TORONTO — A sequel to the patriotic blockbuster Independence Day could be in theatres exactly 20 years after the original — and it will likely be made in Canada.
On Wednesday, 20th Century Fox announced it has given a green light to Independence Day 2 with a goal of having it in cinemas on June 24, 2016.
The first movie was about humans battling to save the planet from invading aliens.
Returning to the director’s chair will be Roland Emmerich, who shared news of the sequel on Twitter late Wednesday.
On Instagram, Emmerich wrote: “I couldn’t have done this without the help of brilliant writers, Nicolas Wright and James Woods! Can’t wait to share the ride with you.”
Global News has learned that Emmerich is anxious to make the movie on the soundstages of Montreal’s Cité Du Cinema. Cameras could be rolling as soon as May.
Emmerich shot 2004’s The Day After Tomorrow and last year’s White House Down in Montreal. Last summer, he was back in the city to make the drama Stonewall.
It’s not yet known who will star in Independence Day 2 but it’s almost certain Will Smith will not reprise his leading role. Emmerich has previously said Smith is “too expensive.”
Smith is also rumoured to be considering a role in Suicide Squad, which is scheduled to shoot in Toronto from mid-April until the end of August.
The original Independence Day also starred Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum and Judd Hirsch.
The movie opened on the July holiday weekend in 1996 in first place and went on to earn more than $800 million around the world.
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