Will Smithjust recently won his first Oscar — and a controversial one at that — for his work inKing Richard, the tennis biopic that also starsJon Bernthaland details the life ofVenusandSerena Williamsand their fatherRichard. Smith has had a number of other iconic roles over the years, but perhaps none more legendary than Captain Steven Hiller inIndependence Day, the 1996 alien invasion/sci-fi classic that’scurrently streaming for free on Tubi. The film has wasted no time climbing the free streamer’s charts, where it currently sits at #3 at the time of writing.Independence Dayearned scores of 68% from critics and 75% from general audiences onRotten Tomatoes, and it even won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects at the 1997 Academy Awards.
Independence Daywas written byDean DevlinandRoland Emmerich, with Emmerich also directing the film. Emmerich was also tapped to direct the 2016 sequel,Independence Day: Resurgence, that did not return Will Smith to the lead role and instead replaced him withLiam Hemsworth. Emmerich most recently directedMoonfall, the 2022 disaster film starringHalle BerryandPatrick Wilsonthat tells the story of a mysterious force that knocks the moon out of orbit and sends it towards Earth. BeforeMoonfall, Emmerich also worked with Patrick Wilson onMidway, the 2019 war epic that also starsEd SkreinandWoody Harrelsonand follows the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Midway. Emmerich is also known for his work onThe Day After Tomorrow, the 2004 disaster thriller starringJake GyllenhaalandDennis Quaid.
What’s Next for Will Smith?
Will Smith will next be seen starring inThe Council, the upcoming true crime thriller that’s being written and directed byPeter Landesman, but additional casting for the project is ongoing, and it does not yet have an official release date. He will also team up withKevin HartforPlanes, Trains & Automobiles, a remake of the 1987 film of the same name, andAyesha Carrwill write and direct. Arguably his most intriguing upcoming project isI Am Legend 2, the sequel to the 2007 classic post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller.Michael B. Jordanhas also been tapped for a role in the sequel, but it has not yet been confirmed ifFrancis Lawerencewill return to direct.
Independence Daystars Will Smith and was directed by Roland Emmerich. Stay tuned to Collider for future streaming updates and watchIndependence DayonTubi.
Independence Day
