Without will Smith in the equation, the focus can remain on the rest of the ensemble cast - including new and old characters. Jeff Goldblum is back. Bill Pullman is back as well, as is Vivica A. Fox, Brent Spiner, and Judd Hirsch. Liam Hemsworth has been added to the cast in a key role - and all that spells success. As much as Will Smith appeared to be the "star" of the original Independence Day (at leat in retrospect, given that he broke out most), the film was never about one man. The film had not a hero but heroes. Even Randy Quaid played a big (and popular) role, though he will not be back in Resurgence for multitude of reasons (watch anything he's posted on Youtube, for a handy guide as to why). Still, with the rest of the cast back, the film can once again shift perspectives throughout, and even if one subplot falls flat, others can pick up the slack. It's just playing the odds.