According to Screendaily, Will Smith has confirmed that a sequel to his 2007 sci-fi film “I Am Legend” is in the works. The actor revealed that he is collaborating with Michael B. Jordan on the script. Smith mentioned that he had a call scheduled with Jordan and that the script had just come in. While Smith’s character, Robert Neville, dies at the end of the first film, the sequel will follow the alternative ending from the DVD version where the character survives. The original film, directed by Francis Lawrence, was released by Warner Bros. in 2007 and grossed $585 million worldwide.
”I have a call with Michael B. Jordan tomorrow. The script just came in… I’m probably giving away too much information…
”We’re going with the mythology of the DVD version where my character lived,” said Smith. ”I can’t tell you any more but Michael B. Jordan is in and we’re doing it.”
Addressing the controversial Oscars slap incident at the 2022 ceremony, where Smith slapped host Chris Rock, the actor spoke at an in-conversation session at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. Smith acknowledged that he had experienced adversities in the past couple of years but emphasized the importance of staying focused on his mission. He expressed his dedication to putting good into the world and making people smile while acknowledging his human flaws. Smith shared his commitment to perfecting his virtue and shining his light brightly.
During the conversation about fame, Smith referred to fame as a “unique monster” and emphasized the need to remain careful, not getting overly excited when receiving praise and not being deeply hurt when facing criticism. He acknowledged making mistakes in his career but expressed appreciation for the support from the audience. Smith also discussed his energetic approach to life, stating his love for figuring things out, solving puzzles, and creating challenges for himself.
”What I’ve experienced in my adversities of the last couple of years is I have to be clear about: I can’t need others to applaud for me to stay focused on my mission,” said Smith. ”I have always wanted to put good into the world, I have always wanted to make people smile, I have always been devoted to the process of joy and inspiration. I want you to feel good, I am here because in my deepest heart I want you to feel good.
”At the same time, I am deeply human,” continued the actor. ”My virtue is not yet perfected. I am in the process of perfecting my virtue. The greatest thing that has happened is I have been deeply humbled and deeply inspired to perfect my light. That’s what this next phase of my life is going to be – perfecting and shining my light as brightly as I can on as many people as I can.”
Smith arrived at the topic in response to a question about fame, which he called “a unique monster.”
“I’ve had to be really careful; you can’t get excited when everybody is saying good things about you, because the more you take when people are saying good things about you, the more hurt you’re going to be when people are saying bad things about you.”
Regarding his career and the types of films he has made, Smith highlighted the theme of love, stating that whether large- or small-scale, all his films come back to love. He also expressed enthusiasm about Saudi Arabia, mentioning several times that he would love to make a film there. Responding to a question about potential collaborations with Hollywood, Smith encouraged creative talents in Saudi Arabia to stay and build their community in the country. The actor concluded the session by playfully endorsing the idea of making a movie with Denzel Washington in Saudi Arabia.
