Independence - Day: Resurgence

This prequel novel bridges the 20-year gap between the films, detailing the ascent of David Levinson to the head of the ESD and the accidental death of Steve Hiller (Will Smith's character) during a test flight of alien-hybrid technology.

A significant backstory detail mentioned in the film is a 10-year ground war in sub-Saharan Africa, where local warlords defeated a landed alien "city destroyer" in hand-to-hand combat. Independence Day: Resurgence

The movie explores the long-term psychic trauma of those who had their minds "hijacked" by aliens in the first film, such as President Whitmore and Dr. Brakish Okun. Expanded Media and Features This prequel novel bridges the 20-year gap between