The post-apocalyptic thriller I Am Legend is getting a follow-up film. Deadline reports that Warner Bros. is moving forward with an I Am Legend sequel with original star Will Smith returning with Michael B. Jordan coming on board to star and produce alongside Smith. The film will be the duo's first big movie together as stars and producers.
Oscar winner Akiva Goldsman, who wrote the previous film adaptation, will also return to pen this untitled sequel and produce with Smith and Jordan. All three of their deals are reportedly already closed, meaning the project is a go. Francis Lawrence, who directed the original film, is not currently on board with no director as of yet attached. Jordan is producing with Elizabeth Raposo under their Outlier Society banner. Smith will produce with Westbrook Studios Co-President and Head of Motion Pictures, Jon Mone, with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing on behalf of Westbrook Studios. James Lassiter is executive producing while Goldsman will produce with Greg Lessans via Weed Road Pictures.
Based on the 1954 novel of the same name by Richard Matheson, I Am Legend was released in 2007. It is set in a world that's been ravaged by a virus that has wiped out mot of mankind, leaving US Ary virologist Robert Neville (Will Smith) as one of the last human beings alive. With only his dog and mannequins to keep him company, Neville must also defend himself against hostile mutant creatures. Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, and Dash Mihok also starred.
I Am Legend 2: What Will It Be About?
Plot details on the new I Am Legend have not been divulged. There have been earlier reports of a new movie nearing development, though it was unclear what this new take will be like. As far back a 2008, Will Smith teased a possible follow-up film, which at the time was being thought of as a prequel. If made, that concept would have seen Smith heading from New York City to Washington D.C. to make a last stand.
There had also been reports in 2014 of another I Am Legend movie entering development. At that time, the word was that it would not include Smith, instead serving as a reboot with a new lead character. The plan was to take a spec script for another story called A Garden at the End of the World and retrofit it o that it would be more in line with the I Am Legend story. For better or for worse, this planned version of the film never saw the light of day, either.
Given with Smith is back on board for this next sequel with another huge star like Michael B. Jordan beside him, it seems likely that the film is finally happening for real this time. It's unclear when shooting might begin or when fans can anticipate seeing the new movie, but for those wanting an update to I Am Legend, this is certainly excellent news.
If you want to revisit the original film, you can currently find I Am Legend streaming for free on Tubi.