'Independence Day 2' With Will Smith / 'Independence Day 2' Without Will Smith: Which Will Happen?

At this point, it's become pretty clear in regards to Independence Day 2:  the film is going to happen.

20th Century Fox knows it.  So does director Roland Emmerich.  And oh yeah, Will Smith too.

That is why two scripts have been commissioned for the long in-development sequel, one featuring the reprisal of Will Smith in his star making role, one without him.  Only time will tell which happens.

Emmerich was out promoting the Blu-ray/DVD release of White House Down (still haven't seen it but I want to) and seemed as if the task of making a sequel to his most famous film is already taking it's toll, stating it's "a daily battle...the budget, the schedules, the actors...", but promised, "It's looking good."

He of course spoke about the potential involvement of Will Smith and let it be known that screenwriter James Vanderbilt - who wrote White House Down (not sure if that's a good thing or not) - has completed two scripts for the film, one with Will, one without.  But Emmerich did let it be known, "It's looking good [for the version with Smith]."

Hopefully this pans out as I can only imagine a sequel to Independence Day won't feel the same with only the return of the iconic duo of Bill Pullman and Jeff Goldblum.  

A release date of July 3rd, 2015 is set, but I'm willing to be it'll be pushed to summer 2016, being the 20th anniversary of the original's release.

Source:  The Playlist