In addition to the cast, I Am Legend 2 is in the works, mostly featuring Will Smith in the original film, meaning the sequel is going in the correct direction.
I Am Legend was released theatrically in 2007 and became a critical and box office success, Based on the book by Richard Matheson, grossing more than $500 million. In 2022 The sequel was officially declared after a few failed attempts to bring I Am Legend 2 to the large screen.
After the original film, The sequel will be set for decades, and writer Akiva Goldsman assured they would rely heavily on Matheson’s fiction for its storytelling direction.
Smith will reprise his role in I Am Legend 2, and the sequel will use an alternate ending rather than the original theatrical climax to explain his return. (In the ending of I Am Legend, Dr. Robert Neville, Smith’s character, sacrificed himself.) Smith will be joined in the sequel by Michael B. Jordan.
The details of Jordan’s role stay under wraps for now, but his casting is a wonderful sign for I Am Legend 2, partially because it doesn’t have to rely exclusively on Neville to tell its story.
A Better Character, Michael B. Jordan’s Starring Role Means
The presence of Michael B. Jordan in the lead role is critical to the success of I Am Legend 2. It suggests that the sequel will take a different path instead of focusing on Dr. Neville. By focusing on a new character, the universe of I Am Legend becomes more fully explored and is no longer bound by Neville’s existence or solitary inclinations.
Alternate ending In I Am Legend, Neville survives and goes with Anna and Ethan to discover a human colony and spread the cure.
Jordan’s character likely comes into play here; he may be someone who grew up in Vermont’s human colony. Jordan’s I Am Legend 2 persona may become more human, adding a new and refreshing perspective to the sequel’s plot.
Shifting the focus is also stimulating; it could mean the warm-up of new characters, ones who are connected to Jordan’s personality and the overarching plot.
The Sequel: What Role Will Smith Can Play
Smith’s return in I Am Legend 2 is not unexpected, considering the use of the actual film’s alternate ending. While he may no longer be the central character, the sequel may explore Dr. Neville’s assimilation into mortal society.
He was alone for so long that returning to civilization and developing human connections would likely be jarring. I Am Legend 2 is set decades after the actual film, which could mean these scenes might seem in a flashback, leaving Dr. Neville to potentially work with Jordan’s personality in the current day.
Jordan’s leading position may force Will Smith to the sidelines, but that doesn’t mean his part is less vital.
The fact that Neville discovered the cure after I Am Legend implies that he will be contacted at the very least. He’d be a medical leader decades later if he led the effort within the human colony.
It’s also possible Dr. Neville is a mentor and dad figure to Jordan’s character, offering guidance and more when needed. Smith was critical to the success of the original film. Whatever role he plays in I Am Legend 2 will be meaty adequately, even if he’s no longer the focus.
