The eagerly anticipated sequel to the sci-fi hit I Am Legend could bring Will Smith back to the top of his acting career

Will Smith spent years as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces. After breaking through in music and becoming a TV phenomenon, he quickly turned into a box-office force. Movies like Bad Boys, Independence Day, and Men in Black made him one of the defining stars of his generation. Over time, however, his momentum cooled—and after the controversy surrounding the Oscars, it seemed as though part of the audience had turned away.

Still, it became clear that viewers never fully lost interest. Bad Boys: Ride or Die was among the biggest theatrical hits of 2024, proving that with the right role Smith can still command massive attention. That’s exactly why so much buzz surrounds the continuation of one of his most famous sci‑fi films. I Am Legend 2 is shaping up to be a major attempt at a true return to the top.

The Story Will Follow the Alternate Ending

The most important detail about the sequel is that it will build on the alternate ending of the first film. In the widely released theatrical version, Smith’s character dies—an ending that would make a continuation nearly impossible. But the home-release included another cut in which Robert Neville survives and realizes the infected aren’t mindless monsters at all, but beings with their own structure, behavior, and bonds. He then leaves the city with other survivors.

That direction is expected to form the foundation of the new story. The screenplay is again being handled by Akiva Goldsman, who also worked on the original film. According to Goldsman, the sequel is meant to lean even closer to Richard Matheson’s classic novel. A central theme will be a world where humanity is no longer the dominant species on Earth—opening the door to a darker, more philosophical approach than last time.

A Stronger Connection to the Novel

Matheson’s I Am Legend has been adapted multiple times. Earlier versions appeared in the 1960s and 1970s, each offering a different take on a lone survivor in a post-apocalyptic world. But for many viewers, the 2007 film remains the definitive modern adaptation—and Smith delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career.

Michael B. Jordan in the film Sinners / Photo: Warner Bros.

An interesting footnote: years ago, names like Ridley Scott, Michael Bay, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger were floated in connection with the property. Ultimately, Smith landed the lead role—and now it looks like the sequel wants to expand the original film with fresh ideas while drawing more directly from what made the book so enduring.

The Plot Is Expected to Take Place Decades Later

The creative team reportedly plans to set the second film several decades after the events of the first. There were even suggestions that Will Smith could portray a character older than he is in real life. Smith has said that for a long time he didn’t think a sequel was likely—but the concept itself eventually won him over. By his account, the idea is powerful enough to justify returning to this world.

Goldsman has also mentioned that his writing was influenced by The Last of Us. That’s notable because I Am Legend is often cited as one of the works that helped shape the tone of that game franchise in the first place. If that inspiration carries through, the new film could deliver a harsher atmosphere, a more decayed world, and a heavier focus on survival—and on relationships built under extreme pressure.

Michael B. Jordan Will Join Smith

The other major star attached to the project is Michael B. Jordan. For a while, speculation suggested he might play the son of the original protagonist, but Smith has denied that. Instead, Jordan is expected to portray the leader of a settlement in Connecticut. His involvement is not just on-screen—he’s also playing a significant role in developing the project.

Smith has also revealed that the studio once considered a prequel, telling a story set before the first film. In the end, the team chose a direct continuation instead—an approach that better matches what fans have been waiting for: to see how this world has evolved after so many years.

The Director Still Hasn’t Been Confirmed

Despite a strong cast and an experienced screenwriter, one major question remains unresolved: who will direct. Many fans would welcome the return of Francis Lawrence, who helmed the first film and has spoken about the possibility of a sequel more than once. For now, however, nothing is official.

One name that has surfaced as a likely candidate is Steven Caple Jr., who previously worked with Michael B. Jordan on Creed II. A final decision has not yet been announced.

When Will the Film Arrive?

While the broad outlines of the story are becoming clearer and the team is gradually taking shape, there is still no confirmed release date. Earlier talk of a sooner premiere no longer appears to be on the table. The filmmakers continue to signal genuine interest in moving forward—what remains uncertain is exactly when production will begin.

What does seem clear is that I Am Legend 2 is truly heading toward realization. If it successfully combines a strong story, the return of Will Smith, and new characters in an expanded post-catastrophe world, it could become one of the most watched sci‑fi releases of the coming years.

Source: Kinocheck