In a recent revelation about the upcoming I Am Legend 2, actor Will Smith shared intriguing details about Michael B. Jordan’s character. The original 2007 film featured Smith as Dr. Robert Neville, a US Army virologist navigating a post-apocalyptic New York City, where he searches for a cure to a devastating virus that has transformed humans into night-dwelling mutants. Excitingly, in 2022, news emerged that the sequel was in the works, with both Smith and Jordan involved in the project.
During a lively discussion on REVOLT‘s Drink Champs podcast, Will Smith offered valuable insights regarding Jordan’s role. He revealed that although there was initial consideration for a prequel, screenwriter Akiva Goldsman suggested continuing the story from the original film’s alternate ending. Notably, Smith confirmed that Jordan’s character will serve as the leader of a settlement in Connecticut, and he clarified that this character is not related to Neville as his son. Below are Smith’s full remarks:
What we were gonna do was the prequel, so we were gonna do the prequel. … And [Akiva Goldsman] was like, but wait, what if we make a new version from the alternate ending, where your character is still alive and you know, Michael B. Jordan’s character currently is the head of a new settlement… He’s not my son… So there’s a settlement in Connecticut.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nvFTfwJu7khttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nvFTfwJu7k
Implications of Will Smith’s Comments for I Am Legend 2
Insights into Michael B. Jordan’s Character
Since the announcement of Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan’s collaboration for I Am Legend 2, there has been considerable speculation surrounding the nature of Jordan’s role. Many fans theorized that he might portray a younger version of Neville, his son, or even a leader among the Darkseekers. Smith’s recent confirmation that Jordan’s character leads a “settlement in Connecticut”is bound to quell some of these theories and foster excitement for the forthcoming sequel.
In the alternate ending of the original I Am Legend, Dr. Neville, alongside Anna and Ethan, ventures toward Bethel, Vermont, seeking a colony of survivors. The introduction of Jordan’s character as the leader of a nearby settlement in Connecticut suggests potential interactions and possible tensions between the two groups. Unlike Neville, who existed in solitude as the last survivor in New York, Jordan’s character embodies a sense of community, adding a new dynamic to the post-apocalyptic narrative.
Analysis of Michael B. Jordan’s Role in I Am Legend 2
Expectations for Jordan’s Characterization
As Jordan steps into a leadership position in the sequel, the potential conflicts and alliances with Dr. Neville promise to be a compelling aspect of the narrative. In the original’s alternate ending, Neville realizes that the Darkseekers’ hostility stemmed from his actions, leading to a peaceful resolution. This could pave the way for complex interactions in I Am Legend 2, especially as Neville might approach the Darkseekers with empathy while Jordan’s character offers a contrasting perspective rooted in survival within a communal setting. It will be intriguing to explore whether their relationship evolves toward collaboration or confrontation.
For further details and to hear the conversation directly from Will Smith, check out the full segment on REVOLT.