Is Will Smith in Independence Day Resurgence
Will Smith does not appear in Independence Day Resurgence. The 2016 sequel, directed by Roland Emmerich, was released as a standalone follow-up to the 1996 original. The film stars Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, and Maika Monroe in the principal roles. Will Smith's character, Captain Steven Hiller, is not part of the cast or storyline of Independence Day Resurgence. The movie is available on major streaming platforms and digital rental services, and its box office performance is tracked by public entertainment data sources such as The Numbers Independence Day Resurgence box office data.
Independence Day Resurgence grossed approximately $389 million worldwide against a reported production budget of around $165 million, according to public box office trackers. The film received mixed critical reception, with a Metacritic score in the low 30s and a Rotten Tomatoes audience score around 30 percent. The sequel focuses on a new generation of pilots and a global resistance movement against returning alien forces. Will Smith's absence is a notable difference from the 1996 original, which starred him as the lead alongside Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman.
Independence Day Resurgence Cast and Characters
The main cast of Independence Day Resurgence includes Liam Hemsworth as Jake Morrison, Jeff Goldblum as Director David Levinson, Bill Pullman as President Thomas Whitmore, and Maika Monroe as Patricia Whitmore. Other key actors include Charlotte Gainsbourg as Dr. Catherine Marceaux, Travis Tope as Charlie Miller, and William Fichtner as General Joshua Adams. The film does not feature Will Smith, and his character from the first film is not referenced in a major capacity in the sequel's primary narrative. Character details and casting credits are confirmed by the film's official credits and verified entertainment databases.
Director Roland Emmerich stated in press interviews that the sequel was designed to launch a new story with new characters, which is why Will Smith was not brought back for the role of Captain Steven Hiller. The film's plot centers on the 20-year anniversary of the first alien invasion and a renewed global threat. The production was handled by Centropolis Entertainment and distributed by 20th Century Fox. The film's marketing materials and trailers emphasize the new cast and a larger-scale alien invasion scenario compared to the 1996 original.
Where to Watch Independence Day Resurgence
Independence Day Resurgence is available for digital purchase and rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. The film has also been available on subscription streaming services, with availability varying by region and current licensing agreements. Physical media releases include Blu-ray and DVD editions that contain behind-the-scenes featurettes and director commentary. Viewers can check current streaming availability through services like JustWatch Independence Day Resurgence streaming availability to find the latest options.
The film is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and destruction, brief language, and some suggestive material. Runtime is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. The sequel's visual effects were handled by multiple studios, with the film utilizing a mix of practical and computer-generated imagery to depict the alien mothership and battle sequences. Box office and financial data for the film are publicly reported by industry trackers and can be compared to the original Independence Day's global gross of over $817 million.