When it comes to blockbuster tentpole flicks, Hollywood's modus operandi is to greenlight
sequels almost immediately after the first receipts come in. But what happens
when the highly-recognizable, virtually indispensable hero of said blockbuster eats
it at the end of the movie? Such is the dilemma facing the producers of last year's unexpected
megahit, I Am Legend. In an uncharacteristically brave move, they opted to kill
off star Will Smith, a guy who just happens to be the most popular actor on the
planet, in spectacular -- and thoroughly conclusive -- fashion at the end of Francis
Lawrence's post-apocalyptic epic. (We'd put a "Spoiler Alert" here,
but if you're one of the seven people in the country who hasn't seen I Am
Legend, chances are you probably don't have internet access, either.)
Initial reports indicated that Warner Bros.
intended to make an I Am Legend prequel -- seemingly the only realistic option available
that would allow the studio to continue milking the franchise and not appear utterly
shameless -- but now AICN is reporting (via an untested source, they caution) that
they've changed course and that a sequel is indeed in the works.
If AICN's report is true, I Am Legend sequel
producers have three explanations for bringing Smith back, according to standard
Hollywood procedure: 1) Explain that it was all just one big, crazy dream; 2) Reveal that Smith's character, Robert
Neville, has a previously unmentioned twin or clone; or 3) Have Smith only
appear in flashbacks, Saw-style. Either way, we smell a hit.
What do you think the sequel should be called? Our suggestion: Live Free or I Am Legend.