'Independence Day 2' Update: Vivica A Fox Talaks About Character's Progress

Vivica A. Fox, who played Will Smith’s girlfriend in the 1996 film “Independence Day,” is set to reprise her role in the forthcoming “Independence Day 2.” This time the veteran actress will play a hospital administrator -- rather than the stripper she played in the original. The actress is reportedly happy with the way her character has progressed.

“I’m glad that they moved her character forward as a woman,” she said in an interview with Black Film. Fox also confirmed that the sequel has been set 15 years after the events of the first “Independence Day.” She added that aliens will be back in the film, reported Mlive.

The story line has yet to be revealed, but Smith will not return for the sequel.

Shooting is already underway. “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. We are so blessed that the audience has been so hungry for this sequel to happen,” she said.

Fox also spoke about Jesse Usher, who will play her son. “I’m glad that they chose Jesse Usher, and Will gave them his blessing when they cast him. So, we’re going to hold it down and the sci-fi audience are so faithful that I think the sequel will be successful,” she said.

“Independence 2” is scheduled to be released June 24, 2016. The cast also includes Bill Pullman, Brent Spiner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Sela Ward, Joey King, Liam Hemsworth, Judd Hirsch, Maika Monroe, Travis Tope, Jessie Usher. Director Emmerich co-wrote the screenplay with Carter Blanchard, Roland and Dean Devlin.