29 Years Later: Where Is The Independence Day Cast Now? (2024-2025 Updates)

The year 1996 was defined by a single, earth-shattering cinematic event: Independence Day (ID4). Roland Emmerich’s sci-fi epic didn't just smash box office records; it created a new blueprint for the summer blockbuster, blending high-stakes action with unforgettable, character-driven moments. From President Whitmore’s iconic speech to David Levinson's laptop-fueled virus, the film's success rested entirely on the shoulders of its diverse and charismatic ensemble cast. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the stars who saved the world are busier than ever, moving into new phases of their careers that include major sequels, Broadway returns, and surprising directorial debuts.

The legacy of Independence Day continues to resonate, proving that its core themes of unity and resilience are timeless. We’ve tracked down the key players from the original cast—the pilots, the scientists, the civilians, and the politicians—to bring you the most current updates on their professional lives, confirming that their careers are still very much alive and well, nearly three decades after they fought off the alien invasion.

The Heroes of 1996: A Cast Biography & Current Status

The ensemble of Independence Day was a perfect storm of established veterans and rising stars. Here is a look at the essential cast members and their biggest projects since the film, with a focus on their most recent 2024 and 2025 endeavors.

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• Will Smith (Captain Steven Hiller): The charismatic Marine pilot who took the fight to the enemy. Smith's career skyrocketed after ID4, cementing him as one of Hollywood's biggest stars.
• Jeff Goldblum (David Levinson): The quirky, brilliant MIT-trained scientist who discovers the alien weakness. Goldblum has maintained a prolific career across film, television, and music.
• Bill Pullman (President Thomas J. Whitmore): The former fighter pilot turned President who delivers arguably the most famous speech in sci-fi history. Pullman continues to balance film and television work.
• Vivica A. Fox (Jasmine Dubrow): The exotic dancer and fiancée of Steven Hiller, whose resourcefulness saves countless lives. Fox has become a prolific actress, producer, and director.
• Judd Hirsch (Julius Levinson): David's endearing, conspiracy-theorist father from New York. A respected veteran of stage and screen, he remains active in both.
• Margaret Colin (Constance Spano): The White House Communications Director and David Levinson’s ex-wife. Colin is a notable figure in both television and on Broadway.
• Randy Quaid (Russell Casse): The eccentric, alcoholic crop duster and Vietnam veteran who claims to have been abducted by aliens. His personal and professional life has been marked by controversy.
• Robert Loggia (General William Grey): The stern, no-nonsense Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Loggia was a legendary character actor with a career spanning over six decades.
• Mary McDonnell (First Lady Marilyn Whitmore): The First Lady whose fate becomes a central emotional arc of the film. McDonnell is a two-time Oscar nominee with a strong television career.
• James Rebhorn (Albert Nimziki): The Secretary of Defense. A prolific character actor known for playing authoritative figures.

Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, & Bill Pullman: The Blockbuster Trio’s Latest Moves

The three central figures of Independence Day—the pilot, the scientist, and the president—have each taken unique paths, but all remain major figures in the entertainment industry in 2024 and 2025.

Will Smith (Captain Steven Hiller)

While Will Smith famously did not return for the 2016 sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence, his career has continued to be defined by major blockbusters and dramatic roles. In 2024, Smith made a massive return to his other iconic franchise with the release of Bad Boys: Ride or Die, proving his box-office draw remains potent. Looking ahead to 2025, he is slated to lead the mysterious science-fiction project Resistor, keeping him firmly in the genre that launched him to global superstardom. Smith has also been involved in non-fiction, hosting and producing a National Geographic travel docuseries called Pole to Pole.

Jeff Goldblum (David Levinson)

Jeff Goldblum, the king of quirky charm, has seamlessly blended his acting and musical careers. After reprising his role in Resurgence and the Jurassic World franchise, his 2024 and 2025 slate is incredibly diverse. He has a major upcoming role in the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation of the musical Wicked, playing the Wizard of Oz in both Wicked: Part One (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025). On the small screen, Goldblum stars as the mythological Greek god of the underworld, Hades, in the 2024 Netflix fantasy series KAOS. Furthermore, his jazz band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, continues to thrive, with Goldblum announcing a new album titled Still Blooming.

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Bill Pullman (President Thomas J. Whitmore)

Bill Pullman’s career post-ID4 has been marked by critically acclaimed, often darker roles, most notably his starring turn in the crime anthology series The Sinner. While Pullman himself is selective with his projects, his legacy is extending through his family. Recent news in 2024 and 2025 has focused on his son, Lewis Pullman, who is in talks to join a sequel to the Mel Brooks classic Spaceballs, a project that would see him potentially reunite with his father on-screen. Lewis is also set to star in a 2025 Marvel film, keeping the Pullman name in the blockbuster conversation. Bill Pullman was also seen attending the Deadline Contenders Television 2024 event, maintaining a strong presence in the industry.

From Jasmine Dubrow to Julius Levinson: The Supporting Cast in 2025

The depth of Independence Day came from its incredible supporting cast, many of whom have carved out significant careers in the decades since the film's release.

Vivica A. Fox (Jasmine Dubrow)

Vivica A. Fox has become a powerhouse in Hollywood, transitioning from acting to producing and directing. In 2024, she was honored for her work and discussed her latest acting role in the film Bosco. More significantly, Fox made her directorial debut with a film called First Lady of BMF, showcasing her expanded creative role behind the camera. Her continued relevance was highlighted by her recent signing with Innovative Artists, a major talent agency, for representation in all areas.

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Judd Hirsch (Julius Levinson)

The veteran actor, who earned an Oscar nomination for his work in Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans, continues to enjoy a long and distinguished career. Judd Hirsch, who brought heart and humor to the role of David Levinson’s father, was a featured part of the 2024 Borscht Belt Film Festival. He is also slated to appear in the upcoming film Rally Caps: The Movie, which is expected to be released in 2025.

Margaret Colin (Constance Spano)

Margaret Colin, who played the White House Communications Director, has a strong presence on both television and the stage. In 2024, she appeared in the TV movie Three Wiser Men and a Boy, with a follow-up, Three Wisest Men, announced for 2025. She has also been actively involved in the New York theatre scene, with appearances on Broadway scheduled in 2024 and 2025.

Randy Quaid (Russell Casse)

Randy Quaid’s career has been highly unconventional since his memorable performance as the alien-abducted crop duster. While his personal life has garnered significant media attention, he continues to make occasional public appearances and take on acting roles. In 2024, he was featured in the film Reagan, playing the role of Gus. His enduring cult status was evident with his appearances at events like the 2024 Fan Expo and a 2025 Comic Con event.

Mary McDonnell, James Rebhorn, and Robert Loggia

Mary McDonnell (First Lady Marilyn Whitmore) has maintained a successful career, notably starring in the television series Major Crimes and appearing in the 2023 miniseries The Fall of the House of Usher. James Rebhorn (Secretary of Defense Albert Nimziki), a beloved character actor, sadly passed away in 2014, with one of his final roles being in the TV series White Collar. Robert Loggia (General Grey), who was a cinematic legend, passed away in 2015. His appearance in the sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence, which was released posthumously, was dedicated to his memory, serving as a final salute to the veteran actor.

The Independence Day cast, nearly three decades after their defining battle against the alien invaders, continues to shape the landscape of film and television. Their individual journeys—from Will Smith’s return to action to Jeff Goldblum’s musical ventures and the enduring work of the supporting players—confirm the lasting power of the original 1996 masterpiece and the indelible mark it left on pop culture.