ABC News December 14, 2015

Site Explains Why Will Smith's Character Missing From 'Independence Day: Resurgence'

20th Century Fox
Will Smith appears in the 1996 film, "Independence Day."

"Independence Day" fans may have noticed that one main star was absent from the first trailer for the film's sequel when it hit the web Sunday.

Will Smith's Capt. Steven Hiller is basically the role that made him an A-list star. But Smith, 47, won't be back for the sequel and a new website that accompanied the trailer explains why.

Read: Will Smith Credits an Ex-Girlfriend for Inspiring Him to Become an Actor Related: Will Smith Talks About a Possible Future in Politics

Head over to the warof1996.com for loads of cool extras and an explanation of Hiller's fate. Scroll over to 2007 and a headline "World Mourns Col. Hiller" pops up.

The story explains that an "Alien tech malfunction" killed the hero on April 27, 2007.

For more from the sequel, watch the full trailer below.

"Resurgence" is set for release in June.