: Following the Disney-Fox merger , the rights to the franchise now reside with Disney. The company has not yet prioritized a theatrical sequel, leading to speculation that the series might eventually find new life as a streaming event or series.
: Speculative reports and fan-driven "concept" trailers suggest a story that could expand into an interplanetary war, potentially involving the return of long-lost characters or Earth launching its own counterattack into deep space.
As of April 2026, has not been officially greenlit by a major studio, though director Roland Emmerich has expressed continued interest in the project. While the franchise's future has been uncertain since the mixed reception of 2016's Independence Day: Resurgence , several factors currently shape the possibility of a third installment: Production Status and Hurdles
: While Smith's character, Steven Hiller, was canonically killed off-screen in Resurgence , rumors persist about potential retcons or flashbacks to bring the star back, which fans view as vital for the franchise's revival. Future Outlook INDEPENDENCE DAY 3 Is About To Change Everything
: Director Roland Emmerich recently offered a promising update at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, confirming he still has conceptual ideas for the story.