As Roland Emmerich has been making the press rounds for the upcoming “White House Down,“ the director has also been creating some buzz around the upcoming “Independence Day 2,” sequel to the 1996 mega-blockbuster. To the disappointment of many (though admittedly less than before “After Earth”), Emmerich revealed this past weekend, “Will Smith cannot come back because he’s too expensive, but he’d also be too much of a marquee name.” This left all ’90s nostalgists pondering and panting about who else will or won’t sign on for “Independence Day 2.”
Yesterday, Emmerich sat down for with Movies.com for a Q&A and not only confirmed that “Independence Day 2” is happening with a release date of July 3, 2015 (how apropos), but that two of the original film’s leads will be involved. In regards to the film’s Commander-in-Chief, Bill Pullman will be returning, though not much else has been confirmed about his role. If you’re wondering whether President Thomas J. Whitmore will still be in office, we’d doubt it considering that the last film was 17 years ago (although he could pull a Grover Cleveland and serve nonconsecutive terms or be badass enough to change the rules) and Emmerich has said that “it’s a little bit like the sons take over.”
As for everyone’s favorite computer whiz David Levinson, Emmerich also confirmed that Jeff Goldblum is set to return. Again, no concrete details have been released about where his character has gone since we last saw him battling aliens nearly two decades ago. Maybe he and his ex-wife really got back together and they’ve had a few nerdlings by now? Coincidentally, Goldblum may also be in talks to join the upcoming “Jurassic Park 4,” the latest installment in another franchise where Goldblum plays an oddly attractive scientist. We’re not betting on it, but 2015 may be the year of Goldblum.
And as for Smith, Emmerich is at least hoping the Fresh Prince will pop by for a cameo to “pass the torch” for whoever takes over his mantle. Fingers crossed it’s not Jaden.
While waiting with bated breath for another Alien vs. President movie, check out a few new clips and a trailer from Emmerich’s latest trip to the White House “White House Down,” which opens this weekend (June 28th).