'Independence Day' sequel officially titled, photos from set released

HOLLYWOOD, June 23 (UPI) -- Independence Day Resurgence has been dubbed the new official title for Roland Emmerich's sequel to the 1996 original starring Will Smith. The Monday announcement comes alongside a brief teaser trailer of the film.

Photos from set, including a group shot of the cast via selfie-stick held by cast member Jeff Goldblum, were also released on Emmerich's Facebook page Monday. The director posed with a spacecraft from the film he calls the Moon Tug -- a frog-like space vehicle with a still-mysterious purpose.

"Anybody want to take this thing for a spin? Get an exclusive first look at the Moon Tug!" Emmerich wrote.

Vivica A. Fox, Liam Hemsworth, Jessie Usher, Maika Monroe, Judd Hirsch, Sela Ward and Charlotte Gainsbourg will also appear in the film, which Fox dates for June 24, 2016 -- almost 20 years since Independence Day's release.