The aliens are back in first trailer for Independence Day: Resurgence

It's been almost 20 years since Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum sent the aliens packing in Independence Day, which set a new standard for blockbuster action back in the late '90s. Multiple sequels for the film were finally announced back in 2012, and the first trailer for Independence Day: Resurgence dropped online over the weekend.

Watch it below...

The trailer - which focuses on Goldblum's computer whiz from the original - explains that while humanity has used the aliens' technology to bolster their defences, it seemingly won't be enough to ward off another attack. While the tone may be grim overall, it's likely that the humour which helped made the original so fun will still be present come June next year. Furthermore, the CGI looks unsurprisingly much improved, and after the memorable destruction of The White House it will be interesting to see which landmark Emmerich has chosen to lay waste to this time round.

Along with Goldblum, other returning faces glimpsed here include Bill Pulman's bearded former president, Judd Hirsch as Julius Levinson and Vivica A. Fox as Jasmine, while the list of newcomers includes Liam Hemsworth, Joey King, Sela Ward and It Follows star Maika Monroe.

Directed by Emmerich and starring Goldblum, Pullman, Monroe and Hemsworth, Independence Day: Resurgence will open in the UK and US on June 24, 2016.

Images: 20th Century Fox

Amon Warmann

Amon is a contributing editor and columnist for Empire magazine, but is also a Film and TV writer for GamesRadar+, Total Film, and others. He has also written for NME, Composer Mag, and more, along with being a film critic for TalkSport. He is also the co-host of the Fade to Black Podcast, and a video mashup creator. Can also do a pretty good Bane impersonation.