According to IMDb trivia, several major stars were considered, offered roles, or came remarkably close to joining Roland Emmerich’s alien invasion epic before the final cast was assembled. Thirty years after its release, these casting decisions remain some of the film’s most fascinating behind the scenes stories.
Tom Cruise
By 1996, Tom Cruise had already cemented his place among Hollywood’s biggest stars with films like “Top Gun,” “Rain Man,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Mission: Impossible.” According to production accounts, he was one of the actors considered for the role of Marine pilot Steven Hiller before casting took a different direction.
Keanu Reeves
Fresh off the success of “Speed,” and already known for “Point Break” and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” Keanu Reeves was another name discussed for Steven Hiller. His action credentials made him a logical candidate as the studio explored several possibilities for the lead.
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp entered the casting process after earning acclaim in films such as “Edward Scissorhands,” “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” and “Ed Wood.” Although he was reportedly among the actors considered for the heroic pilot, the project ultimately moved in another direction. Depp continued building a career defined by unconventional roles, while “Independence Day” became a major milestone for Will Smith.
Jean-Claude Van Damme
Thanks to hits like “Bloodsport,” “Universal Soldier,” and “Timecop,” Jean-Claude Van Damme was one of the world’s biggest action stars when “Independence Day” was being assembled. His name surfaced during the search for Steven Hiller, a role that would have leaned even further into traditional action hero territory. Instead, the filmmakers chose Smith’s mix of charisma, humor, and confidence to anchor the film.
William Baldwin
William Baldwin had already appeared in high-profile productions including “Backdraft,” “Sliver,” and “Fair Game” when Fox was searching for its leading man. He reportedly joined the list of actors under consideration for Steven Hiller before the studio finalized its decision.
Eddie Murphy
Few stars were bigger than Eddie Murphy in the mid-1990s after the success of “48 Hrs.,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” and “Coming to America.” Producer Dean Devlin later admitted he believed Murphy would eventually land the role because of his enormous box office appeal.
Ethan Hawke
Known for “Dead Poets Society,” “Reality Bites,” and “Before Sunrise,” Ethan Hawke was offered the chance to appear in “Independence Day.” He ultimately declined the project, a decision he later acknowledged regretting after the film became one of the biggest hits of 1996.
Matthew Broderick
Audiences already associated Matthew Broderick with memorable performances in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and the Oscar-winning drama “Glory” when he was considered for David Levinson. Scheduling conflicts reportedly prevented him from accepting the role, opening the door for Jeff Goldblum to step in. Broderick would later reunite with Roland Emmerich by starring in “Godzilla” two years later.
Kevin Spacey
Coming off acclaimed performances in “Seven” and his Academy Award-winning turn in “The Usual Suspects,” Kevin Spacey was reportedly the original inspiration for President Thomas Whitmore. Studio executives ultimately rejected the idea, and the role instead went to Bill Pullman. Pullman’s performance, particularly his unforgettable speech before the final battle, became one of the movie’s defining highlights.
Martin Landau
Martin Landau had recently won the Academy Award for “Ed Wood” when director Roland Emmerich hoped to cast him as Julius Levinson. Scheduling issues prevented the collaboration from happening, leading Judd Hirsch to take over the role. Hirsch’s warm, witty portrayal of David Levinson’s father ultimately became one of the picture’s most beloved supporting performances.