The possibility of a sequel to '' Independence Day '' had been discussed as early as 2001 , and the film 's producer and writer , Dean Devlin , once stated that the world 's reaction to the September 11 attacks influenced him to strongly consider making a sequel to the film . Devlin began writing an outline for a script with Emmerich , but in May 2004 , Emmerich said he and Devlin had attempted to " figure out a way how to continue the story " , but that this ultimately did not work , and the pair abandoned the idea . In October 2009 , Emmerich said he once again had plans for a sequel , and had since considered the idea of making two sequels to form a trilogy . On June 24 , 2011 , Devlin confirmed that he and Emmerich had found an idea for the sequels and had written a treatment for it . In October 2011 , however , discussions for Will Smith returning were halted , due to Fox 's refusal to provide the $ 50 million salary demanded by Smith for the two sequels . Emmerich , however , made assurances that the films would be shot back-to-back , regardless of Smith 's involvement . In July 2012 , Devlin reiterated that the '' Independence Day '' sequel was still in development , and the script would take place in 2012 , 16 years after the original film 's events
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Independence Day: Resurgence