Over the past few months, the idea that Will Smith may be involved in Independence Day 2 – a.k.a. ID Forever Part I – has been up in the air. Some reports signal that he will be returning to the film that made him a star, while others have said he priced them out of any chance of a return. Director Roland Emmerich has taken this on board and has developed TWO scripts, one that involves Will Smith’s Captain Steven Hiller and another that does not.
During the latest press junket for the Blu-Ray release for White House Down, Emmerich commented on the status of ID Forever Part I, “A daily battle… The budget, the schedules, the actors… [but] it’s looking good.” When asked if Will Smith will be returning, he commented “James Vanderbilt has written two versions of the script.” Personally, if Smith is involved or not I have no personal preference but if Michael B. Jordan – who is heavily linked to take on the role of Smith’s son – takes on a role, the idea of Independence Day 2 would become much brighter.
Definitely returning to the cast are Bill Pullman and Jeff Goldblum, with ID Forever Part I set to open on July 3rd 2015.
Originally published October 25, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
