"I Am Legend" -- Finally!

by | April 26, 2006 | Comments

Forgive me if this sounds like a broken record (er, corrupted MP3, sorry) but you know that big-screen adaptation of Richard Matheson‘s "I Am Legend" that’s been threatening to happen for about 432 years? It’s a definite green-light done deal, locked and scheduled. We promise.

According to Variety, "Will Smith will star in "I Am Legend," the long-gestating Warner Bros. adaptation of the Richard Matheson novel to be directed by "Constantine" helmer Francis Lawrence.

Set in post-apocalyptic New York, "Legend" is about the last healthy man following the release of a virus that decimates the population. To survive, he must battle mutants that wreak havoc during the night."


Smith in "I, Robot"

Matheson’s "Legend" has been adapted into flick form twice before: 1964’s "The Last Man on Earth" and 1971’s "The Omega Man." The legendary (pun intended) author was also the writer and/or inspiration for movies like "The Incredible Shrinking Man" (1957), "Duel" (1971), "The Night Stalker" (1971), "Trilogy of Terror" (1975), and "Somewhere in Time" (1980). He also co-wrote "Jaws 3-D," if you can believe it.


The Lawrence directed "Constantine"

Akiva Goldsman, who previously worked with Mr. Smith on "I, Robot," is writing the screenplay. For the whole elaborate history on this project, check out the full Variety article.