Vivica A. Fox says 'Independence Day' sequel 'missed out' by not casting Will Smith

It’s hard to live up to a classic, and "Independence Day" star Vivica A. Fox knows the pressure all too well.

Fox, who starred in the 1996 sci-fi action film alongside Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman, opened up about the film's 2016 sequel "Independence Day: Resurgence" in an interview with The A.V. Club published Friday.

Fox, who played Jasmine Dubrow opposite Smith's Capt. Steven Hiller, said she felt the sequel didn't measure up to its '90s predecessor, attributing the film's lackluster reception to Smith’s absence.

"I really feel we missed out by not bringing Will Smith back," Fox said. "We had most of the original cast on, but I think the one true link that was missing to the success of 'Independence Day 2' was that Will Smith wasn't there."

Fox said she had doubts about how the film would resonate with fans while attending the "Resurgence" premiere in 2016.

"I'm going to keep it real. I was at the premiere, and I was like, 'Mmm, let's see how the fans are going to feel about this,'" Fox recalled. "And sure enough, on Twitter they blew me up."

Released in July 1996, "Independence Day" went on to earn $817.4 million at the global box office and scored an Oscar for best visual effects in 1997. "Independence Day: Resurgence," which starred Fox alongside Goldblum, Pullman and Liam Hemsworth, raked in $389.7 million at the global box office.

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