*Filmmaker Akiva Goldsman has shared new details about the “I Am Legend” sequel starring Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan.
Speaking to Deadline, Goldsman said the sequel will follow the first film’s “alternate ending,” where Smith’s character doesn’t die, instead — he’s brought back to life. “I Am Legend 2” will also take place years after the original.
“This will start a few decades later than the first,” Goldsman said. “That will be especially visual in New York. … I don’t know if they’ll climb up to the Empire State Building, but the possibilities are endless.”
Goldsman noted that the sequel will follow Richard Matheson’s 1954 novella.
READ MORE: Will Smith Developing ‘I Am Legend’ Sequel with Michael B. Jordan
“We trace back to the original Matheson book, and the alternate ending as opposed to the released ending in the original film,” he added. “What Matheson was talking about was that man’s time on the planet as the dominant species had come to an end. That’s a really interesting thing we’re going to get to explore. There will be a little more fidelity to the original text.”
“I Am Legend” was released theatrically on Dec. 14, 2007, and reportedly earned $585 worldwide. Speaking previously to Oprah Winfrey on an episode of “The Oprah Conversation,” Smith said he had mixed feelings about the box office success of the film.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, “I Am Legend” remains the biggest December opening for a non-Christmas release. Smith told Oprah that he was disappointed the film didn’t have a record-breaking $80 million dollar box office opening weekend.
“I’m excited for 30 seconds, and then my mind drifts and I say to J, ‘Hey, why do you think we missed 80?’” Smith said, recalling the phone call he had with producing partner James Lassiter after the film’s $77 million opening. “He said, ‘What?’ And I said, ‘No, it was 77, do you think if we would have adjusted the ending? Because I wanted the ending to feel more like “Gladiator.”‘ He’s like, ‘It’s the biggest opening in history, ever. What are you talking about?’ I’m like, ‘J, I get that, I’m just asking why do you think we missed the 80?’ And it’s the only time he ever hung up on me.”
Meanwhile, Goldsman confirmed a “Constantine” sequel is in the works with Keanu Reeves reprising the lead role.
