From IGN.com
It's been awhile since we've heard anything substantial on Fox's upcoming Independence Day sequels, but director Roland Emmerich and his writing partner Dean Devlin claim to be putting the finishing touches on a pair of screenplays now. They should be ready for the studio by early- to mid-December.
An insider told Vulture that the back-to-back films are written to work as standalone movies while also threading together a single narrative. "They're intended to be fulfilling movies onto themselves," claims the source. "You could see each separately and enjoy them, but they tell one big story." Of course, the big question still remains: What about Will Smith?!
According to the insider, the delays have never really been about finishing the scripts. The real problem comes down to -- what else? -- money. Between Smith's $50 million price tag and Emmerich's own hefty salary demands, it's been difficult for Fox to budget the films. Said the insider, "The delay wasn't about whether they both wanted to make the movie. It had more to do with 'Whose d*** is bigger?'"
The studio says they are willing to move forward on the project without Smith, if necessary, although right now that seems to be a last resort. The good news is Bill Pullman is clearly good to go.