Goldman is still hyped for I Am Legend 2
The Unquiet Quest: Why the Sequel to I Am Legend Remains an Elusive Dream
The cinematic world is buzzing with anticipation for sequels, but for some projects, the path forward is fraught with unexpected detours and formidable obstacles. The ambitious dream of bringing a sequel to 2007’s iconic sci-fi thriller, I Am Legend, continues to be chased, though the journey has proven anything but easy.
Writer and producer Akiva Goldsman remains determined to resurrect the world of Robert Neville, but getting the project off the ground has proven to be a complex endeavor. The road to the screen is littered with hurdles, yet Goldsman insists that the effort is not one of defeat but of relentless pursuit.
Adding another layer of intrigue, discussions surrounding the potential sequel have recently intersected with other major studio projects. It was rumored that filmmaker Steven Caple Jr., known for directing blockbusters like Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and Creed II, was considered for the role of director on the ambitious project, which is currently in development at Warner Bros. Pictures.
The core of the sequel concept centers on the fate of the original protagonist, Will Smith. For years, there has been talk of Smith and Oscar-winning star Michael B. Jordan teaming up to tackle the narrative. This collaboration is specifically tied to the alternate ending of the original film, where Smith’s character manages to survive the apocalyptic scenario.
Despite the high-profile talent involved, realizing the vision has demanded tenacity. When asked about the difficulties in moving the project forward, Goldsman shared his perspective on the challenges they face. He acknowledged that they have encountered numerous obstacles, but he refuses to let them derail the momentum.
“We’re pressing on. We’re trying. We’re doing everything we can to get it made,” Goldsman stated, underscoring the commitment behind the stalled efforts.
Beyond the narrative structure, the production process involved some deeply specific decisions rooted in the world of the film. Goldsman also offered a surprising, yet telling, detail from the original movie that will not be repeated in the sequel: the death of the dog.
He reflected on the grim realities of their post-apocalyptic existence, noting that while the mass slaughter of other creatures was inevitable, the choice regarding pets carried a unique weight. “I fear that I would not survive the backlash should we kill another dog,” he remarked, reflecting on the sheer scale of the violence already witnessed.
The dynamic between Smith and Jordan, as producers of the feature, promises a compelling vision, blending their respective talents with the grim, yet strangely personal, stakes of the story. As the production continues, the question remains whether this determined pursuit will finally lead to the cinematic conclusion the audience has been waiting for.
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