A. Fox, Judd Hirsch and Brent Spiner as well as a cast of franchise newcomers that includes Liam Hemsworth, Jessie Usher, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Travis Tope, Joey King, Maika Monroe and Sela Ward.
Set to hit theaters June 24, 2016 (almost exactly 20 years after the original), Independence Day 2 features a script by Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin and James Vanderbilt, James A.Woods & Nicolas Wright.
The original Independence Day opened on July 3, 1996 and earned an impressive $817.4 million worldwide. Emmerich is also set to produce the sequel alongside Devlin and Harald Kloser.
(Photo credit: Nicky Nelson/WENN.com)
