Hollywood loves a trilogy. Usually. But when it comes to the Independence Day 3 cast, things are... complicated. If you're looking for a confirmed list of actors currently filming on a set in Albuquerque, I’ve got some tough news for you: it doesn't exist yet. The reality of a third film is stuck in a weird sort of cinematic limbo, caught between Disney's massive acquisition of Fox and the lukewarm reception of the 2016 sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence.
Honestly, the first movie was lightning in a bottle. You had Will Smith at his peak, Jeff Goldblum being peak Goldblum, and Bill Pullman giving the greatest cinematic speech of all time. Then came Resurgence. It tried to bridge the gap with a younger generation, but without Smith's Captain Steven Hiller, something felt off. Director Roland Emmerich has been pretty vocal about his desire to finish the story, but the "who" is just as important as the "if."
The Big Question: Could the Original Stars Return?
If a third movie actually happens, the biggest hurdle is the Independence Day 3 cast anchor. You can't really have this franchise without Jeff Goldblum. As David Levinson, he's the connective tissue. Goldblum has expressed interest in the past, basically saying he’s up for anything as long as the script is right. He’s the fan favorite. Without him, you’re just watching generic jets fly at generic CGI saucers.
Then there is the Will Smith problem. His character was killed off-screen in the second film (a decision made mostly because of scheduling and salary disputes at the time). However, in a world of sci-fi and multiverses, "dead" doesn't always mean gone. Emmerich once mentioned that the original plan for Resurgence involved Smith, and losing him changed the entire trajectory of the story. If Disney decides to greenlight a third one, bringing back Smith via some high-concept sci-fi explanation—cloning, anyone?—would be the only way to guarantee a massive opening weekend.
Bill Pullman’s President Whitmore is a bit harder to bring back after his heroic sacrifice at the end of the second film. Still, his daughter, Patricia Whitmore, played by Maika Monroe, is a primary candidate for a returning lead.
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Breaking Down the New Generation
The 2016 film went heavy on the "passing of the torch" vibe. We saw Liam Hemsworth as Jake Morrison and Jessie T. Usher as Dylan Hiller (Steven Hiller’s son). If we look at the potential Independence Day 3 cast based on where the story left off, these are the names most likely to get the call.
- Jessie T. Usher: He’s the legacy character. Dylan Hiller represents the bridge to the 1996 original. While the second movie didn't give him as much room to shine as his "dad," Usher has since proven his chops in The Boys. He’s a much bigger star now.
- Liam Hemsworth: He was the "rogue pilot" archetype. Honestly, his character felt a bit like a placeholder for Will Smith’s energy, but he’s still a bankable lead for an international audience.
- Maika Monroe: She’s become an indie horror darling since Resurgence. Her involvement would add some much-needed weight to the script.
There’s also Brent Spiner. His portrayal of Dr. Brackish Okun is one of the few things everyone agreed was great in the sequel. Despite being in a "coma" for twenty years, he came back weirder than ever. You almost have to include him for the comic relief and the scientific exposition. It's not an Independence Day movie if a guy in a lab coat isn't shouting about alien psychic links.
The Disney Factor and Why It’s Taking So Long
Let's get real for a second. When Disney bought 20th Century Fox, they inherited a massive library of IPs. Some, like Avatar and Planet of the Apes, were immediate priorities. Others, like Independence Day, were put on the back burner.
The box office for Resurgence was... okay. It made about $389 million worldwide against a $165 million budget. In Hollywood math, that’s "fine," but not "let’s rush out a sequel immediately." Roland Emmerich has gone on record saying he regretted doing the second one without Will Smith, and he’s hinted that if a third one happens, he wants it to be an intergalactic journey.
The "next step" in the story involves the humans taking the fight to the aliens. We’re talking about a leap from Earth-based defense to a full-on Star Wars style offensive. That requires a massive budget and a cast that can carry a space opera.
What an Independence Day 3 Script Might Look Like
The end of Resurgence introduced the "Sphere," an artificial intelligence from a race that was also attacked by the Harvesters. This Sphere offered to teach humans how to use their technology to strike back.
If we’re speculating on the Independence Day 3 cast dynamics, the plot would likely revolve around a hand-picked crew of pilots and scientists traveling across the galaxy. This is where you bring in new, international faces. The franchise has always tried to be global—think of the Chinese pilots in the second film or the African warlord played by Deobia Oparei. A third film would likely double down on this, featuring a diverse, ensemble cast representing a unified Earth.
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It’s a cool concept. Instead of waiting for the giant shadows to cover our cities, we become the invaders. Or the liberators. Whatever sounds better in a trailer.
Misconceptions About the Sequel
You might see "leaked" posters or trailers on YouTube with millions of views. Most of those are fan-made or AI-generated. There is currently no official production date.
A lot of people think the project is dead because it's been nearly a decade since the last one. But look at Top Gun: Maverick or Twisters. Hollywood is in an era where 20-year or even 30-year gaps between sequels are becoming the norm. If the nostalgia hits right, Disney will pull the trigger.
The Reality of the Cast Salaries
One reason these movies take forever is the paycheck. In 1996, Will Smith wasn't the "Will Smith" we know now. By 2016, he was too expensive for Fox's budget for that specific project. In 2026, the landscape is different. Streaming deals and backend profits change how actors sign on.
If Disney wants a hit, they know they need a "Mount Rushmore" of talent. That means:
- A massive returning legacy star (Goldblum or Smith).
- A current A-list action lead (think Florence Pugh or Glen Powell).
- A strong international ensemble to satisfy the global box office.
Where Does That Leave Us?
Right now, the Independence Day 3 cast is a wishlist, not a call sheet. We know the director wants it. We know the fans of the original are still out there, even if they were disappointed by the second one.
The nuace here is that Independence Day isn't just a movie title; it's a brand. Disney doesn't let brands just sit on a shelf forever. They either reboot them or finish them. Given the cliffhanger ending of the last film, a "finish" is more likely than a "start over."
Key Takeaways for Fans
- No Official Greenlight: As of now, Disney has not officially scheduled Independence Day 3.
- The Goldblum Factor: Jeff Goldblum remains the most likely returning star.
- The Smith Possibility: While his character is "dead," don't rule out a return if the script and the money align.
- Intergalactic Pivot: The story is expected to move away from Earth and into deep space.
If you’re tracking this, keep an eye on Roland Emmerich’s interviews during his upcoming projects. He usually drops breadcrumbs about his talks with the studio. Until then, the best way to see the Independence Day 3 cast is to rewatch the first two and imagine what a trip to the alien home world would actually look like with Jeff Goldblum narrating the whole thing.
To stay updated on actual production starts, follow industry trades like The Hollywood Reporter or Deadline rather than social media rumors. Search for "active development" lists for 20th Century Studios, as that's where the first official confirmation will surface once the script moves out of the "treatment" phase and into pre-production.
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Watch for casting calls in Atlanta or London—the two biggest hubs for Disney's big-budget sci-fi—as these often leak months before a formal press release.