Almost two decades after its premiere, Will Smith‘s critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic film has seen a resurgence in its storytelling prowess, currently holding a 68% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With a prolific career that spans nearly 40 years, Smith has dazzled audiences in numerous films and television shows. His impressive portfolio includes both blockbuster hits and lesser-known projects, culminating in an Academy Award win that solidifies his status as one of modern cinema’s most versatile actors.
Despite facing challenges in his recent career trajectory, Smith appears poised for a remarkable comeback with his upcoming film. Notably, a new narrative development related to this sequel appears to retroactively enhance a crucial aspect of the original 18-year-old movie. This change not only elevates the original film but sets the stage for an exciting sequel.
I Am Legend 2: Canonizing the Original Film’s Alternate Ending
Insights on the Sequel’s Narrative from Will Smith
Recently, in an interview on REVOLT’s Drink Champs podcast, Smith revealed interesting insights into the development of I Am Legend 2. The initial concept was to craft it as a prequel to the 2007 film, but screenwriter Akiva Goldsman proposed evolving the script into a sequel that builds upon the film’s alternate ending. As avid fans may recall, the original ending portrayed Dr. Neville, played by Smith, meeting his demise. In contrast, the alternate version sees him survive and embark on a journey towards a human community alongside other survivors.
This creative pivot allows for the introduction of actor Michael B. Jordan, who will portray the leader of a settlement in Connecticut. These revelations indicate that the sequel will take place after the events of the first film, adhering to the alternate ending and expanding the narrative potential. Although further details concerning the plot and characters remain undisclosed, early indications suggest it may rival the acclaim of its predecessor, if not surpass it.
Enhancing I Am Legend: The Impact of the Alternate Ending
An Opportunity for Will Smith to Reprise His Role as an Older Dr. Neville
The alternate ending of I Am Legend stays true to Richard Matheson’s original novel, articulating that Dr. Neville is not inherently a hero, nor are the dark-seeking mutants purely villains. This perspective underscores his realization that, while darker in their actions compared to humans, the darkseekers share emotions and community ties. Smith’s character learns that it was misguided to view them as monsters simply because they differ from humanity.
This retcon enriches the film’s narrative depth and enhances Neville’s character arc. Focusing on this alternate ending rather than providing a prequel about his earlier days generates excitement about how the sequel will navigate the world shaped by Neville’s newfound understanding. Since Michael B. Jordan was not part of the original film’s storyline, there’s significant intrigue regarding how his character might perceive the darkseekers and whether he will mirror Neville’s evolving views or reflect on how they were depicted in the first installment.