Hollywood is seldom short of a hit collaboration between veteran actors and young stars who are the rave of the moment. Following his 2007 leading role in the acclaimed action thriller, “I am legend,” award-winning actor Will Smith has announced plans for a sequel that will feature “Creed” star Michael B Jordan.
Both actors will star in the film and join the production team as co-producers, lending their creative input to making the follow-up blockbuster.
Read on for more details.
Will Smith Confirmed The News Via Social Media
Smith verified the news with an Instagram snapshot of an empty street evocative of the original 2007 film. The actor also tagged Jordan in the photo, which alluded to their upcoming joint work in the sequel.
Jordan will deliver the film alongside Elizabeth Raposo from Outlier Society, while Smith, Jon Mone, and Ryan Shimazaki produce for Westbrook Studios. Additionally, James Lassiter will feature as EP. Goldsman and Greg Lessans will oversee via Weed Road Pictures.
Given Smith and Jordan’s popular standing in Hollywood, the film is already garnering claims as a big-budget blockbuster. It would also be written by Akiva Goldsman, who co-wrote the first film.
Although the movie is under development, the showrunners are yet to appoint a director. For now, there is no confirmation if Francis Lawrence, who directed the parent film, will return in the same capacity for the sequel.
Fans Reaction To Will Smith’s Post
MEGASmith’s comment section got lit up by fans who shared their joy at getting a sequel to one of their favorite films. They heaped praises about Smith’s previous performance in the first installment and added their opinion about the upcoming film.
“It won’t be the same without you in it,” one follower said.
“OMG I AM LEGEND 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! best! news! Ever,” another fan commented.
Fans also haggled about what storyline the sequel would follow, as the showrunners had given two endings to “I am Legend.” In one, Smith died at the end while he survived his battle with the Dark seekers in the alternate ending.
If the former ending is the preferred choice, the showrunners are likely to introduce Smith in throwback scenes, while going for the latter would require an explanation on how Smith’s character escaped unscathed.
‘I Am Legend Two’
MEGASmith and Jordan’s collaboration on the sequel is expected to aid the film garner more critical acclaim than its predecessor. The first installment grossed $77.2M in its early run and went on to close with $256.4M domestic and $585.4M worldwide.
Fans can recall that “I Am Legend” was set in a largely abandoned post-apocalyptic New York City filled with the undead. Smith played Dr. Robert Neville, a former U.S. Army virologist, who attempted to cure the plague while shielding himself against the Dark seekers. He was immune to the virus and tried to build a cure using vials of his blood.
Warner Bros. is keeping the sequel’s storyline under wraps. However, given that Smith and Jordan’s movies have a combined gross profit of $12.3 billion worldwide, it is safe to assume that their feature in “I Am Legend Two” will drive viewers to the theaters when the film debuts at a later date.
Smith’s Win At The Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards
Smith’s upcoming project follows his win at the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards last Sunday for best performance by a male actor, honoring his feature in the docu-drama “King Richard.” According to People, Smith’s first first-ever SAG award delighted fans of the star, particularly his long-time friend Denzel Washington.
“We’ve spent a lot of time together. So we’ve been talking, he’s always been a mentor for me, and he grabbed me, and he said, ‘This is your year,'” Smith told the news publication after the award ceremony.
The actor added: “He knew me years ago, I would go to Denzel for advice, so he’s seen me through the years, and he was just telling me how proud he is of who I’ve become and what I’ve become. He was saying that he felt like a weight was lifted off of his shoulders somehow.”
