How ‘Disclosure Day’ And ‘Independence Day’ Are Related (And How They’re Quite Different)

by

While both Disclosure Day and Independence Day feature stories about aliens, they are separate films and not connected as a series.

Steven Spielberg’s latest sci-fi film, featuring Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, and Colin Firth, has generated a lot of buzz since its initial trailer was released. People are especially curious about a surprising animal element and the movie’s focus on UFOs. Because the film involves an alien invasion, many viewers are wondering if it shares a connection to Roland Emmerich’s Independence Day.

Is Disclosure Day Set in the Same Universe as Independence Day?

Despite both Disclosure Day and Independence Day portraying hostile aliens trying to invade Earth, the two projects are separate stories and don’t share a common universe.

Some people believe the new movie, Disclosure Day, is a spiritual successor to the 1996 film Independence Day, possibly because both titles include the word “Day.” However, Independence Day already had a sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence, released in 2016, which brought back the alien invaders that humanity previously thought they had overcome.

The story of Resurgence concluded with a clear ending – the Queen’s death and the destruction of the mothership. This means Disclosure Day features a brand new story and a completely different alien enemy.

Roland Emmerich, the director of Independence Day and Independence Day: Resurgence, revealed in July 2024 to TopMob that he has ideas for another sequel. He’s currently waiting to see if Disney is interested in making a third film.

TopMob asked if there’s any chance of a third ‘Independence Day’ movie. They mentioned previous discussions about the possibility and wondered if it’s still being considered for 2024, or if the idea has been abandoned.

Roland Emmerich mentioned that Disney now owns the project, and he anticipates needing to discuss it with someone from Disney.

TopMob: “So, those talks haven’t happened yet?”

Roland Emmerich: “…I have a story and everything. Trust me, I have a story.”

Because Steven Spielberg is directing and Universal Pictures is distributing the 2026 film Disclosure Day – not Disney – it won’t be a sequel to Independence Day. Disclosure Day is scheduled to be released in theaters on June 12th.

The Similarities & Differences Between Disclosure Day & Independence Day

Similarities

Both Disclosure Day and Independence Day share striking similarities. They both depict humanity’s first contact with aliens, feature the United States leading the defense against an invasion, and, as their titles suggest, focus on a significant ‘day’ of reckoning. Essentially, both films explore a scenario where America steps up as the world’s protector when aliens attack.

As a huge fan, I’m really excited about the new trailer for Disclosure Day! It looks like this movie is going to show us the alien invasion happening everywhere – a global event, not just focusing on things happening in one place. That’s something Independence Day did so well, showing governments all over the world bracing for a massive attack, and it seems like Disclosure Day is going for that same big, worldwide scale. It’s going to be epic!

Both films share another similarity: they boast impressive casts. Independence Day starred Jeff Goldblum, Will Smith, and Bill Pullman, while Disclosure Day features Emily Blunt, Wyatt Russell, Colin Firth, Josh O’Connor, and Colman Domingo.

Differences 

The central puzzle in Disclosure Day revolves around how aliens are affecting Earth’s animal life, and whether they’re using animals to contact – or even harm – humans. The movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, builds suspense slowly, making the threat even more frightening because the characters don’t anticipate it.

This contrasts sharply with the aliens’ coordinated and destructive attack in Independence Day. Their assault was carefully planned and relied on advanced technology, quickly overwhelming human defenses and paving the way for them to exploit Earth’s resources.

Unlike films like Independence Day and Independence Day: Resurgence, which prominently featured the military and exciting combat, the marketing for Disclosure Day hasn’t emphasized the U.S. military as a key part of responding to the alien danger.

Read More

2026-02-09 06:35