The eagerly anticipated sequel to the alien invasion epic “Independence Day,” titled “Independence Day: Resurgence,” hit theaters in June 2016. While many familiar faces returned for the sequel, including Vivica A. Fox, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman, one key character was noticeably absent: Will Smith as Captain Steven Hiller.
Smith’s absence sparked speculation among fans about why the charismatic actor, who played a pivotal role in the original film, did not reprise his character in the sequel. Several reasons have come to light explaining his decision to sit out “Independence Day: Resurgence.”
Scheduling Conflicts And Script Changes
In a candid interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra in 2016, Smith himself clarified that a scheduling conflict led to his absence from “Independence Day: Resurgence.” At the time, he was committed to other projects, notably “Concussion” and “Suicide Squad.” Smith expressed regret about not being able to participate in the sequel, especially during a time when nostalgia for the original film was running high in the entertainment industry.
Choosing “Suicide Squad” Over “Independence Day”
Smith’s decision to prioritize “Suicide Squad,” where he took on the role of Deadshot, a skilled marksman and assassin, further underscored his choice to focus on different cinematic opportunities. He explained that the timing aligned better for him to join the ensemble cast of “Suicide Squad,” which was also a highly anticipated project.
Concerns About Sequels
Dean Devlin, one of the original directors of “Independence Day,” shed light on Smith’s hesitation towards sequels in an interview with Yahoo Entertainment. Devlin revealed that Smith had initially been enthusiastic about the planned sequels when they were first discussed. However, Smith eventually decided against reprising his role due to concerns about committing to multiple sequels.
Creative Changes in The Script
Roland Emmerich, the director of “Independence Day: Resurgence,” explained that the storyline originally included Captain Hiller as part of a father-and-son narrative. When this direction didn’t materialize as envisioned, the filmmakers opted to explore other creative avenues.
The script evolved to focus on a handoff to a younger generation of characters, making Smith’s character less integral to the plot of the sequel.
Conclusion
While fans missed seeing Will Smith in “Independence Day: Resurgence,” his absence was primarily due to a combination of scheduling conflicts, creative differences, and his preference for other film projects. Despite not returning for the sequel, Smith’s legacy as Captain Steven Hiller in the original “Independence Day” remains a significant part of the franchise’s history.
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