: While Smith's character, Steven Hiller, was canonically killed off-screen in Resurgence , rumors persist about potential retcons or flashbacks to bring the star back, which fans view as vital for the franchise's revival. Future Outlook INDEPENDENCE DAY 3 Is About To Change Everything
: The underwhelming box office and critical response to Resurgence —which many attributed to the absence of Will Smith —initially halted plans for an immediate follow-up. Director and Plot Rumors 2022---Will-Independence-Day-3-see-the-light-of-day-
As of April 2026, has not been officially greenlit by a major studio, though director Roland Emmerich has expressed continued interest in the project. While the franchise's future has been uncertain since the mixed reception of 2016's Independence Day: Resurgence , several factors currently shape the possibility of a third installment: Production Status and Hurdles : While Smith's character, Steven Hiller, was canonically