Ever since the first film made $584 million worldwide in 2007 there have been rumors of a follow-up to the Will Smith starrer I Am Legend based on Richard Matheson’s novel. Considering the way the theatrical film ended, we’re most likely looking at a prequel story as Deadline.com reports Akiva Goldsman and Overbrook Entertainment have just closed a deal to develop a new film based on the material, bringing back Smith as scientist Robert Neville, who in the first film was believed to be the last survivor on Earth following a terrible virus that either wiped out the population or turned them all into mutants. Aresh Amel (Grace Of Monaco) is penning the script.
There’s no word if Francis Lawrence, director of the first installment, is on board to return, but last May he did talk to MTV about the potential for a prequel saying, “No, I don’t think that’s ever going to happen.”
As far as Smith is concerned, he’s got a lot on his plate and sequels to several of his films are being discussed including Independence Day and more recently the potential for a Hancock 2.
Hancock helmer Peter Berg recently told MTV he and Smith have come up with 40 different storylines for a potential sequel to the lackluster drunken superhero/god film from 2008, one of which he says would entail an online competition in which “the Internet started a competition on how to kill Hancock.” Yeah, if that’s the best you’ve got it’s probably best we stop talking about Hancock 2 right now Pete.
Smith will be seen in Men in Black III this May and is currently filming After Earth, a sci-fi film for M. Night Shyamalan of which he stars alongside his son Jaden and from which we’ve already seen a few set photos. After Earth is currently slated for June 7, 2013.
By the way, speaking of Jaden, how will they get him into I Am Legend 2: Even More Legendier?
