Independence Day 2 (2013)

[samuelrichardscott]

Seemingly Independence Day 2 and 3 will shoot back to back with or without Smith. Smith is reportedly asking for $50m to star in both on the grounds they shoot back to back but Fox say even if Smith doesn't sign they will make both.

The first is a classic and this needs Smith IMO. He had the perfect comedic tone for the dialogue in the film.

[Achim]

$50M...?

I say don't pay it and show the stars that their salaries arte way out of hand. the first one was an ensemble piece and I think it could be arranged to do simply create a similar character...

$50M seems like the budget of a small country, sheesh.

[BigTim]

$50 Million IS THE BUDGET OF A SMALL COUNTRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Don't pay it I say.  I love Will Smith but that's outrageous.  How much did the cast of "Lord of the Rings" get paid for years of shooting??  Sometimes you have to give to your craft a little.  How about Half that?  $25 Million is still more than enough.

Big Tim

[Silence_of_Lambs]

What would be the point for Mr. Smith in not grabbing as much money out of this project as he possibly can?
Each of these 2 "movies" will easily have a box office result of 750 Mio (worldwide), not counting DVD, Blu-Ray and TV sales.

50 Mio for 2 movies that's 25 per movie, even Julia Roberts gets more for a film.

And it's actually not a question if he's really worth the money, only if the studios are willing to pay it. If they are, he is.

[Jon]

What would be the point for Mr. Smith in not grabbing as much money out of this project as he possibly can?
Each of these 2 "movies" will easily have a box office result of 750 Mio (worldwide), not counting DVD, Blu-Ray and TV sales.

50 Mio for 2 movies that's 25 per movie, even Julia Roberts gets more for a film.

And it's actually not a question if he's really worth the money, only if the studios are willing to pay it. If they are, he is.

Exactly. Will Smith comes across as a shrewd business man and a producer in his own right. He knows damn well what the potential margins are and he wants a piece. He could have negotiated a percentage kick-back as some do, but he may be thinking what the rest of us probably are: ID4 is dated and potential sequels will probably struggle to recoup costs.