18 years after its release, Will Smith‘s post-apocalyptic film, with a 68% Rotten Tomatoes score, has become even better in terms of storytelling. In a career spanning close to four decades, Will Smith has starred in a myriad of movies and shows. While some of his films have been highly acclaimed blockbusters, others have faded into obscurity over time. The actor even has an Academy Award win under his belt, making him one of the most versatile and accomplished actors in modern times.
Although Will Smith has recently experienced a few lows in his acting career, he seems to be on the right path towards making an ultimate comeback with one of his upcoming films. Interestingly, a new story update surrounding this upcoming film retcons a major story detail from an 18-year-old post-apocalyptic movie. This story change surprisingly makes the movie even better and allows it to perfectly pave the way for a sequel.
I Am Legend 2 Has Made The Original Film’s Alternate Ending Canon
Will Smith Has Confirmed How The Sequel’s Story Will Unfold
In a recent interview (via REVOLT’s Drink Champs podcast), Will Smith disclosed that they were initially planning to write I Am Legend 2 as a prequel to the 2007 film. However, screenwriter Akiva Goldsman suggested they should approach it as a sequel instead by building up from the first film’s alternate ending. As many viewers would know, Will Smith’s Dr. Neville dies in I Am Legend‘s original theatrical ending. However, in the alternate conclusion, the same character lives to see another day before driving to a human settlement with his fellow survivors.
Will Smith also added that following I Am Legend‘s alternate ending allows them to feature Michael B. Jordan as the “head of a settlement in Connecticut.” These intriguing revelations about the sequel confirm that it will unfold after the first film’s events and follow the ending retcon instead of sticking to the original one. While most other details surrounding the movie’s story and character beats remain under wraps, it seems to be on the right track to be as good as its parent movie (if not better).
I Am Legend Becomes A Much Better Movie With The Alternate Ending
It Allows Will Smith To Return As An Older Dr. Neville
I Am Legend‘s alternate ending is loyal to the original Richard Matheson book because it establishes that Will Smith’s Dr. Neville is no hero and the dark-seeking mutants are no villains. It highlights how, like his book counterpart, Neville realizes that, despite being far more aggressive than the humans he knew, the darkseekers still experience human emotions and have a sense of community. With this, he understands that it was wrong of him to treat them like monsters only because they were different and learns to empathize with them.
The alternate ending adds a lot more depth to the film’s overarching story and Neville’s characterization. With I Am Legend 2 choosing to expand the alternate ending instead of unfolding a prequel about Neville’s past, it would be interesting to see how the sequel will explore the world after Neville’s revelation. Given how Michael B. Jordan was not a part of the original movie’s narrative, it is also hard not to wonder whether he will share the same sentiments as Will Smith‘s Neville toward the darkseekers or become a grim reflection of how he perceived them in the first film.
I am Legend
The I Am Legend franchise explores a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a virus that turns humans into nocturnal, zombie-like creatures. The first film, released in 2007, stars Will Smith as Dr. Robert Neville, a scientist and the last known human survivor in New York City. He works tirelessly to find a cure while fending off mutated creatures. A sequel, I Am Legend 2, is currently in development and is set to expand the story decades after the events of the original, taking inspiration from the alternate ending where Neville survives.
- Created by
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Richard Matheson, Akiva Goldsman
- First Film
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I Am Legend
- Latest Film
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I Am Legend
- Upcoming Films
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I Am Legend 2
- Cast
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Will Smith, Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Michael B. Jordan, Salli Richardson, Willow Smith, Dash Mihok, Joanna Numata
- Character(s)
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Dr. Robert Neville, Anna (I Am Legend), Ethan (I Am Legend), Sam (I Am Legend), Zoe Neville, Marley Neville, Alpha Male, Alpha Female
Summary
The I Am Legend franchise explores a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a virus that turns humans into nocturnal, zombie-like creatures. The first film, released in 2007, stars Will Smith as Dr. Robert Neville, a scientist and the last known human survivor in New York City. He works tirelessly to find a cure while fending off mutated creatures. A sequel, I Am Legend 2, is currently in development and is set to expand the story decades after the events of the original, taking inspiration from the alternate ending where Neville survives.
