Los Angeles - The Independence Day sequel will begin filming next year.
The long-anticipated follow-up to the 1996 sci-fi adventure starring Will Smith, has been given the green light to start filming in May with a release date set for 2016.
Independence Day 2 has officially been greenlit by @20thcenturyfox! #IndependenceDay
— Dean Devlin (@Dean_Devlin) November 26, 2014
Although Smith, 46, hasn't signed up to reprise his role as Captain Steven Hillier, the film's original director Roland Emmerich is tipped to return to helm the movie.
The studio behind the film, 20th Century Fox, will begin casting as soon as Emmerich confirms he is on board, reports Deadline.
Emmerich is also rumoured to be producing alongside the movie's original writer Dean Devlin and The Day After Tomorrow composer Harald Kloser.
Carter Blanchard will write the script after a first draft was penned by James Vanderbilt.
Jeff Goldblum, 64, who starred alongside Smith in the original alien invasion movie, is also on board to reprise his role as David Levinson.
He previously said: "They've talked to me about it, and I've talked to them about it and they're excited and I'm anxious and eager to see - I haven't read anything. I think they're trying to put it together."
The film will open in US cinemas on 24 June 2016, and will make its debut across the pond on 1 July.