We’ve known for quite some time now that Will Smith would not be returning as Steven Hiller to join most of the original cast in the sequel Independence Day: Resurgence. While the actor’s reasons for not choosing to return aren’t exactly clear the reason his character will be missing from the sequel have been revealed on the new website The War of 1996.
Launched yesterday with the trailer the website is an interactive history lesson on life on Earth post Alien Invasion (as took place in the original Independence Day). Amongst the various highlights of the decades since then is a note in 2007: “Alien Tech Malfunction Kills Col. Hiller”. The notes included read:
“While test piloting the ESD’s first alien hybrid fighter, an unknown malfunction causes the untimely death of Col. Hiller. Hiller’s valor in the War of 96 made him a beloved global icon whose selfless assault against the alien mothership lead directly to the enemy’s defeat. He is survived by his wife Jasmine and their son Dylan.”
In the new movie Dylan is now a fighter pilot and Jasmine is a hospital administrator.
Independence Day: Resurgence is due in theaters in Summer of 2016
