With Will Smith's non-return to the "Independence Day" sequel explained, his character's disappearance from the new film has also been clarified. As per ew.com, the film's interactive website Warof1996.com reveals that Smith's character pilot Steve Hiller was killed after the world defeated the alien invaders in 1996.

According to the report, "While test piloting the ESD's first alien hybrid fighter, an unknown malfunction causes the untimely death of Col. Hiller. Hiller's valor in the War of '96 made him a beloved global icon whose selfless assault against the alien mothership lead directly to the enemy's defeat. He is survived by his wife Jasmine and son Dylan."

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."

It was previously reported that 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."

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.