The excitement is palpable as fans of the iconic “Independence Day” franchise eagerly await news of a potential third installment. With the original film celebrating its 30th anniversary, director Roland Emmerich is ready to bring back the thrill of intergalactic battles, but there’s a catch—Disney has yet to greenlight the project.
Since the release of the first film on July 4, 1996, which grossed an astonishing $817 million and left an indelible mark on pop culture, the franchise has remained a beloved classic. Emmerich, who has been vocal about his vision for “Independence Day 3,” recently shared that he has a story mapped out, set to unfold a year or two after the events of “Resurgence.” During San Diego Comic-Con in July 2024, Emmerich expressed his eagerness, stating, “They’ve sold it now to Disney and I have a story and everything. Trust me, I have a story.”
Despite his enthusiasm, the film has not yet received an official green light from Disney, which acquired the franchise through its purchase of 20th Century Fox in 2019. Producer Dean Devlin, who collaborated with Emmerich on the original film, has also indicated that there are no current plans in motion on his end.
One significant hurdle in the narrative is the fate of Will Smith’s character, Steven Hiller. After Smith exited the project just two weeks before filming “Resurgence,” his character was killed off-screen, leaving fans wondering about the possibility of his return. Emmerich has acknowledged that bringing Smith back would present considerable creative challenges.
However, familiar faces are expected to return, with Jeff Goldblum reprising his role as David Levinson and Bill Pullman likely returning as former President Whitmore, whose stirring Senate speech has become a hallmark of the series. The conclusion of “Resurgence,” which hinted at humanity preparing to confront the alien home world, sets the stage for what could be the most ambitious chapter yet—a film that might take viewers entirely off Earth.
As fans hold their breath for updates, one thing is certain: the legacy of “Independence Day” continues to thrive, and the anticipation for a third film remains strong. Will Disney finally make the call to bring this epic story to life?
