After 15 years of silence, director Roland Emmerich and writer Dean Devlin are finishing up two back-to-back sequel scripts to 1996's Independence Day, according to Vulture. These types of sequel rumors have been popping up ever since the first Independence Day grossed more than $800 million worldwide, but now it seems like the studio is actually going to make this happen. These two sequels will each be stand-alone movies, yet will come together to tell a larger, overarching story.
Fans of the original shouldn't celebrate just yet because apparently Will Smith might not be returning to the franchise. Smith is demanding $50 million to be in both films, and he also wants parts in the movie for his kids as well. There is no word yet on how the script will deal with Smith's character if he doesn't appear in the movie. With Smith being one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, it will be tough for the studio not to give him what he wants.
Not only will Fox have to deal with Smith's salary, but the article also states that Emmerich has some "hefty" demands in order to come back also. Between these high salaries and the expensive special effects shots that are sure to be in the movie, the studio might be looking at a budget anywhere from $200-$250 million for each film.
The good news is that at this point in his career, we're pretty sure that Bill Pullman would demand nothing more than a hot lunch and a warm shower in order to reprise his role for the sequels.
[via Vulture]
