What Happened to Independence Day (movie franchise)?
The 'Independence Day' movie franchise began with the highly successful 1996 film, which became a global blockbuster and cultural phenomenon. Its 2016 sequel, 'Independence Day: Resurgence,' underperformed critically and commercially, leading to the indefinite shelving of plans for a third installment. As of 2026, the franchise remains dormant, with director Roland Emmerich indicating that a third film is highly unlikely, especially under Disney's ownership of the rights.
Quick Answer
The 'Independence Day' movie franchise, after its monumental 1996 debut, saw its prospects for a continuing saga diminish significantly following the disappointing performance of its 2016 sequel, 'Independence Day: Resurgence.' Despite director Roland Emmerich's initial hopes for a trilogy, the sequel's negative reception and financial underperformance led to the indefinite halt of 'Independence Day 3.' As of August 2026, there are no active plans for a new film, with Emmerich citing Will Smith's character's in-universe death and Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox as major impediments to any future development.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline10 events
Original 'Independence Day' Released
The first 'Independence Day' film, directed by Roland Emmerich, is released to critical and commercial success, grossing over $817.4 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing film of the year.
Early Sequel Discussions Begin
Plans for a sequel to 'Independence Day' begin to be discussed by 20th Century Fox and the filmmakers.
Sequel Greenlit by 20th Century Fox
After years of development, 20th Century Fox officially greenlights the sequel, later titled 'Independence Day: Resurgence.'
Principal Photography for 'Resurgence' Begins
Filming for 'Independence Day: Resurgence' commences, primarily in New Mexico. Will Smith does not return for the sequel.
'Independence Day: Resurgence' Released
The sequel, 'Independence Day: Resurgence,' is released, 20 years after the original. It receives largely negative reviews and is a financial disappointment, grossing $389.6 million worldwide against a $165 million budget.
Director Roland Emmerich Expresses Regret
Following the sequel's release, director Roland Emmerich openly states his dissatisfaction with 'Resurgence,' regretting making it without Will Smith's involvement.
Producer Dean Devlin Indicates No Plans for Third Film
Producer Dean Devlin tells LRM Online that he personally has 'no plans of doing another one' when asked about the status of 'Independence Day 3.'
Disney Acquisition Further Dims Prospects
Roland Emmerich states that Disney's purchase of Fox makes the chances of a third 'Independence Day' film even lower, as Disney had not honored his previous deal.
Emmerich Reiterates Unlikelihood of Third Film and Will Smith's Return
In an interview with The Playlist, Roland Emmerich confirms that Will Smith's character died in the narrative of 'Resurgence' and that Disney's ownership of the rights makes a third film, especially with Smith, highly improbable.
Franchise Remains Dormant
As of today, there are no official plans or approvals for 'Independence Day 3,' and the franchise remains dormant following the commercial and critical disappointment of 'Resurgence.' Fan-made concept trailers continue to appear, but no studio development is underway.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The 'Independence Day' franchise began with a bang in 1996, as the original film, directed by Roland Emmerich and co-written with Dean Devlin, captivated audiences worldwide. Grossing over $817.4 million globally against a $75 million budget, it became the highest-grossing film of 1996 and a benchmark for alien invasion blockbusters. Its success was attributed to its blend of spectacular visual effects, ensemble cast led by Will Smith, and patriotic narrative, establishing it as a cultural touchstone for summer tentpole releases.
Two decades later, 20th Century Fox greenlit a sequel, 'Independence Day: Resurgence,' released in June 2016. The film picked up 20 years after the original, showcasing a humanity that had integrated alien technology to build a global defense system. However, a significant turning point was the absence of original star Will Smith, whose character, Captain Steven Hiller, was written out as having died between films. This absence, coupled with a reported budget of $165 million, set high expectations that the film ultimately failed to meet.
'Resurgence' received largely negative reviews from critics and was considered a financial disappointment, grossing only $389.6 million worldwide. Director Roland Emmerich openly expressed his regret and dissatisfaction with the sequel, particularly lamenting making it without Smith's involvement. The film concluded on a cliffhanger, setting up a potential third installment that would have seen humanity taking the fight to the aliens' home world in an 'intergalactic journey.'
However, the poor performance of 'Resurgence' effectively halted any further development. Producer Dean Devlin stated in March 2018 that he had no plans for another film. Emmerich further elaborated in 2019 that Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox made the chances of a third film even more remote, as Disney had not pursued his original deal for the franchise. As of August 2026, despite occasional fan-made concept trailers circulating online, there is no official 'Independence Day 3' in development, and the franchise remains in limbo. Emmerich reiterated in July 2024 that a third film, especially with Will Smith, is highly unlikely due to the narrative death of his character and the current rights situation under Disney.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Independence Day (movie franchise) made different choices?