InstagramNow that's what we call an awesome close encounter!
Jeff Goldblum reprises his role in the sequel to the hit 1996 movie Independence Day and this week, producer Dean Devlin, who also worked on the first film, shared the first photo of the 62-year-old actor on the set. The two appear in front of a blue screen and Goldblum sports a dark khaki jacket.
"Hanging with David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) 20 years later is a dream come true! #IndependenceDay," he said on Instagram on Tuesday.
The sequel began filming last week in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is set for release on June 26, 2016.
In the original movie, released almost 19 years ago, Goldblum's character is a computer genius who aims to save Earth following an alien invasion that kills millions of people...with the help of military pilot Captain Steven Hiller, played by Will Smith, and a computer virus.
Here's a Jeff Goldblum shrine from the production offices of #IndependenceDay2. Love it! pic.twitter.com/0pNW7r3MXz
? Dean Devlin (@Dean_Devlin) May 13, 2015Smith is not returning for the sequel.
Roland Emmerich is returning as the director and the movie features several returning cast members, as well as newcomers.
In addition to Goldblum, returning cast members include Vivica A. Fox, 50, who played Hiller's fiancé Jasmine, Star Trek: The Next Generation alum Brent Spiner, 66, who played a scientist who got a little too close to one of the squiggly alien baddies, and Bill Pullman, 61, who played the U.S. President. Judd Hirsch, 80, reprises his role as David's father.
@rolandemmerich C'mon, Roland. I'm sure you've got room for another Jew in that sequel! xoxoox
? Harvey Fierstein (@HarveyFierstein) April 20, 2015Mae Whitman, 26, who played his daughter as a young girl in the original movie, will not star in the new film. Maika Monroe, 21, was cast as her now-adult character in the sequel.
Fellow newbies include Liam Hemsworth, 25, Charlotte Gainsbourg, 43, DeObia Oparei, who recently made his debut as Areo Hotah on Game of Thrones, Jessie A. Usher, 23, who plays Jasmine's now-adult son, Dylan, and Joey King, 15.
The actress last month tweeted a selfie of herself sitting next to Goldblum on a plane.
Costars on a plane!! #IndependenceDay
Fun fact: sir Goldblum and I share the same middle name. pic.twitter.com/kizHTZ0fSt
? Joey King (@JoeyKingActress) April 24, 2015Devlin announced earlier this month that Sisters and House alum Sela Ward , 58, will play the President of the United States in the Independence Day sequel.