Vivica A. Fox Says ‘Independence Day 2’ “Missed Out” & Didn’t “Live Up To The First One,” Due To Will Smith’s Absence

Vivica A. Fox, Will Smith

Vivica A. Fox Says ‘Independence Day 2’ “Missed Out” & Didn’t “Live Up To The First One,” Due To Will Smith’s Absence

Vivica A. Fox is getting candid about the Independence Day sequel and how it doesn’t compare to the original.

During a recent interview, Vivica A. Fox, who played Jasmine Hiller, wife of Will Smith’s character Captain Steven Hiller in the 1996 film Independence Day, shared her thoughts on the 2016 sequel and how it didn’t live up to the success of the first one, which she attributes to Will Smith’s absence.

Will Smith

She explained,

“I just didn’t feel like it was good and lived up to the first one. I really feel we missed out by not bringing Will Smith [back].”

Fox continued,

 “We got most of the original cast but I think the one true link that was missing to the success of Independence Day 2 was that we missed that Will Smith wasn’t there.”

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox said that when she was at the premiere, she wondered “how the fans are going to feel about” Will Smith not returning for the sequel.

She added,

“And sure enough on Twitter, they blew me up.”

In 2016, Will Smith clarified the reason he didn’t return for the sequel was due to a scheduling conflict. He said,

“It was one of those things — I had a couple of films lined up, I had Concussion and Suicide Squad, and so it was a decision, timing-wise, between Independence Day and Suicide Squad. They were sending pictures from the set, and I was like, ahh.”

He continued,

“The world is in a place of nostalgia right now. Specifically in entertainment, there’s such a pull for nostalgia, so it was just the perfect opportunity and it didn’t work out.”

While Fox and Smith were once co-stars and friends, it’s unclear where they stand today. As previously reported, last August, reports surfaced that she had a falling out with the Smiths after criticizing Will Smith for his infamous Oscars slap.

While on The Wendy Williams Show back in June 2022, Vivica A. Fox reacted emotionally to Jada Pinkett Smith’s Red Table Talk remarks about moving forward after Smith smacked Chris Rock at last year’s Oscars ceremony. Fox — who also once co-starred alongside Will Smith’s wife Jada for the 1996 film Set It Off — said in part,

“I just wish we could have just a little more accountability and for it to not seem so self-righteous on Jada’s part, and that’s my feelings.”

During a separate interview, Fox revealed that she hadn’t spoken to Jada since speaking out. Fox explained,

“I think they’re just really going through a season of healing right now. Listen, I love Will Smith. He’s one of my favorite people on the planet. We all make mistakes. If there’s one person that deserves a second chance, it is him. I think he’s taken full accountability for his actions and he apologized.”

Jada Pinkett-Smith