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Despite the dismal performance — historically speaking — of After Earth, Will Smith still holds the crown for summer blockbuster king. The film that started it all was 1996’s highly grossing film, Independence Day, which will finally get a long-awaited sequel July 3, 2015. Here’s one interesting tidbit: the Fresh Prince will not reprise his role as fighter pilot, Captain Steve Hiller.

Following 20th Century Fox’s Thursday (June 20) confirmation announcement, director Roland Emmerich revealed that Smith will not take part in the second installment in a sit down with New York Daily News.

“Will Smith can not come back because he’s too expensive, but he’d also be too much of a marquee name,” Emmerich said, while promoting his latest film, “White House Down.”

He continued, “It would be too much.”

It’s quite ironic that the film that propelled Smith to mega-stardom — it’s also one of many contributing factors for the Oscar nominee’s high asking fee — will not include him a second time because of such.

However, Emerich says, “We have like maybe half of the people that you know would know from the first film (in the script) and the other half people who are new.” Bill Pullman has been confirmed to return as President Thomas J. Whitmore in some capacity.

The German directory hopes the sequel of a film that grossed $817.4 million will be the first of a two part story, tentatively titled ID Forever, Part I and Part II.

Photo: 20th Century Fox