As Roland Emmerich waited around to see if Will Smith would return for the “Independence Day” sequel, two scripts were prepared—one with the actor back in his role, one without. But earlier this year, it became official with the Fresh Prince really and truly deciding he didn’t want to fight aliens again, at least in this movie. And so as the project continues to slowly roll forward, a new writer has been brought in.
Some dude named Carter Blanchard has been hired on to write a new draft, to follow versions written by Emmerich and Dean Devlin, and later James Vanderbilt. The plot? Not much is known about it and we’d wager whatever rumors were out there, the outlines have probably changed as development tends to do, so we’ll have to wait and see. For the moment, Emmerich is keeping himself occupied with “Stonewall,” while “Independence Day 2” or “ID: Forever” or whatever it will be called holds firm with a July 1, 2016 release date.
In other news, “Banshee” co-creator David Schickler is rewriting the Duplass Brothers script for “Mule” that has Todd Phillips producing and eyeing it as a directorial vehicle. First announced a couple of years ago, the movie is based on the book by Tony D’Souza that tells the story of a young couple who turn to trafficking marijuana for money when they are hit with the double whammy of an unexpected pregnancy and a downturn in the economy. Good concept, but this one is also a way off, with Phillips next flick expected to be “Arms & The Dudes” which may start shooting by the end of the year. [Deadline/The Wrap]