Some fans thought the day would never come, but production has finally started on the long-gestating sequel to "Independence Day," and some familiar faces have already been spotted on set.

In an Instagram post, producer Dean Devlin -- who also co-wrote and produced the 1996 original -- shared a snap of star Jeff Goldblum, who's reprising his role as scientist David Levinson for the flick. "Hanging with David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) 20 years later is a dream come true!" Devlin captioned the photo.

Hanging with David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) 20 years later is a dream come true! #IndependenceDay

A photo posted by Dean Devlin (@officialdeandevlin) on


"Dream come true" could also describe "Independence Day 2"'s very existence, since it's been in the works on and off for close to two decades now, with numerous stops and starts -- remember when it was supposed to be split into two films? -- in the last few years alone. And while Goldblum's costar Will Smith won't be back this time around, plenty of other actors from the first flick are due to appear in "ID2," including Bill Pullman, Vivica A. Fox, Judd Hirsch, and Brent Spiner.

Also joining the cast are new additions Liam Hemsworth, Sela Ward (taking over presidential duties from Pullman), Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jessie Usher, Joey King, and Maika Monroe. We're looking forward to seeing them all kick some alien butt.

"Independence Day 2" hits theaters on June 24, 2016.

[via: Dean Devlin]

Photo credit: JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images