Will Smith, known for his iconic roles and Oscar-winning performances, is not just preparing for his return in “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” Fans of the post-apocalyptic genre will be thrilled to know that Smith is also gearing up for a sequel to his 2007 hit, “I Am Legend.” This news has been eagerly awaited by many, and recent updates shared by Will Smith himself about “I Am Legend 2” provide a tantalizing glimpse into what we can expect.
A New Collaboration with Michael B. Jordan
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Smith revealed some intriguing details about the progress of “I Am Legend 2.” While the storyline remains under wraps, one significant revelation is that Michael B. Jordan will co-star alongside Smith. The two actors have been working closely together, and Smith expressed his enthusiasm about their collaboration.
“We had a couple of weeks together about a month ago,” Smith said, referring to his meetings with Jordan. “I think it’s looking good. We have some really solid ideas… I think we’re going to make it on screen together. That dude is the truth, so I would love to do that.”
Ignoring the Theatrical Ending
A major point of interest for fans is how the sequel will handle the ending of the original film, where Smith’s character, Dr. Robert Neville, met his demise. In a twist, “I Am Legend 2” will retcon this by following the alternate ending where Neville survives. This approach will allow the sequel to delve deeper into themes from Richard Matheson’s original novel.
Insights from the Screenwriter
Screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, who is returning for the sequel, provided additional context about the direction of the new film. Speaking to Deadline, Goldsman explained that the sequel would take place several decades after the first film, incorporating more elements from Matheson’s book.
“We trace back to the original [Richard] Matheson book, and the alternate ending as opposed to the released ending in the original film,” Goldsman said. “What Matheson was talking about was that man’s time on the planet as the dominant species had come to an end. That’s a really interesting thing we’re going to get to explore. There will be a little more fidelity to the original text.”
The Legacy of the Original “I Am Legend”
The original “I Am Legend” was directed by Francis Lawrence and became a cornerstone of post-apocalyptic cinema, praised for its intense atmosphere and Smith’s powerful performance. The film followed Dr. Robert Neville, a lone survivor in a world ravaged by a virus that turned humans into nightmarish creatures. The alternate ending, which is now canon for the sequel, showed Neville finding a different path to survival, aligning more closely with Matheson’s novel.
Looking Ahead
While production details and a release date for “I Am Legend 2” remain under wraps, Smith’s optimism about the project is contagious. Fans can look forward to seeing Smith and Jordan bring their dynamic chemistry to a story that promises to expand on the original’s legacy while staying true to its literary roots.
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