Independence Day 3

Independence Day 3: Current Status and Future Prospects

As of 2025, the highly anticipated third installment of the Independence Day franchise remains uncertain. The original film, directed by Roland Emmerich, became a massive hit in 1996, followed by the sequel Independence Day: Resurgence in 2016. Despite fans’ hopes, progress on Independence Day 3 has been slow and complicated by several factors.

Director Roland Emmerich has expressed interest in continuing the story and mentioned that he has ideas for a new film. However, the rights to the franchise now belong to Disney after its acquisition of 20th Century Fox, which means official negotiations need to take place before the project can move forward. Emmerich has stated that he is ready to work with Disney if given the chance.

One of the major challenges in producing Independence Day 3 is the absence of key cast members, particularly Will Smith. Smith’s character, Captain Steven Hiller, played a central role in the original film but was written off in the sequel, which has made it difficult to continue his story or feature him in future installments. The underperformance of the 2016 sequel also affected the momentum and confidence in the franchise’s direction.

Despite these hurdles, Emmerich has expressed openness to alternative formats for continuing the Independence Day saga, including a possible series on Disney+. Streaming platforms have become popular venues for expanding cinematic universes, and a series could provide more flexibility for storytelling and character development without the pressure of box office numbers.

Fans of the franchise remain hopeful that Independence Day 3 will eventually be made, whether as a theatrical release or a streaming project. The original film’s legacy and cultural impact have kept interest alive for nearly three decades, and many viewers are eager to see how the story of Earth’s fight against alien invaders could evolve.

In conclusion, while Independence Day 3 is not currently in active production, the possibility for its return exists. It depends largely on discussions between the filmmakers and Disney, as well as overcoming casting challenges. For now, audiences wait and hope for another chance to revisit the thrilling world of Independence Day.