Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan are set to star in a sequel of ‘I Am Legend’ that doesn’t follow the original’s storyline.
Last year, the news of a sequel to I Am Legend rocked Hollywood; set to be co-produced by and starring two powerful actors, Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan, anticipation for this post-apocalyptic action thriller film has been growing ever since its announcement. We can finally gain insight into what fans expect from the upcoming movie that builds on the 2007 original!
Akiva Goldsman recently revealed to Deadline that the sequel of I Am Legend will provide a unique twist, deviating from its predecessor by featuring Will Smith’s character surviving at the end.
The new plotline was extrapolated from the bonus ending in I Am Legend’s two-disc special edition DVD. After reading the 1954 novel by Richard Matheson, Robert Neville comes to terms with what he has done – becoming a monster in the eyes of those infected and regretting his past experiments on Darkseekers. Desperate for answers, Neville embarks on a journey to Vermont in search of the rumored survivor’s colony.
“This will start a few decades later than the first,” Goldsman exclaimed. “That will be especially visual in New York…I don’t know if they’ll climb to the Empire State Building, but the possibilities are endless.” Adding, “We trace back to the original Matheson book and the alternate ending as opposed to the released ending in the original film. What Matheson was talking about was that man’s time on the planet as the dominant species had come to an end. That’s an exciting thing we’re going to get to explore. There will be a little more fidelity to the original text.”
Akiva Goldsman seized the chance to affirm that Keanu Reeves will reprise his role in a sequel to Constantine.
About I Am Legend:
Will Smith’s 2007 post-apocalyptic horror-thriller I Am Legend was an immense success upon its initial release, earning a 95% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and becoming the second highest grossing film of the year at the domestic box office.
I Am Legend follows Smith’s character Robert Neville as he attempts to find a cure for a deadly virus that has wiped out most of humanity. The film was praised for its compelling storyline, captivating visuals, and strong performances from Smith and supporting cast members Alice Braga and Charlie Tahan.
Upon its release, I Am Legend set several records at the box office. It opened with $77 million in its first weekend, setting the record for biggest December opening ever. Within three weeks, it had already surpassed $200 million domestically and by the end of its theatrical run it earned more than $585 million worldwide – making it one of the highest grossing films ever released at that time.
The success of I Am Legend is largely attributed to Smith’s star power and the film’s innovative marketing campaign, including unique promotional tie-ins such as an alternate ending created specifically for DVD releases and viral videos promoting the film and its soundtrack.
The legacy of I Am Legend continues to this day; this critically acclaimed sci-fi thriller remains one of Will Smith’s most successful films, becoming a fan favorite since its original release over a decade ago.
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