ID42? Independence Day Sequel Rumors

Independence Day is one of those movies that pretty much falls apart if you put more than four seconds worth of thought into it, but nevertheless, it remains a fun and ultimately entertaining sci-fi flick to watch on a weekend afternoon. Making nearly a billion dollars in theaters, ID4 was one of a few movies that helped to make Will Smith a star in the early 90's, so much so that when sequel rumors began to circulate in the new millennium, it was Smith's stardom that was indeed the sticking point.

You couldn't really do a proper ID4 sequel without him, and yet his paycheck, on top of what would already be a hugely expensive movie, made the studio nervous that they wouldn't see a dime of actual profit.  Now, however, it would seem as if a deal has finally been struck to bring Smith back to the series that made him famous. According to IESB...

Will Smith is now locked for not only Independence Day 2, but also a third installment. The plan would be to shoot both films back-to-back. Whether the studio opts to go the Matrix  route and release the two films six months apart or do like the Pirates of the Caribbean sequels and split them by a year remains to be seen. According to our sources, if all goes according to plan, the sequel(s) could shoot as early as 2011. This would be Emmerich's next directorial endeavor after his William Shakespeare thriller Anonymous.

The article is quick to point out that the sequels wouldn't interfere with Smith's next film. The actor has yet to choose between Men in Black 3 or The City that Sailed. Either way, Smith is a guaranteed draw and ID4 is still a name that carries weight with sci-fi/action fans.

Check back with UGO for more as things develop...