This film could easily have been the blockbuster event of summer 2016 – it turned out very differently. Independence Day 2: Resurgence may have been pumped up with a massive budget, but what’s it all for? We explain the history of the flop in detail.
When and where is Independence Day 2 on TV?Plot: What happens in Independence Day 2?
It’s all about this: 20 years after the alien attack in Independence Day, the world is never the same. This is not least due to the fact that mankind has appropriated the extraterrestrial technology in order to rebuild their homeland and to arm themselves for a possible further attack. A good idea, because the vanquished aliens have sent a signal into space to request assistance from their galactic allies.
Many new stars and returnees: Now the next generation is confronted with an extraterrestrial threat: Dylan (Jessie Usher) suddenly has to take over the legacy of his stepfather Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith). The daughter (Maika Monroe) of former President Whitmore (Bill Pullman) tries to develop a relationship with one of the fighter pilots (Liam Hemsworth). In addition, scientist David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) offers the experience he gained in the last wave of invasions.
Independence Day 2: Resurgence – Trailer (German) HD
Independence Day 2 was an extremely expensive sci-fi treat
The budget: Independence Day 2 was one of the most expensive films of 2016. According to Box Office Mojo, the production budget alone was $165 million. The breakeven point, the point at which a film makes a profit, was $412.5 million. Rule of thumb for large-scale production: production budget x 2.5 = break-even point.
Independence Day 2 wasn’t just a financial flop, it was a disappointment on all levels
The result: The blockbuster grossed just $389 million worldwide. That was less than half of its predecessor, which grossed a whopping $817 million in 1996 from a budget of just $75 million.
What was the issue? With Roland Emmerich, the successful director of the first part returned. Two of the main cast members were also back, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman. However, one thing was missing: Will Smith, the heart of the first part and the biggest star of the franchise. The simple reason for his absence: “I had two scripts in front of me, Independence Day 2 and Suicide Squad”, according to Smith. It was “the choice between trying to move forward and clinging to the past.” Will Smith settled on Suicide Squad, which launched the same year and received a mixed reception from fans.
The ratings: However, Suicide Squad was not as negatively received as Independence Day 2. The blockbuster received 5.1 out of 10 points from Moviepilot. Part 1 is rated with a 7. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received just 30 percent approval from audiences – a brutal 45 percent lower than Part 1.
Is Independence Day 3 still coming?
Two new films from the franchise were originally scheduled to appear.
Independence Day 3 was always talked about. However, the crash landing of the first sequel drove away all hopes. A conclusion of the trilogy would probably only be possible after a long time since the flop – and then only with Will Smith. That should be the lesson from this failed attempt.
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