*I Am Legend*, released in 2007, has become a cult classic, grossing $585 million worldwide. A sequel, *I Am Legend 2*, is in development with Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan. It will draw from the film’s alternate ending, allowing Smith’s character to survive. The sequel explores the evolution of infected beings and their societies, set decades later in a reclaimed world. While no release date is confirmed, anticipation grows as fans await updates.
The Legacy of I Am Legend
Since its release in December 2007, *I Am Legend* has captivated audiences, evolving into a cult classic over the years. Directed by Francis Lawrence and featuring the charismatic Will Smith, this film adaptation of Richard Matheson’s novel amassed an impressive $585 million globally against a production budget of $150 million. In France alone, it drew in 3 million viewers, marking a significant achievement for the film.
Whispers of a sequel began circulating in 2012, but the momentum faded until a surprising announcement in March 2022 confirmed the development of *I Am Legend 2*, featuring Will Smith alongside Michael B. Jordan. Akiva Goldsman is tasked with penning the script, while the original director, Francis Lawrence, is expected to pass the directorial baton to Steven Caple Jr., known for his work on *Creed II* and *Transformers: Rise of the Beasts*.
Exploring the Plot of I Am Legend 2
The storyline for the sequel is set to draw inspiration from the alternate ending of the original film, as opposed to the theatrical conclusion witnessed in 2007. In the original narrative, Will Smith’s character, Robert Neville, is a scientist who finds himself immune to a devastating virus that turns humans into monstrous beings. As the last man standing in New York, Neville dedicates his life to finding a cure, utilizing his own blood in his research.
The original film concluded with Neville’s death, seemingly closing the door on his character’s return. However, in 2019, Francis Lawrence expressed his hesitations about a sequel, stating that he couldn’t envision a new direction for Neville’s story since he had perished in the first film.
To overcome this challenge, Akiva Goldsman plans to revisit the alternate ending featured in the Blu-ray/DVD bonus content. In this version, Neville survives by realizing that the infected were seeking their companion, prompting him to hand her over instead of sacrificing himself. This twist allows Neville to continue his journey with Anna and Ethan, setting the stage for the sequel.
The sequel promises to delve deeper into the complexities of good and evil, exploring Neville’s understanding of the infected as he grapples with the realization that he is viewed as the monster in their eyes.
The Evolution of Infected Beings
In keeping with Matheson’s original narrative, the sequel is expected to explore two distinct categories of the infected: those resembling reanimated corpses and those akin to vampires. Neville’s mission as the sole immune survivor involves confronting both threats, leading to an intricate battle between him and the vampire factions.
The upcoming film will likely examine how these creatures have evolved and formed societies, challenging Neville’s initial perceptions. As he navigates this transformed world, the sequel may introduce various types of infected individuals who blend into society.
Goldsman hinted that the sequel will unfold decades later, drawing parallels to the post-apocalyptic themes seen in *The Last of Us*. This time jump will reveal how nature has reclaimed the Earth and pose intriguing questions about humanity’s place in a world where they are no longer the dominant species.
What’s Next for I Am Legend 2?
While Will Smith is set to reprise his role as Robert Neville, Michael B. Jordan’s character remains shrouded in mystery. Smith has previously expressed enthusiasm about the story’s concept, indicating that it has evolved into something truly compelling.
Currently, there is no official release date for *I Am Legend 2*, and the timeline for filming remains uncertain, especially considering the impact of recent industry strikes on production schedules. Additionally, Will Smith has a busy slate with various projects, including a potential sequel to *Bad Boys Ride or Die*, which garnered impressive box office numbers.
As fans await further updates, the anticipation for this sequel continues to grow, promising a thrilling exploration of survival, humanity, and the complexities of a world transformed.