There has been a dynamic shift in the world of blockbuster films over the years, with movies pushing boundaries of visual effects and storytelling, yet innovating and outdoing each other. Independence Day was released in 1996 and it quickly became a landmark film in the science fiction genre, especially for its set pieces and breathtaking special effects.
It launched Will Smith’s career into superstardom and left a lasting remark on the industry. The movie has influenced many modern superhero films, and one director already foresaw this outcome.
The Independence Day Legacy: Steven Spielberg’s Prediction
It is challenging to create something original in an industry filled with sequels, reboots, and imitations. Yet, in 1996, Independence Day managed to accomplish the same with its groundbreaking CGI, large-scale destruction, and exhilarating narrative that reshaped the entire genre.
However, many might not know that Steven Spielberg, the visionary director had already predicted the film’s lasting legacy. In an interview with the Loaded, Independence Day’s director, Roland Emmerich spoke about how the Jurrasic Park director had insights about the movie’s influence.
I was actually warned already by Steven Spielberg that this will happen. He said Independence Day will be the most imitated film of the next 20 years – and he was right. Smart man.
He wasn’t simply complimenting the movie but also commenting on how these special effects and large-scale action sequences would become a template followed by most movies. Even Emmerich himself felt the same after watching today’s superhero movies.
I felt that when I saw some of these Marvel movies or DC movies from Warners. I felt, ‘Oh my God, that looks familiar to me.’ Why is Superman bashing so many buildings?
The Independence Day’s proud director did not find these similarities to be subtle and specifically highlighted a scene from Man of Steel in which Superman engages in an epic battle that results in the destruction of skyscrapers.
The Influence of Independence Day on Man of Steel and Beyond
What makes the 1996 movie so great is its intriguing visual and thematic elements that still resonate with the superhero genre, nearly two decades later. After successful films like The Avengers, Batman Vs Superman, and Man of Steel, it is clear that the audience loves to watch massive urban destruction, it’s almost become a staple in these movies.
The movie was a massive success with $871 million at the global box office and a budget of only $75 million. These mind-blowing numbers made it one of the highest-grossing films in the 1990s, with an opening weekend in the U.S. that brought $50.2 million. It also performed quite well in countries like Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
What sets Independence Day is its context, where superhuman strength did not cause the destruction, but the invasion of aliens, which made the annihilation of cities central to the plot. In superhero movies, the destruction feels like a consequence of the battle rather than an integral part of the story.
You can watch Man of Steel and Independence Day on Max.
