'Independence Day: Resurgence' Update: Sequel wraps production; Director Roland Emmerich opens up about Will Smith's decline to appear in upcoming film

By Staff Writer

Sep 19 2015, 00:42 AM EDT

"Independence Day: Resurgence" has recently wrapped its production, and it was director Roland Emmerich who broke the news via social media. The filmmaker also revealed a few details about Will Smith's refeusal to star in the upcoming sequel. It was noted that the original film's lead actor was replaced by Liam Hemsworth who turned out to be a huge fan of the franchise.

According to the Franchise Herald, the 59-year-old director made the announcement via Instagram where he posted a photo of a double rainbow from their movie set and captioned it, "And that's a wrap on Independence Day Resurgence. Thank you, Albuquerque, New Mexico, you've been amazing. #IDR #NewMexicoTRUE."

The film's production got underway in late May in Albuquerque. Movie Web reported that the sequel will focus on global spectacle, one that is on unimaginable scale. It will showcase a recovered alien technology as well as an immense defense program to protect Earth.

On the other hand, fans knew beforehand that Will Smith is not returning for "Independence Day 2", given the actor's conviction toward participating in movie sequels. Movie Pilot reported that director Emmerich explained Smith's reluctance to move forward with the said sequel, which is scheduled for release on June 24, 2016:

"In the very beginning, I wanted to work with him and he was excited to be in it but then after a while he was tired of sequels, and he did another science fiction film, which was his father-son story, so he opted out."

With all the recent adjustments, the franchise offered Liam Hemsworth the leading role in the long-anticipated sequel to the 1996 perennial crowd-pleaser. Hemsworth is reported to be a long-time fan of the original film back when he was six years old.

"We had a VHS copy at my house with a little hologram on it. I used to carry it around," the actor recalls.

Since Roland Emmerich, Liam Hemsworth and the rest of the cast have finished filming "Independence Day: Resurgence," then there might be a chance that fans can see a teaser trailer coming out next month. The upcoming sequel is scheduled to open in cinema on June 24, 2016.