In today’s episode of Bingeworthy, our TV and streaming podcast host Mike DeAngelo, keeping with the trend, ponders the Roman Empire while discussing “Those About to Die.” The Peacock series follows the many types of people who entertained the masses in the Roman Empire —from Emperors, criminals, the wealthy and powerful, down to the lowly horse wranglers. The show stars Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Jojo Macari, Sara Martins, and more.

Continue reading ‘Those About to Die’: Roland Emmerich Talks the Roman Empire Series, Disaster Films & More [Bingeworthy Podcast] at The Playlist.

Director Roland Emmerich and screenwriter Dean Devlin have been longtime collaborators that started with the hit Jean-Claude Van Damme sci-fi action film “Universal Soldier.”  Their most well-liked film is easily the 1996 alien invasion film “Independence Day” that helped launch a new era of disaster films, most made by Emmerich.

READ MORE: ‘Moonfall’: Halle Berry & Josh Gad Are Earth’s Last Hope In Roland Emmerich’s Upcoming Disaster Film

“Independence Day” was done on a budget of $75 million that sci-fi call back to classic alien invasion films ended up earning a massive $817.4 million at the global box office, making it one of the most popular films of the 1990s. 

Continue reading ‘Independence Day’: Ethan Hawke Was Considered For The Lead & Will Smith Nearly Didn’t Star Because Of Studio Bias at The Playlist.

There have been plenty of iconic moments from films and TV series featuring a great actor portraying the President of the United States. There’s Martin Sheen in scenes from “The West Wing.” Morgan Freeman is incredible in the underrated “Deep Impact.” And who can forget Harrison Ford’s “Get off my plane!” moment from “Air Force One?” But the best of the best might very well be Bill Pullman from Roland Emmerich’s “Independence Day.” And apparently, it’s such a great performance that President Donald Trump felt it was appropriate to share a video where his face is put on Pullman’s during the film’s pivotal moment.

Continue reading Bill Pullman Isn’t Pleased Trump Used His ‘Independence Day’ Speech For A Tweet at The Playlist.

The fourth of July is a great day to lounge around and watch a few movies, whether it’s your favorite, nostalgic midsummer flick (looking at you, “Jaws“) or a film that is made for the holiday. If opting for the latter, what could be a better pick than the 1996 film “Independence Day“? A box office hit, “Independence Day” sometimes gets lost in the rubble of doomsday movies that don’t quite live up to Roland Emmerich‘s film.

Continue reading What Sets ‘Independence Day’ Apart From Other Doomsday Movies? [Video] at The Playlist.

We know now that Academy Award-nominated actor Ethan Hawke has become a bit of a snob. Not in a horrible way (well, some might laugh at his recent comments about superhero films), but Hawke has taken his profile as a bankable star and transitioned into more independent, smaller-scale fare, such as the recent (and excellent) “First Reformed.” But apparently, according to Hawke, he’s always been one to snub his nose at blockbuster films and told a hilarious story about how he turned down one of the biggest summer films of all time.

Continue reading Ethan Hawke Was Offered ‘Independence Day’ But Threw The Script Out Of The Window Of A Moving Car at The Playlist.

The grand irony is that it’s Canada Day and we’re writing a 4th of July feature, not to mention that two key Playlisters are Canucks (for shame, you hosers). And yes, we lament that one of us (Rodrigo!) wasn’t able to write a 10,000-word appreciation essay of “Strange Brew,” but such is the complex paradox that is The Playlist. And there’s always next year, eh?

As we approach July 4th weekend, it’s time for the usual: BBQs; beer; fireworks; American flags; blind patriotism; and perhaps, in some corners of the country, some kind of desperate hope that Donald Trump doesn’t destroy this country that many of us have called their adopted home.

Continue reading 11 Of The Best Movies To Watch On The Fourth Of July at The Playlist.

The 4th of July is coming early this year. “Independence Day: Resurgence” is mere hours from its U.S. release, and as it looms nearer, the sequel is inspiring a healthy amount of chatter online — particularly from Roland Emmerich, the director of both films. Although it remains to be seen if the revamp of his 20-year-old blockbuster smash will become the same cultural phenomenon, Emmerich is certainly seeing dollar signs.

Continue reading Roland Emmerich Teases ‘Independence Day 3’ Plot, Remind Yourself Of Original’s Greatness With New Video Essay at The Playlist.

