For me, 2007’s I AM LEGEND was a bit of a damp squib and a huge disappointment. However, Will Smith was faultless; he gave enough emotional depth to a performance where he pretty much was the last man on the planet after a virus wipes out most of the population.
His performance, along with some shots of a stunningly deserted New York City, were later let down by ropey and laughable effects. Especially those of the zombie/vampire-like creatures, something that’s unforgivable on a big-budget tent-pole picture with today’s technical advancements in visual effects. A more than decent box-office return now has Warner Bros hoping to bring Smith’s scientist Robert Neville back for a sequel, even if the original ending suggested his character had died.
Warner Bros. have just struck a deal with Overlook Entertainment and original co-writer/producer Akiva Goldsman for another installment. Although Smith’s character will no doubt be part of the script somehow; (possibly a prequel), Smith himself will not commit until he sees the completed screenplay by Arash Amel. No word yet if Francis Lawrence will return to direct.
The original source novel by Richard Matheson had previously been turned into two features, 1964s Vincent Price attempt, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH and 1971s THE OMEGA MAN starring Charlton Heston.
Source: Deadline
