The world of I Am Legend is about to expand in an exciting and unexpected way. Nearly two decades after the release of the original film in 2007, the post-apocalyptic thriller, which captivated audiences with its chilling depiction of a world ravaged by a deadly virus and an isolated survivor played by Will Smith, is getting a highly anticipated sequel: I Am Legend 2: Patient Zero. Set to release in 2024, the sequel promises to explore new territory while staying true to the tense atmosphere and emotional stakes that made the first film a global hit. But what exactly can we expect from this follow-up, and how does it connect to the original story? Here’s everything we know so far.
I Am Legend (2007) was based on Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel of the same name and follows Robert Neville, a scientist who believes he may be the last human survivor of a viral pandemic that has turned the world’s population into nocturnal, zombie-like creatures known as Darkseekers. While Neville spends his days searching for a cure and trying to survive, his isolation and the emotional toll of losing his family are at the heart of the film’s narrative.
The movie, which starred Will Smith in an Oscar-worthy performance, was a commercial success and left audiences with a memorable ending. However, the ending was somewhat ambiguous and left room for a potential continuation of Neville’s story. A sequel has been rumored for years, but now, nearly 17 years after the original, I Am Legend 2: Patient Zero is finally moving forward, with new plot details that suggest the film will introduce new characters and expand on the apocalyptic world.
While specific plot details are still under wraps, I Am Legend 2: Patient Zero is expected to explore the origins of the virus that decimated humanity, a concept hinted at in the original film but never fully explained. The title itself, “Patient Zero,” suggests that the story may focus on the first person infected with the virus or perhaps even a discovery of the original strain of the virus that caused the epidemic.
The film is likely to examine the global impact of the outbreak, showing how the virus spread and how the world’s governments and societies collapsed in the wake of the catastrophe. This premise opens up the possibility for a broader, more global perspective on the I Am Legend universe, which was largely confined to the isolated city of New York in the first movie.
Additionally, the sequel may provide answers to the questions left by the original film, such as whether the Darkseekers (or infected individuals) could be cured or whether humanity stands any chance of recovery. While Will Smith’s character, Robert Neville, was seemingly killed off in the first film (in both the theatrical and alternate endings), there are rumors that the movie could follow a new protagonist or even bring Neville’s character back in some form—either through flashbacks or possibly as part of the story’s legacy.
While Will Smith’s character Robert Neville appears unlikely to return, I Am Legend 2 will introduce a new lead to carry the story forward. The film will feature Michael B. Jordan, an actor known for his roles in Black Panther, Creed, and Fruitvale Station. Jordan is set to play a pivotal role in the film, and his involvement has sparked excitement among fans, as his strong screen presence and acting ability make him a natural fit for a post-apocalyptic thriller.
Details about Michael B. Jordan’s character are still unclear, but it’s expected that he will play a survivor or a key figure who interacts with the remnants of the virus in some way, perhaps even seeking out the answers to how the virus started or exploring a cure. There are also rumors that Jordan’s character could be related to Robert Neville in some way, either as a relative or someone who inherits Neville’s mission.
In addition to Jordan, the film is expected to introduce several other new characters, including potential survivors, scientists, or military figures, all of whom will contribute to the larger narrative. The cast has yet to be fully revealed, but there’s no doubt that fans will be eagerly watching for further announcements.
The Darkseekers—those terrifying, infected creatures from the first film—will likely make a return in I Am Legend 2. The original film depicted these nightmarish beings as fast, deadly, and intelligent, able to strategize and communicate in their own way. While the film didn’t dive deeply into their origins, the sequel may expand on their evolution, or it could take a different route by introducing new mutations or new forms of the virus.
The sequel will need to find a way to keep the tension and horror of the Darkseekers fresh, as the concept of a virus turning humans into grotesque monsters is a well-trodden path in post-apocalyptic fiction. It’s possible that Patient Zero could introduce new types of infected creatures or even explore the possibility of a mutated strain of the virus that creates even more dangerous threats.