'Independence Day 2' Release Date, Cast News: Jessie Usher Gets Lead Role; Will Smith Drops Out

20^{th Century Fox Film Corp. has found the star to lead in "Independence Day 2," a sequel that has been overdue for almost 20 years after the original came out.}

The company cast actor Jessie Usher, the lead of Starz' series "Survivor's Remorse" to star in the sequel to "Independence Day," which grossed $800 million worldwide at the box office in July 1996.

"Independence Day 2" is a big catch for Usher, who will play a central character in the new film as the son of Captain Steven Hiller, who was previously played by Will Smith, who will not be returning in the sequel.

Smith's role in the first blockbuster helped establish him as a star, kicking his career up to the next level. It could do the same to Usher should the sequel proved as successful as the original movie.

Usher stars in the Lebron James-produced Starz series "Survivor's Remorse" as Cam Calloway, a basketball player who moves with his family to Atlanta after he signs a pro contract.

After a successful first season that premiered in October 2014, Starz quickly renewed the show for another one, which will air later this year.

The rising star's film credits include the TriStar football drama "When the Game Stands Tall," which will hit theaters in August. Usher also stars in the Cartoon Network's series "Level Up."

Usher will join Liam Hemsworth, who is cast in a lead role in "Independence Day 2." Jeff Goldblum will reprise his role as David Levinson from the original 1996 sci-fi blockbuster.

Director Roland Emmerich will return to helm "Independence Day 2" with Dean Devlin and Harald Kloser as producers of the film, which is set for release in June 2016.