Will Smith Says It Was Terrible When He Found Out His Independence Day Character Died

Will Smith found it unpleasant to learn that the fat lady had sung on Steven Hiller, the character he played in 1996's Independence Day. "It was terrible when I found out my character died," Smith told Yahoo.

Hiller's death was revealed on a viral site for Independence Day: Resurgence. "While test piloting the ESD's first alien hybrid fighter, an unknown malfunction causes the untimely death of Col. Hiller," the site's timeline reads. "Hiller's valor in the War of '96 made him a beloved global icon whose selfless assault against the alien mothership lead directly to the enemy's defeat. He is survived by his wife Jasmine and his son Dylan." You can see an image of Hiller's fiery death by clicking here.

Smith was "working on Suicide Squad" when Independence Day: Resurgence was being shot, but Smith was approached several times in the past about reprising his role. "[IDR director] Roland [Emmerich] and I had talked about it," he admitted.

Smith did compliment the trailer for Independence Day: Resurgence and said it will be very emotional for him when he sees the film for the first time. "The trailer looks really cool," Smith offered "I’m going to be sitting around with tears in my eyes when that one comes out."

We always knew they were coming back. After INDEPENDENCE DAY redefined the event movie genre, the next epic chapter delivers global spectacle on an unimaginable scale. Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth have collaborated on an immense defense program to protect the planet. But nothing can prepare us for the aliens’ advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can bring our world back from the brink of extinction.

Independence Day: Resurgence lands in theaters June 24, 2016.