There have been tentative plans for I Am Legend 2 for at least the past few years. As far as we're aware, the idea is for Will Smith to return to the sci-fi/horror franchise alongside Black Panther and Creed star Michael B. Jordan in what will likely serve as a passing of the torch, leaving the latter to lead a new series of movies.
Last year's Hollywood strikes delayed the project and, the year before those began, so did Smith's now-infamous "slap" at the 2022 Academy Awards (on that night, the Hollywood A-Lister won the "Best Actor" Oscar and slapped comedian Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith).
I Am Legend 2 had only been announced days before, so it's no real wonder the sequel's momentum has slowed.
Talking to PEOPLE (via SFFGazette.com), Jordan offered an update on where things stand with the movie. "We're still working on the script and getting that up to par," he said. "It doesn't have a release date or anything like that. I'm not sure exactly where we're going to be filming that one, but I'm really excited to get in front of the camera with him."
"Being somebody that I've looked up to for a really long time, to be able to work with Will is something I'm really looking forward to. I'm really excited."
The Hollywood Reporter has since posted a piece about Smith's attempted Hollywood comeback in the wake of that slap and, unfortunately, it sounds like I Am Legend 2 is a long way from being close to ready.
On the plus side, "While sources say the project is nowhere near the starting line - there’s no shooting script ready and no director officially attached - Jordan remains committed to making the project."
Set in a desolate, virus-ravaged New York City, I Am Legend follows Dr. Robert Neville (Smith), seemingly the last human survivor, as he searches for a cure to a virus that has turned the population into aggressive, zombie-like mutants. Neville's only companions are his loyal dog and the haunting memories of the world's collapse.
As he conducts experiments in isolation, he battles loneliness, fear, and the relentless pursuit of the infected beings. The movie has been praised for exploring themes of isolation, survival, and the consequences of scientific experimentation, with its memorable climax questioning the nature of humanity in the face of a global pandemic.
Of course, the plan is to undo that in the sequel to facilitate Smith's return as Neville. That's made possible by a popular deleted scene on the DVD which sees the scientist realise the creatures view him as a monster; instead of blowing himself up, Neville frees the female he'd been experimenting on and travels to a human sanctuary.
Stay tuned for updates on I Am Legend 2 as we have them.