For fans of post-apocalyptic movies, it’s hard to forget the chilling scenes of an empty New York City depicted in the 2007 Will Smith-starrer “I Am Legend.” The gloomy yet gripping film, which is the third adaptation of Richard Matheson’s spine-tingling novel, remains a significant point of discussion amongst movie enthusiasts. While the story concluded with the protagonist’s demise, whispers of a sequel or even a prequel have never ceased.
A Sequel 15 Years in the Making
It may seem unlikely, but “I Am Legend 2” is no myth. Fifteen years after the original movie, there’s finally a stir in the air regarding its sequel. Despite the original film receiving mixed reviews, its profit margins and the significant number of admirers it garnered cannot be ignored.
After a long wait, there’s word that some esteemed actors are gearing up to reprise their roles. Akin to the resurrection of a vampire, the franchise seems to be coming back to life at the most unexpected time.
Sequel Status: Is Production On Track?
As per director Akiva Goldsman, Warner Bros. has given a green light to continue production on “I Am Legend 2″ in 2023.
Dishing out some juicy tidbits, Goldsman shared that the sequel will kick off a few decades post the events of the first film. Intriguingly, it will stay truer to Matheson’s original text.
Drawing parallels to the setting of the much-loved game and HBO series “The Last of Us,” Goldsman expressed his fascination with a world not just post-apocalyptic, but one that’s been so for 20 to 30 years.
This raises expectations about the sequel’s tone and direction.
Tentative Release Window
Although the script is ready and prominent actors have already boarded the project, the absence of a director could push back the release date. With no confirmation from Francis Lawrence about his return and no new director named by Warner Bros., it seems plausible that “I Am Legend 2” might hit the screens either late in 2024 or early 2025.
The Star-studded Cast: Will Smith and More!
The burning question on everyone’s mind is undoubtedly about the cast. Will Smith, despite his character’s fate in the original, is confirmed to reprise his role as Robert Neville. Furthermore, he will also don the hat of a producer for the sequel.
But the cherry on top? Michael B. Jordan, known for his roles in “Black Panther” and “Creed,” is set to co-star and co-produce. The specifics of his character remain under wraps, but his involvement guarantees a fresh dynamism to the post-apocalyptic narrative.
Akiva Goldsman, the Oscar-winning screenwriter and producer, seems excited to explore more from Matheson’s novel, indicating that the sequel has a lot to offer.
Trailer Updates and Where to Watch
As of now, fans might have to exercise a little more patience as there’s no trailer for “I Am Legend 2.” It’s likely we won’t see any teasers until 2026, given the current production stage. However, enthusiasts can indulge in behind-the-scenes content from the original film on YouTube to reminisce the magic.
I Am Legend 2 👍👍 pic.twitter.com/9fqhAtAwsm
— Pure Guava (@pureguava10300) August 28, 2023
Upon its release, the sequel is expected to grace theaters. Meanwhile, the original “I Am Legend” remains accessible on platforms like Google Play, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.
For horror enthusiasts looking for more chills and thrills, there’s a plethora of content recommendations, from the best Werewolf films to ghost movies and horror series. Dive deep into the macabre and keep the spook alive!
