Roland Emmerich Pitches Concept For Independence Day 3 As An “Intergalactic Journey”

Only now is 20th Century Fox beginning to unleash those iconic saucers with Independence Day: Resurgence crashing into theaters today, June 24.

That hasn’t quelled Roland Emmrich’s enthusiasm to continue his sci-fi franchise beyond 2016, though, revealing to Empire that he’s already drafted up some ideas for a potential Independence Day 3. Of course, the likelihood of said threequel will hinge on the box office performance of Resurgence – which is off to a relatively strong start with after pulling in $4 million on Thursday night in the States – but at least for now, Emmerich is envisioning the next installment as an “intergalactic journey.” Strap in folks, we could be leaving Earth behind.

It’s still early, early days, but the filmmaker began by noting that key cast members including Jeff Goldblum and Brent Spiner are more-than-welcome to return.

“It’ll be fun to keep the group together,” Emmerich stated. What’s more, rather than the 20-year gap between ID and IDR, ID3 would begin “maybe a year or two later.” Whether or not that comes to pass remains up in the air for now, but should the opportunity present itself, Emmerich considers himself a shoo-in to take the reins: “Will I definitely direct it? Oh yes. I’d never, ever let someone else do it.”

Independence Day: Resurgence opens in theaters today, June 24, headlined by a cast that includes Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch, Vivica A. Fox, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Maika Monroe and Sela Ward, along with Jessie Usher and Liam Hemsworth.