Brent Spiner to return for 'Independence Day 2'

LOS ANGELES, April 10 (UPI) -- Brent Spiner will return for Independence Day 2.

The 66-year-old actor portrayed Dr. Brackish Okun in the original 1996 film, and will reprise the role in the sequel. Director Roland Emmerich revealed the news on Twitter Thursday.

"This just in... @JoeyKingActress and @BrentSpiner officially signed for #IndependenceDay - Welcome aboard!" he announced.

Jeff Goldblum, Vivica A. Fox and Bill Pullman will also return as David Levinson, Jasmine Dubrow and President Whitmore, respectively. The actors will appear alongside newcomers Liam Hemsworth, Jessie Usher and Charlotte Gainsbourg.

Independence Day was directed by Emmerich, and saw U.S. Marine pilot Capt. Steven Hiller (Will Smith) lead a counterattack against alien invaders. Spiner's character appeared to die in the movie, but it seems Okun will be revived in some capacity.

Spiner is best known for portraying Lt. Commander Data on Star Trek: The Next Generation and in four Star Trek films. Newcomer Joey King is a 15-year-old actress who played Ramona Quimby in Ramona and Beezus.