Independence Day 2 has got its latest cast member - William Fichtner joining as a general, Digital Spy reports.

Shooting has already started on the sequel to the 1996 film, with Roland Emmerich returning to direct.

Deadline reports that the actor is playing a "top general", with that turning into an even bigger role in the two films to follow this first sequel.

Fichtner is known for movies including Heat, Armageddon, The Dark Knight and Black Hawk Down.

Emmerich's creative partner Dean Devlin recently posted a picture of himself with Jeff Goldblum, who is back as computer whizz David Levinson.

Co-lead Will Smith isn't returning with him but Brent Spiner, Vivica A Fox, Bill Pullman and Judd Hirsch are all taking up their roles from the first film.

New cast members to the film series include Jessie Usher, Liam Hemsworth, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Sela Ward as the new female US president.

Independence Day 2 will arrive in cinemas on June 24, 2016, the 20th anniversary of the original film.