We've been hearing about a possible Independence Day sequel for years now. Will Smith has discussed it, seemingly down for returning to the role that more than any other set him on the course he's on now. The film was a huge hit in 1996, making over $800M, and Smith was a big part of that. Talk about the sequel picked up while director Roland Emmerich was pushing his Shakespeare conspiracy flick, Anonymous, stating that the film is "happening soon". So far, nothing has come of it, but producer Dean Devlin says that they are developing the sequel now, and they even have some hopes of revisiting the world of Stargate while they're at it.
Devlin spoke to THR and had this to say about Independence Day 2....
Devlin: “I can tell you that Roland and I have been working together for the first time in 11 years and we’re every excited about the idea of doing it. Whether or not we can make this happen, if we can get all the pieces to come together, that’s gonna be challenging. But creatively, for the very first time since we did the original, I feel we have a worthy concept, a worthy path to go.”
One thing we've been hearing for awhile is that the film would be split into two parts, with 20th Century Fox recently stating they'd shoot the two movies back-to-back whether Will Smith was involved or not.
Devlin and Emmerich haven't worked together for more than a decade, but clearly they remain close. They broke into the business together, basically, getting their first big boost when they collaborated on 1994's sci-fi hit, Stargate. Sequels to Stargate have long been discussed, but with the film spinning off into some popular TV series, it never really seemed necessary. At least not to me it didn't. Devlin says that the plan was always to make Stargate a trilogy, and that he hopes they can return to telling that story...
Devlin: “Stargate has always had this empty hole. When we made the first one, we always intended on doing part two and three, and we were prevented for years. And our hope is that we can get another chance at Stargate and tell the entire story we wanted to tell.”
Every now and then somebody asks me about Independence Day, and they always seem desirous of a sequel. Can't say I'm one of those people, though. The first film didn't do much for me, and sixteen years away from it hasn't changed my mind in the least. A sequel would be a guaranteed box office champ, though, even if Will Smith decided not to come back. Emmerich makes some terrible movies, but he's great with spectacular, world crushing blockbusters with huge special effects.
For now, fans will have to settle for the Independence Day re-release in 3D, set for July 4th 2013.
