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Even though Independence Day helped Will Smith become one of the world’s most bankable movie stars, he is passing on the opportunity to star in the film’s sequel.

According to sources, the A-list actor turned down the job and now producers are eyeing rising Hollywood star Michael B. Jordan for the lead role.

MUST READ: Yes Please! Meet Michael B. Jordan As ‘Mikey’ In The Rom Com ‘That Awkward Moment’ [VIDEO]’ 

“Fox executives believe Jordan is a budding movie star with mainstream appeal. Not only did he star in the studio’s sleeper hit ‘Chronicle’ but he has cultivated a diverse fan base thanks to his turns on ‘The Wire,’ ‘Friday Night Lights’ and ‘Parenthood.’” TheWrap reports.

This may be the perfect opportunity for the Fruitvale Station breakout star. During an interview with Vulture last summer, he said he’d love to play an action hero.

“I would love to play a psychopath,” he said. “Oh man, that would be amazing. I want my love role. I’ve never been in love [in a movie] before, so I want to know what that’s like. I want to play that action hero, that guy that saves the day. I want to play the role that’s a little off and weird. I want to play the killer. I want to get inside the head of somebody like that. I want to be a pilot. I want to play the astronaut. I want to play the oil rigger in the Pacific. I can’t wait to be up for, say, the next Jason Bourne.”

We don’t know why Smith turned down the project but we do know he’s expected to star opposite The Wolf of Wall Street’s Margot Robbie in an upcoming drama Focus and in another Men In Black movie as Agent J.

MUST READ: Michael B. Jordan Talks Dating: ‘I Want A Woman Who Is Comfortable In The Kitchen’

Independence Day 2 is slated for a summer 2016 release, marking the 20th anniversary of the first film. It hit theaters in 1996 and went on to earn $811 million worldwide.

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