After nearly three decades since the first Independence Day (1996) revolutionized the disaster sci-fi genre, and the 2016 sequel Independence Day: Resurgence struggled to capture the same magic, Walt Disney Studios is gearing up for Independence Day 3 (2025). Directed by Roland Emmerich, this third installment promises to reclaim the grandeur of the original while adding fresh elements for modern audiences.

Budget and Production

Independence Day 3 is reported to have a budget of around $250 million, making it one of the most expensive movies Disney has committed to under the Independence Day banner. The studio aims to push visual boundaries by utilizing cutting-edge CGI and special effects to create spectacular alien battles, global destruction, and large-scale action sequences.

Given the high stakes involved, Disney has pulled all stops to bring back not only key members of the original creative team but also some fan-favorite characters, including Jeff Goldblum and Jessie Usher, while adding new star power in the form of Millie Bobby Brown and Idris Elba.

Release Date

Independence Day 3 is set for a global release on July 4, 2025, an iconic and fitting release date to align with the film’s themes of humanity coming together to fight for survival. The summer slot will see it competing with other major blockbusters, but Disney is confident that nostalgia and brand recognition will drive fans back to theaters.

Success Story

While Independence Day: Resurgence fell short of expectations, grossing just over $389 million worldwide, the original film was a groundbreaking success, earning more than $817 million globally and cementing itself as a summer blockbuster classic. With Independence Day 3, Disney hopes to reignite the franchise by blending the original’s thrilling spirit with modern sensibilities.

The studio has high hopes that this sequel will surpass the second film both critically and commercially, with plans for more expansions in the universe if Independence Day 3 proves to be successful. Fans worldwide eagerly await the first trailer, which is expected to drop in late 2024, giving a glimpse into the renewed battle for Earth’s survival.