Will Smith is Out of ‘Independence Day 2’ Because He’s ‘Too Expensive’

By: Amanda Anderson-Niles

Movie star Will Smith may not have accumulated the kind of success he usually does with his latest film with son Jaden Smith, but despite “After Earth’s” weak performance in the United States, the actor’s days of making Blockbuster films aren’t over. In fact, one of Will’s biggest films ever, “Independence Day” got the green light for a sequel, however, it’s been unclear about Will’s involvement with the upcoming film. Will himself said he was unsure about returning in his recent interviews, and it’s because he says he wants to step out the box a little bit more when it comes to selecting movie roles. But now the director confirms to the NY Daily News that Will is out because he’s “too expensive”:

The next alien invasion will have to happen without Will Smith.

“Independence Day 2,” which was recently set for a July 3, 2015 release date by 20th Century Fox, will not feature the original film’s above the marquee star, director Roland Emmerich confirmed to the Daily News.

“Will Smith can not come back because he’s too expensive, but he’d also be too much of a marquee name,” said Emmerich, while promoting his latest film, “White House Down.” “It would be too much.

“We have like maybe half of the people that you know would know from the first film (in the script) and the other half people who are new,” the German director added.

Some people are taking the confirmation of Will Smith’s exit as an indicator the film will struggle at the box office, but it may be a little too early to make a prediction.