Many years ago, I was actually hired to write the sequel to 'Independence Day.' And I wrote a sequel. And they paid me a boatload of money to go write this thing. And after I wrote it, I read it and I gave them back the money and I said, 'Look, this is an okay movie I just wrote. But it's not worthy of the sequel to 'Independence Day.'

In this quote, Dean Devlin, a screenwriter and producer, reflects on his experience writing the sequel to the iconic film Independence Day. Devlin was hired to create a continuation of the original film, which had been a major commercial success. He describes the process of writing the script and being compensated handsomely for it, but ultimately, after reading his work, he was unsatisfied with the result. Devlin felt that the script he had written, while decent, did not live up to the standards or the legacy of the original Independence Day movie.

Devlin's decision to return the money and express his dissatisfaction with the script highlights his commitment to quality and his respect for the legacy of the original film. He believed that the sequel should have been something exceptional, worthy of following such a landmark movie. In essence, Devlin felt that the sequel he wrote was "just okay" and did not capture the same magic or cultural impact that the first film had achieved. His self-awareness and integrity in returning the money demonstrate a deep honor for his craft and the audiences that had loved the original.

The origin of this quote stems from Devlin’s career in the film industry, specifically his involvement in writing the script for the Independence Day sequel. While he and director Roland Emmerich were behind the original film, Devlin’s decision to step back from the project and not move forward with the sequel underscores the difficult balance between commercial success and creative integrity. This instance became part of the backstory of the Independence Day franchise, especially since the sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence, was made without his involvement.

In essence, Devlin’s quote speaks to the importance of artistic integrity and the pressure that creators face when following up on highly successful works. He understood that a sequel to Independence Day needed to offer something meaningful and compelling, not just a commercial product. His willingness to turn down a large paycheck in favor of creative quality reflects his dedication to both his craft and the audience’s expectations.