Most believe that Will Smith's career as a Hollywood superstar and box-office lead actor was propelled by his role in "Independence day." So when news broke out that the film's sequel "Independence Day: Resurgence" was coming soon, fans were disappointed to find out that Smith would not be part of it. 

After much speculation, Smith reportedly turned down the part as he wanted to do M. Night Shyamalan's "After Earth" with his son Jaden Smith. As per screencrush.com, director Rolan Emmerich said "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."

Since "After Earth" was a commercial and critical flop, sources say that Smith had regrets for choosing that film over this potential blockbuster sequel.

The film however has confirmed the return of old cast members such as Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch, Brent Spiner and Vivica A. Fox. In addition, Lian Hemsworth, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jessie Usher, Maika Monroe and Joey King have been casted as new additions.

According to the report by Britt Hayes of Screen Crush, "Independence Day: Resurgence" will take place 20 years after the alien invasion that occurred in the original film. Planet earth has since then "been using tech leftover from the last alien invasion to build weapons to defend mankind from any potential future attacks."

As reported by hollywoodreporter.com, Titan Comics will be releasing a new comic book series prequel to the upcoming sequel "Independence Day: Resurgence" that will come out next June 2016.

Apparently, this comic book to be released by Titan Comics will explain what happened in that 20 year gap between the first film and "Independence Day: Resurgence."

As reported by Graeme McMillan of The Hollywood Reporter, "The as-yet-unnamed comic book will, according to the publisher, be "a rich psychological prison drama" set after the events of the original 1996 movie. Editor Steve White told THR that the series will be "a golden opportunity to segue nicely into next year's blockbuster sequel by taking the mythos of the original and maybe adding a little darkness to it."