Will Smith's previous sequel rejection makes his return for I Am Legend 2 even better. The original I Am Legend was a massive success, opening at a record-breaking $77 million domestically and $585 million globally for its 2007 release. Yet despite such success, Smith was not interested in making a sequel for a very long time.
Adapted from Richard Matheson's sci-fi book, I Am Legend followed scientist Robert Neville (Will Smith), who survived a plague that wiped out most of the population. Those who did not die were instead turned into monsters similar to vampires or zombies, for which Robert was desperately trying to find a cure. I Am Legend was a standalone story, which could have been why Smith felt no need to revisit it in the past, but Michael B. Jordan has since convinced him otherwise.
Will Smith's past rejection of I Am Legend 2 makes his return for Michael B. Jordan's story idea even better. The studio had been wanting to make a sequel to I Am Legend ever since the original's release, but Smith previously had no intention of ever coming back. He said in an interview, “It was one of those ones I was gonna leave alone, and then I heard the idea.” Jordan was a part of the pitch that finally changed Smith's mind, which speaks to the strength of his story concept if it was able to entice Smith to come back to a project 15 years later. Smith's return for I Am Legend 2 shows that the movie is more than just a cash-grab, but something he is actually excited about, suggesting that there really is a good story there he wants to help tell.
Hollywood's tendency to produce sequels for successful movies just because they can could've also been part of the reason why Smith was so hesitant to return. The ending to I Am Legend did not leave much room for easily expanding the narrative, and a meaningless second installment risked cheapening the story altogether. The long time gap between films would've only made him less inclined. So for Smith to come back now must mean he is truly motivated by the story Jordan has pitched, which is great news for I Am Legend 2's potential. Not to mention, the star power that comes with pairing these two actors together can really boost its chances. Smith has delivered countless hits in his life, most recently receiving award nominations for his performance in King Richard, while Jordan has been making a name for himself with blockbusters like Black Panther and Creed. The stars' popularity alone can help draw in crowds to what may likely be another big success for them both.
Will Smith's past disinterest makes his excitement for Michael B. Jordan's I Am Legend 2 idea even better. Little has been revealed about the project so far other than confirmation of Smith and Jordan's involvement, but for now, that's more than enough. The acclaim of the original, along with the two stars' appeal, already guarantee viewers' interest in a sequel movie, and the enticement of the film's pitch promises that the long wait between installments will be worth it.