While it has taken twenty years for an “Independence Day” sequel to arrive (losing Will Smith on the way), it’s a concept that has been tinkered with over the years, until landing (for better or worse) on what will hit cinemas next week. But back in the early ’00s, the creative team was kicking around ideas, that even they admit, what they had at the time wasn’t so hot.

Continue reading Roland Emmerich Shares Scrapped Post-9/11 ‘Independence Day’ Sequel Plot, Teases ‘Independence Day 3’ at The Playlist.

Watch: Nostalgic Supercut Celebrates The Films Of The 1990s

Continue reading Watch: Nostalgic Supercut Celebrates The Films Of The 1990s at The Playlist.

New Writers Recruited For 'Independence Day 2' & Todd Phillips' 'Mule'

Continue reading New Writers Recruited For ‘Independence Day 2′ & Todd Phillips’ ‘Mule’ at The Playlist.

Vincent D’Onofrio To Play Villain In ‘Jurassic World’; Jeff Goldblum May Take ‘Independence Day 2’ Instead

Continue reading Vincent D’Onofrio To Play Villain In ‘Jurassic World’; Jeff Goldblum May Take ‘Independence Day 2’ Instead at The Playlist.

Will Smith Finally Decides Not To Star In 'Independence Day 2'

Continue reading Will Smith Finally Decides Not To Star In ‘Independence Day 2’ at The Playlist.

Now On DVD: Roland Emmerich Reveals His 5 Biggest Influences On 'White House Down'

Continue reading Now On DVD: Roland Emmerich Reveals His 5 Biggest Influences On ‘White House Down’ at The Playlist.

Roland Emmerich Says There's Two 'Independence Day 2' Scripts, One With Will Smith & One Without

Continue reading Roland Emmerich Says There’s Two ‘Independence Day 2’ Scripts, One With Will Smith & One Without at The Playlist.

Continue reading ‘Independence Day’ Sequel ‘ID Forever Part 1’ Wants ‘Fruitvale Station’ Star Michael B. Jordan at The Playlist.

Welcome (Back) To Earth: Will Smith Might Actually Return For 'Independence Day' Sequel

Continue reading Welcome (Back) To Earth: Will Smith Might Actually Return For ‘Independence Day’ Sequel at The Playlist.

The Films Of Roland Emmerich: From Worst To Best

Continue reading The Films Of Roland Emmerich: Ranked From Worst To Best at The Playlist.

Never Fear, Roland Emmerich Confirms Jeff Goldblum & Bill Pullman Will Return For 'Independence Day 2'

Continue reading Never Fear, Roland Emmerich Confirms Jeff Goldblum & Bill Pullman Will Return For ‘Independence Day 2’ at The Playlist.

Will Smith Won't Celebrate 'Independence Day 2' Plus 2 New Clips From Roland Emmerich's 'White House Down'

Continue reading Will Smith Won’t Celebrate ‘Independence Day 2’ Plus 2 New Clips From Roland Emmerich’s ‘White House Down’ at The Playlist.

Welcome To Earth! 'Independence Day 2' (a.k.a. 'ID Forever Part 1?') Slated For 2015 Release

Continue reading Welcome To Earth! ‘Independence Day 2’ (a.k.a. ‘ID Forever Part 1?’) Slated For 2015 Release at The Playlist.

Roland Emmerich Says 'Independence Day' Sequels 'ID Forever' Will Have "The Sons Take Over"

Continue reading Roland Emmerich Says ‘Independence Day’ Sequels ‘ID Forever’ Will Have “The Sons Take Over” at The Playlist.

Bill Pullman Says 'Independence Day 2' Could Possibly Happen Without Will Smith

Continue reading Bill Pullman Says ‘Independence Day 2’ Could Possibly Happen Without Will Smith at The Playlist.

Hold The Party: Fox Cancels 'Independence Day' 3D Re-Release

Continue reading Hold The Party: Fox Cancels ‘Independence Day’ 3D Re-Release at The Playlist.

'X-Men: First Class' & 'Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes' Sequels Set For Summer 2014; 'Independence Day 3D' Hits July 3, 2013

Continue reading ‘X-Men: First Class’ & ‘Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes’ Sequels Set For Summer 2014; ‘Independence Day 3D’ Hits July 3, 2013 at The Playlist.

The premise is simple, and one that Emmerich has recycled time and time again: a low level scientist (Chiwetel Ejiofor, struggling desperately to maintain his dignity) discovers a cataclysmic scientific anomaly, one that could threaten the entire planet if someone doesn’t listen to him.

Continue reading Review: ‘2012’ Is the Laughable ‘Love Actually’ Of Disaster Movies at The Playlist.