Two Independence Day sequels have been scheduled to be released in July 2015 probably without the star of the first film, Will Smith. In an interview with the director of the upcoming film, Roland Emmerich (who directed Channing Tatum in White House Down), said Will Smith is "too expensive". He also said it was because Smith is "too much of a marquee name".

Roland Emmerich
Director Roland Emmerich at the 10,000BC Premiere, L.A. in 2008

Emmerich directed the first Independence Day, in 1996. However, after 17 years Emmerich is aware he is not only catering for an audience who remember the first film but for those who "are new" to the concept. Hence if Smith were to appear in the upcoming sequel, comparisons will be too easily made. In many respects this could alienate (excuse the terrible pun) the new audience. 

Independence Day saw Will Smith save the world from a giant alien spaceship which, in good disaster movie tradition, destroyed New York and the White House but are finally defeated in the Grand Canyon. 

Will Smith
Will Smith who starred in the original film will probably not be reprising his role.

Expanding the Independence Day franchise will see the alien action movie following in the footsteps of other highly successful sequels, trilogies and quadrilogies such as Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Alien and Star Wars. 

The Independence Day franchise is set to become a trilogy with the sequels ID: Forever Part 1 and Part 2. The script, written by Emmerich and Dean Devlin, is currently being tweaked by The Amazing Spider-man writer, James Vanderbilt. 

A release date has already been set for ID: Forever Part 1, the 3rd July 2015.

Dean Devlin
Dean Devlin, co-writer of the Independence Day sequels.