In 2007, “I Am Legend,” starring Will Smith, enthralled audiences worldwide, merging the intensity of an end-time thriller with a profound narrative. As a critical and financial triumph, it left an enduring mark in the realm of science fiction. Fast forward to 2022, exactly 15 years later, the announcement of its sequel, “I Am Legend 2,” has reignited the spark among fans and cinephiles alike.
The Return of Robert Neville
The confirmation that Will Smith will reprise his role as Robert Neville has raised eyebrows and questions, especially considering the original movie’s conclusive ending. The sequel, however, takes a twist, picking up from the film’s lesser-known alternate ending, which was included in its home release. This decision not only revives Robert Neville’s character but also recontextualizes the narrative, paving the way for a new story.
The Alternate Ending: New Beginning
In the original ending, Neville sacrifices himself, concluding his story in a heroic but tragic manner. The alternate ending, however, offers a different perspective. Neville realizes that the infected are intelligent beings with their own society, seeking to rescue one of their own. This understanding leads to a peaceful resolution, with Neville joining other survivors. “I Am Legend 2” builds upon this ending, exploring new dimensions of the story.
Adhering More Closely to the Novel
Screenwriter Akiva Goldsman stated in an interview with Deadline that the sequel will stay truer to Richard Matheson’s novel. The novel emphasizes the theme of humanity’s fall from its dominant position on Earth, a concept that the sequel aims to explore in depth. This philosophical approach promises to add layers of complexity and intrigue to the sequel’s narrative.
Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan: A Dynamic Duo
Will Smith’s involvement in the sequel is a significant draw for fans. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, he expressed his initial skepticism about a sequel but was eventually convinced by the new concept. Joining him in “I Am Legend 2” is Michael B. Jordan, known for his roles in “Creed” and “Black Panther.” There’s speculation that Jordan might play Neville’s son, adding a generational depth to the storyline.
A Tale Set Decades Later
Akiva Goldsman, who penned the script for the original movie, continues his role as the writer for the sequel. Set a few decades after the first part, “I Am Legend 2” will delve into the changes in the characters and the world they inhabit. The possibility of depicting an older Will Smith adds another layer of realism and continuity.
Inspiration from The Last of Us
The sequel draws inspiration from the famous video game “The Last of Us,” particularly in its portrayal of a post-pandemic world where nature reclaims civilization. This choice is intriguing, as “I Am Legend” itself was a precursor to this theme. The focus on New York, a city left behind in the alternate ending, suggests a return to this iconic setting, offering a familiar yet transformed landscape for the sequel.
Anticipation and Uncertainty
Originally slated for a 2024 release, the timeline for “I Am Legend 2” seems uncertain due to ongoing writers and actors’ strikes. Despite these challenges, the commitment and motivation of the team involved are evident. Fans eagerly await further updates, hoping for a continuation that honors the legacy of the original while breaking new ground.
Conclusion: Reviving a Legend
“I Am Legend 2” stands at an exciting crossroads of cinematic storytelling. It’s a blend of nostalgia and innovation, revisiting a beloved character while introducing new elements. The inclusion of the alternate ending as a starting point opens up a myriad of possibilities, promising a sequel that’s not just a continuation but a reimagination.
The presence of Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan, coupled with the depth of the source material and the contemporary relevance of its themes, sets the stage for a film that could redefine the post-apocalyptic genre. As fans of the original, we are left with questions and expectations. Will “I Am Legend 2” capture the essence of the first while charting its own unique course? Only time will tell.
Is I Am Legend Part 2 coming out?
Since Warner Bros.’s production slate is pretty jam-packed right now, we cannot foresee an I Am Legend 2 release to be before 2025-26 and might be released around the time
Is there 2 versions of I Am Legend?
The ending to the Alternate Theatrical Version varies from the original ending. Instead of blowing himself and the hemocytes up with a grenade, Neville discovers that the hemocytes actually came for the female he captured earlier in the movie.
Is I Am Legend 2 based off the alternate ending?
Since Robert Neville died at the end of I Am Legend it would be difficult to envisage Will Smith’s return without it simply being flashback scenes
Why was there never an I Am Legend 2?
As for a direct follow-up, one of the reported reasons that I Am Legend 2 never happened, per HITC, was that Lawrence didn’t find any of the ideas presented worthy of his efforts. I Am Legend is a story about the last man on earth. Robert Neville was a man alone in a dead world