Will Smith almost wasnât cast to lead the 1996 sci-fi blockbuster âIndependence Dayâ because he’s Black.
Roland Emmerich and writer
Dean Devlin discuss their fight with 20 Century Fox to cast Smith in the film. The studio wasnât convinced a Black actor would appeal to foreign audiences.
âThe studio said, âNo, we donât like Will Smith. Heâs unproven. He doesnât work in international [markets]â,â Emmerich told
THR ahead of the filmâs 25th anniversary.
â[Fox] said, âYou cast a Black guy in this part, youâre going to kill foreign [box office],ââ Devlin added. âOur argument was, âWell, the movie is about space aliens. Itâs going to do fine foreign.â It was a big war, and Roland really stood up for [Smith] â and we ultimately won that war.â