Chronicle and “Friday Night Lights” star Michael B. Jordan, pictured middle, is being eyed for a major role in Roland Emmerich’s Independence Day sequel, multiple individuals familiar with the 20th Century Fox project have told TheWrap.
To be clear, Jordan has not yet received an offer, nor does one seem imminent. Emmerich has met with several up-and-coming young actors, including Jordan, who is high on the studio’s list. Fox execs like Jordan for the part — his name has been thrown around repeatedly in creative meetings — and Jordan is interested, multiple individuals with knowledge of the star’s thinking have told TheWrap.
Should Fox make an offer, the studio would effectively be doubling down on Jordan’s star potential, as the actor is poised to play the Human Torch in its Fantastic Four reboot.
They also add that it’s unclear whether Will Smith will return for the sequel, or what part Jordan is being eyed for. A representative for Smith told TheWrap that the actor’s status regarding the Independence Day sequel remains unchanged — meaning he’s not officially involved at this time.
Smith could be paired with Jordan or “pass the torch” to the rising star, who would then take over the franchise should Fox move forward with additional installments. After all, the sequel is known as ID Forever Part I.
Emmerich recently sat down with screenwriter James Vanderbilt (The Amazing Spider-Man) and producers Dean Devlin and Harald Kloser to discuss the sequel, which is scheduled to blow up theaters on July 3, 2015, though recent reports suggest it could be delayed to 2016. Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman are expected to reprise their roles.