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Adapted from Richard Matheson’s classic story about the last survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, “I Am Legend” hit theaters in December 2007, starring Will Smith and achieving blockbuster success with a $585 million global box office against a $150 million budget. Despite its commercial triumph and positive reviews, a sequel didn’t materialize immediately.
Various attempts were made over the 2000s and 2010s to create a follow-up to “I Am Legend,” but none came to fruition. However, in March 2022, Deadline Hollywood announced renewed efforts to produce “I Am Legend 2,” sparking excitement and speculation among fans about potential plotlines. Since the announcement, more details have emerged about the project, including the talent involved. As anticipation builds for the sequel, fans are eager to see what direction the story will take and what new elements will be introduced to the iconic post-apocalyptic narrative.
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Scrapped 2008 Prequel
After the success of I Am Legend, Will Smith shared with Collider that there were initial plans for a prequel rather than a sequel. Smith mentioned a compelling prequel concept, focusing on the fall of the last city and the final stand in Manhattan. He even humorously mentioned that his canine companion in the original film would be a puppy in the prequel. However, by 2011, director Francis Lawrence abandoned the prequel idea, stating that the project was no longer in development. Fast forward to the present, and it appears that I Am Legend 2 is taking a different direction from the original prequel concept. Despite advancements in de-aging technology, the sequel is expected to continue Dr. Neville’s post-apocalyptic journey rather than serving as an origin story.
Talent Involved
I Am Legend 2 has confirmed notable talent for its production. Despite Dr. Robert Neville’s apparent demise in the original, Will Smith is set to reprise his role. Joining him is Michael B. Jordan, although details about his character remain scarce. The return of screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, who crafted the original screenplay, adds promise to the sequel. Both Smith and Jordan will also take on producer roles, highlighting their dedication. Warner Bros. will handle distribution, with Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy serving as executive producers, as reported by Deadline.
Alice Braga Is Interested in Returning
In the potential sequel to I Am Legend, there’s a chance that Alice Braga, who played survivor Anna in the original film, might make a return. She expressed her interest in being cast in the sequel during a 2023 interview with Collider. Despite being surprised by the news of the sequel, Braga praised Akiva Goldsman, the screenwriter, and revealed her eagerness to be a part of the project, citing Goldsman’s writing as a major attraction. Given Braga’s recent impressive performances in Netflix’s Queen of the South and Warner Bros.’ The Suicide Squad, bringing her back as Alice in I Am Legend 2 seems like an obvious and compelling choice.
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Goldsman’s Story Inspiration
In envisioning the sequel to “I Am Legend,” screenwriter Akiva Goldsman revealed that he drew inspiration from the post-apocalyptic setting of HBO’s acclaimed series, “The Last of Us.” Goldsman expressed his fascination with the series, particularly its portrayal of the world both immediately after the apocalypse and decades later. He emphasized the intriguing aspect of nature reclaiming the earth when humanity takes a step back. Goldsman speculated about the visual impact of this concept in New York, hinting at the possibility of iconic locations like the Empire State Building playing a role. As “The Last of Us Part 2” was slated for a 2025 release, the question arose about whether “I Am Legend 2” would hit theaters before or after the anticipated TV series.
The Story Will Focus on the Alternate Ending
The key revelation about I Am Legend 2, shared by Goldsman with Deadline, centers on a significant deviation from the original film’s ending. In the sequel, Dr. Neville’s sacrificial death will be ignored, and the story will instead follow the alternate ending from both the film and Matheson’s original novel. The narrative will pick up a few decades later, delving into Matheson’s idea that humanity’s reign as the dominant species has concluded. This shift towards the original text and the exploration of mankind’s decline could potentially elevate the sequel’s existential dread beyond the impact of the first film, especially with influences from The Last of Us.
Who Will Direct the Film?
The article discusses the upcoming sequel to “I Am Legend” and highlights the uncertainty regarding the director for the film. While Francis Lawrence directed the original movie, he is set to direct a sequel to “Constantine” instead. The absence of an official director for the “I Am Legend” sequel has sparked speculation among fans. The article suggests possibilities such as Ryan Coogler, known for collaborating with Michael B. Jordan and directing “Black Panther,” or Antoine Fuqua, who directed Will Smith in a recent film. The choice of director is seen as crucial in shaping the anticipation for the movie.
Michael B. Jordan’s Character
The intrigue surrounding Michael B. Jordan’s role in I Am Legend 2 sparks curiosity, particularly regarding the character he will portray. While no specifics have been disclosed, the age difference between Smith and Jordan suggests a potential father-son dynamic. Alternatively, they could be connected in some way. Beyond familial ties, fans speculate on a more captivating possibility. A fan theory proposes Jordan as an intelligent Darkseeker, leading the enigmatic creatures and able to communicate with Dr. Neville. This twist could shift the sequel’s focus to exploring the essence of monstrosity, a theme not fully explored in the first film. The prospect of Smith and Jordan as adversaries adds a dramatic layer, but only time will unveil the details of Jordan’s character in the movie.
When and Where Will the Movie Take Place?
Considering the various hints and information disclosed about I Am Legend 2, the setting remains uncertain. Will Smith suggested a potential prequel shift from Washington D.C. to Manhattan, while Akiva Goldsman expressed excitement about exploring the post-apocalyptic vision of New York, leaving the location open-ended. Goldsman acknowledged the endless possibilities, even hinting at iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building. If the sequel follows Richard Matheson’s original novel, set in 1976 Los Angeles, it could offer a fresh take by shifting to the West Coast. The choice of setting, along with the timeframe, is still undetermined – whether it’s 20, 30, or more years after the original events. The question of when and where I Am Legend 2 will unfold remains unanswered.
Types of Villains
When it comes to I Am Legend 2, fans are curious about the kind of adversaries the film will showcase. In the 2007 movie, light-sensitive zombie ghouls roam New York, a departure from Matheson’s original novel where the creatures are traditional vampires adhering to immortal mythology. As fans anticipate the sequel, there’s a debate about whether sticking to the familiar quasi-vampiric zombies would be the safest route due to the original film’s success. However, for a more compelling and unpredictable sequel, introducing a fresh breed of enemies could be a strategic choice. This approach would not only avoid repetition but also elevate the tension and dramatically raise the stakes for Dr. Neville, potentially introducing a new faction like the Darkseers or even Lightseers.
Title & Release Date
Finally, fans are eager to learn about the release date and title of I Am Legend 2. According to IMDB, the film is currently listed as the “Untitled I Am Legend Sequel,” with an unspecified 2023 release date. However, with just a few weeks left in the year, a 2023 release seems unlikely.
While waiting for the official release date, speculating on potential titles can be a fun activity. The straightforward “I Am Legend 2” is an option, but it may be considered bland. Considering the original title’s phrasing, Warner Bros. might opt for a playful title like “I Am Legend Again” or “I Am Second Legend.” Regardless, fans are eager to discover the movie’s official title and, most importantly, its release date.
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