Hollywood’s continual production of remakes, sequels, and reboots, has been a matter of debate and controversy. At times, these new interpretations and continuations fall short of the original film’s impact, leading to criticism and disappointment. A notable instance of this is the sequel to the iconic sci-fi disaster movie ‘Independence Day.’ The original, led by the undeniable charisma of Will Smith, still retains its popularity. However, its sequel lacked this critical component as Will Smith did not reprise his role, a decision recently admitted by co-star Vivica A. Fox as a significant misstep.
The Aftermath of an Icon’s Absence
Vivica Fox and the Impact of Will Smith’s Departure
Vivica A. Fox, who played Jasmine Hiller, wife to Smith’s character Capt. Steven Hiller in both films, publicly acknowledged that the sequel, ‘Independence Day: Resurgence,’ suffered because of Smith’s absence. Fox’s suspicions about the potential effect of Smith’s absence were unfortunately confirmed when ‘Resurgence’ underperformed at the box office.
In a candid discussion with ‘The AV Club,’ Fox expressed her thoughts on the matter. She stated, “I really feel we missed out by not bringing Will Smith back. We had most of the original cast, but I think the one true link that was missing to the success of Independence Day 2 was that Will Smith wasn’t there.”
The Critical and Commercial Response to the Sequel
The absence of Will Smith from ‘Resurgence’ coincided with the film’s poor reception from both audiences and critics when it was released in 2016. Fox’s viewpoint highlights the critical role played by Smith in attracting audiences and boosting the appeal of the original ‘Independence Day.’
Understanding Will Smith’s Absence
The Initial Plans for Will Smith’s Character
In ‘Independence Day,’ directed by Roland Emmerich, Will Smith portrayed Steven Hiller, a pilot spearheading humanity’s final stand against an alien invasion. This role launched Smith into Hollywood’s upper echelons, yet the actor didn’t return for the sequel. Conflicting stories surround Smith’s decision to decline participation in the sequel.
The initial script for ‘Independence Day: Resurgence’ included Smith’s character, according to various sources. However, as the project developed and new writers joined the team, the character was ultimately written out of the narrative.
Smith’s Career Move: A Costly Decision?
Roland Emmerich, the director of the sequel, stated that Smith’s involvement was too costly for the film’s budget. Smith, on the other hand, opened up about his decision to BBC Radio, indicating his choice to star in the 2016 DC film ‘Suicide Squad’ was a career move.
In conclusion, the absence of Will Smith from ‘Independence Day: Resurgence’ significantly impacted the sequel’s success, as affirmed by Vivica A. Fox. This situation underscores the importance of key cast members in a film franchise’s continuation and their ability to draw audiences, serving as a lesson for future Hollywood endeavors.
