The original 1996 blockbuster brought in $817 million and continued to grow in popularity long after its premiere. Because of its demand, Will Smith is asking for $50 million to be a part of the new films. But that asking price might just keep the actor from appearing in the sci-fi action movies.
Vulture reports that the impasse first came up back in 2009 when Fox began to seriously enter the development phase, but both parties agreed to wait until the screenplays were completed. The two scripts, which are expected to tell one two-part story, are due to be completed at the end of this year, bringing Smith’s involvement back into the equation.
Although for most, a $50 million check is quite ridiculous, it isn’t any different than Johnny Depp’s price tag for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” sequels, which was $56 million for “Pirates 4.”
But it has been over 16 years since “Independence Day” debuted on the big screen, and there’s no telling how much Smith is worth over a decade later.
No final decisions have made to include the movie star, but in the meantime, the script will be divided into two films and is to be completed by the end of the year.
Along with the big money Smith is asking for, he’s also requested to film close to home and have his family in the movie as well.
