Will Smith reveals a key detail about Michael B. Jordan’s character in I Am Legend 2. Released in 2007, the post-apocalyptic film stars Smith as US Army virologist Dr. Robert Neville, the sole survivor in New York City, as he searches for a cure to a virus that has wiped out most of mankind and turned humans into nocturnal mutants. In 2022, it was confirmed that I Am Legend 2 was in development with Smith reprising his role and Jordan also set to star.
Now, during a recent appearance on REVOLT‘s Drink Champs podcast, Smith revealed a key detail about Jordan’s character in I Am Legend 2. The star briefly discussed how they were originally going to do a prequel before screenwriter Akiva Goldsman suggested a sequel, which follows the original movie’s alternate ending, rather than the theatrical one, before going on to reveal that Jordan’s character is the “head of a settlement in Connecticut,” and not his character’s son. Read Smith’s full comments or watch the portion of the video below:
What we were gonna do was the prequel, so we were gonna do the prequel. … And [Akiva Goldsman] was like, but wait, what if we make a new version from the alternate ending, where your character is still alive and you know, Michael B. Jordan’s character currently is the head of a new settlement… He’s not my son… So there’s a settlement in Connecticut.
The First Details About Michael B. Jordan’s Character Revealed
Ever since it was first announced in 2022 that Will Smith was teaming up with Michael B. Jordan for I Am Legend 2, there has been speculation about whom the latter might be playing. The speculation ranged from a younger version of Smith’s character, his son, or the leader of the Darkseekers. Smith’s reveal that Jordan’s character is the “head of a settlement in Connecticut” is sure to put some of that speculation to rest and begin to drum up excitement for the long-awaited sequel.
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The alternate ending of I Am Legend is far more compelling than what audiences initially got, and it’s the perfect place to start the sequel.
In I Am Legend‘s alternate ending, which the sequel follows, Neville, Anna, and Ethan head to Bethel, Vermont, in the hope of finding the survivors’ colony. Jordan’s character is the head of another settlement in Connecticut, just south of there, suggesting how the two characters will come into contact, and perhaps conflict. Unlike Neville, who was isolated as the last man in New York, Jordan’s character appears to offer a contrast. He’s part of a community, while still surviving in the same post-apocalyptic world.
Our Take On Michael B. Jordan’s Character In I Am Legend 2
What To Expect From His Role
With Jordan’s character stepping into a leadership role in the sequel, it’s possible to imagine the potential power struggles between him and Dr. Neville. In the original movie’s alternate ending, the virologist discovers that the Darkseekers’ aggression was due to his abduction of a female, and after returning her to her mate, they walk away peacefully. This could set up an intriguing plot point for the sequel, as Neville recognizes the Darkseekers’ humanity, while Jordan’s character might not. It will be interesting to see whether their relationship leans more toward conflict or cooperation in I Am Legend 2.
I Am Legend 2 does not yet have a release date.
Source: REVOLT