Independence Day 2 is happening — without Will Smith

Independence Day 2 is happening — without Will Smith
(Image credit: Facebook/WillSmith)

Nearly 20 years after the original Independence Day became an $800 million hit, a sequel is finally happening — but its most recognizable star won't be a part of it.

Deadline reports that while 20th Century Fox has officially given a greenlight to Independence Day 2, Will Smith has turned down an offer to reprise his role as the Marine Corps fighter pilot who helped to destroy the alien mothership. The report adds that if Smith does change his mind, the film's creative team would likely write him in "in a heartbeat."

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Scott Meslow

Scott Meslow is the entertainment editor for TheWeek.com. He has written about film and television at publications including The Atlantic, POLITICO Magazine, and Vulture.