Independence Day sequel on, Will Smith not returning

Jessie Usher will be filling Will Smith's shoes in the sequel of the iconic Independence Day. After it was revealed that Smith was "too expensive" to be hired for the sequel, the TV actor has been hired to play the new hero who will save the earth.

Jessie Usher will be filling Will Smith's shoes in the sequel of the iconic Independence Day. After it was revealed that Smith was "too expensive" to be hired for the sequel, the TV actor has been decided to play the new hero who will save the earth.

The 23-year-old actor will portray the son of Smith's character Captain Steven Hiller who helped save the planet from an alien invasion in the 1996 sci-fi blockbuster, according to Hollywood Reporter.

The Wrap adds to the story, reporting that Liam Hemsworth is in talks to play the son of Bill Pullman’s former President Whitmore, though he hasn’t yet officially signed on to the project.

The film is being made 20 years after the original came out.

Roland Emmerich, 59, who directed the original Independence Day has returned to direct the sequel.

The sequel has been in the works for some time and it was revealed in 2013 that Will would not be returning because he was 'too expensive' to hire.

The sequel has been scheduled to be released on June 24, 2016.

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