Unforeseen Twist: Will Smith’s Potential Return Signals an Unexpected Reunion With a Major Franchise

Published 07/18/2023, 6:00 PM EDT

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Will Smith’s path to success has consistently been blessed by fate. The actor has graced the silver screen with numerous blockbusters. From the iconic King Richard to the adventurous Wild Wild West, he has etched his name in cinematic history. Renowned for his astute decision-making in selecting film projects, the Fresh Prince has built an impressive repertoire in the industry. He has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. From the Oscars to the BAFTA and Grammys, all rest on his shelf of achievements.

Having graced the silver screen in a series of blockbuster franchise films such as Men in Black and Bad Boys, Smith holds a good track record with franchises. However, a turn of events unveils a unique opportunity for him to make a return to a franchise that initially fell short of expectations.

Will Smith to make a return to this franchise?

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In 1996, Roland Emmerich crafted a timeless cinematic masterpiece, Independence Day, which swiftly became a cornerstone of the Fourth of July celebrations. Starring the talented Smith, the film soared to great heights. However, the sequel released in 2016 met with resounding disappointment. It also had to give away Smith’s Steven Hiller character, replacing it with his stepson. Smith’s absence was widely noted, with many attributing it as a significant factor contributing to the unfortunate flop. Emmerich harbored intentions for a third installment, but the poor performance of the sequel thwarted those plans.

via Imago

Following Disney’s acquisition of Fox Studios, the trend of reviving dormant films has become a hallmark. In this wave of reboots, there is speculation that Independence Day may resurface under Disney’s banner. As per Comic Book, Emmerich says, “I would love to do maybe a third one, or a TV show, continuing the story.”

He also emphasized that the essence of the third part would evoke the same spirit as the original film. The lingering question remains whether Smith will make a return to the franchise if this exciting prospect materializes.

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Whether Independence Day will be rebooted or continue as an ongoing story remains uncertain, as only time will reveal the fate of the franchise. However, the question remains: why did the sequel fail to live up to the legacy of its predecessor?

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The prevailing rumors point to Smith’s absence as a significant factor contributing to the unsuccessful sequel. Smith declined the film, citing commitments to other projects such as Suicide Squad and Concussion as the primary reasons for his decision. Regrettably, Resurgence failed to capture the tone and gravitas of its predecessor. The film leaned heavily towards a comedic tone, lacking substance and authenticity.

Amidst this disappointment, Bill Pullman’s character stood as a lone figure, taking the narrative seriously. In an intriguing turn of events, the Men in Black actor had previously expressed his disapproval of the film being made into a sequel. It leaves us to ponder whether his reluctance indicates a permanent departure.

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Do you think Smith will make a return to this classic franchise if it comes to fruition? Let us know in the comments below.

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Riva Khan

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Riva Khan is an entertainment reporter at NetflixJunkie. Given her love for the language and writing, she has honed her narrative skills from a young age. She loves her latest tea in Hollywood and keeps an eye on the news.

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