I am Legend Alternate Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Release Date, Where to Watch

Explore the thought-provoking alternate ending of "I Am Legend," offering a deeper understanding of the infected creatures and a moral twist. Uncover the revelations that shaped the sequel and why it captivated audiences

by Sneha | Updated Feb 23, 2024

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I Am Legend Alternate Ending Explained

In the alternate ending of "I Am Legend," things are a bit different and way deeper than the original one. The infected creatures, called Darkseekers, turn out to be smart and have feelings. The main guy, Robert Neville (played by Will Smith), realizes that they are not just mindless monsters but beings with thoughts and emotions.

Neville had been doing some pretty intense experiments, like kidnapping an infected lady for testing. The creatures attack his place not to harm him, but to rescue their friend. This revelation hits Neville hard, making him question if he's been doing the right thing.

Unlike the original ending where Neville sacrifices himself for others, in the alternate ending, the creatures leave peacefully after getting back their friend. Neville, changed by this realization, takes the cure and heads to Vermont with other survivors.

The alternate ending became a big deal because it stays closer to the original novel and adds more depth to the story. People liked it so much that the sequel, "I Am Legend 2," will follow this alternate ending.

The original ending, where Neville sacrifices himself, wasn't everyone's favorite. Test audiences had mixed feelings, and some folks thought it missed the point of the book about morality more than just fighting zombies.

Now, with "I Am Legend 2," they're going with the alternate ending to continue the story. It solves the problem of Will Smith's character surviving, and fans are excited to see what happens next. There are still questions about what Neville did after surviving and how he dealt with the cure, but the sequel is expected to dive into these details. So, it's a big deal because the alternate ending gives the story a deeper meaning and sets the stage for an interesting sequel.

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I Am Legend 

"I Am Legend" is a 2007 action thriller film directed by Francis Lawrence and stars Will Smith as Robert Neville, a US Army virologist. Loosely based on a 1954 novel by Richard Matheson, the movie is set in a post-apocalyptic New York City. A virus, initially intended to cure cancer, has wiped out most of humanity, turning the remaining survivors into nocturnal mutants.

Neville, immune to the virus, becomes the last human in New York and works to find a cure while defending himself from hostile mutants. This film is the third adaptation of Matheson's novel, following movies released in 1964 and 1971.

Development of "I Am Legend" began in 1994, with various actors and directors attached to the project. However, production faced delays due to budget concerns related to the script. Filming finally started in 2006 in New York City, including a significant scene at the Brooklyn Bridge that cost $5 million.

The movie was released on December 14, 2007, in the United States and Canada. It set a record for the largest box office opening (not adjusted for inflation) for a non-Christmas film released in December. In 2007, it ranked as the seventh-highest-grossing film, earning $256 million domestically and $329 million internationally, totaling $585 million.

The film received generally positive reviews, with particular praise for Will Smith's performance, but some criticism focused on differences from the novel, especially the ending.

In 2022, it was revealed that a sequel was in development. Will Smith is set to reprise his role as Robert Neville and co-produce the film with Michael B. Jordan, who will also have a starring role.

I Am Legend Plot

A plan to use the measles virus to cure cancer goes wrong, infecting 99% of the world's population and turning them into dangerous mutants called Darkseekers. These creatures are like vampires, sensitive to sunlight, and survive by attacking the few remaining uninfected humans.

Three years later, in 2012, a U.S. Army virologist named LTC Robert Neville lives alone in deserted Manhattan, unsure if anyone else is still uninfected. He spends his days trying to find a cure by experimenting on infected rats, searching for supplies, and broadcasting messages to find other survivors. Flashbacks reveal his family died during the chaotic evacuation of Manhattan.

Neville's only companion is his dog, Sam. To cope with loneliness, he talks to mannequins and watches old film recordings. At night, he barricades himself with Sam to hide from the Darkseekers.

While hunting for food, Sam chases a deer into a building infested with Darkseekers. Neville and Sam escape, and he discovers a potential cure from his blood. He captures a female Darkseeker for testing. However, his attempt seems unsuccessful.

The next day, Neville realizes he's being watched by Darkseekers. He is ensnared in a trap, rendered unconscious, and attacked by infected dogs. Sam gets bitten, and Neville, heartbroken, injects her with his serum but is forced to strangle her as she turns.

Driven by rage, Neville attacks Darkseekers and is rescued by two immune humans, Anna and a boy named Ethan. They explain they survived on a Red Cross ship and are heading to a supposed survivors' camp in Vermont. Neville disagrees, thinking no camp exists. As Darkseekers invade Neville's home, the trio retreats to the basement, trying to find a cure for the female Darkseeker.

I Am Legend Cast

Actor

Character

Will Smith

Dr. Robert Neville

Alice Braga

Anna

Charlie Tahan

Ethan

Abbey and Kona

Samantha ("Sam")

Dash Mihok

Alpha Male

Emma Thompson

Dr. Alice Krippin

Salli Richardson

Zoe Neville

Willow Smith

Marley Neville

Joanna Numata

Alpha Female

Darrell Foster

Mike

Pat Fraley

Voice of President

Mike Patton

Voices of Darkseekers

I Am Legend Release Date

Originally scheduled for release on November 21, 2007, in the United States and Canada, "I Am Legend" faced a delay, ultimately premiering on December 14. The film's debut in the United Kingdom and Ireland was also rescheduled, moving up to December 26, 2007, from the initially planned date of January 4, 2008.

In December 2007, the release of all American films in China was temporarily suspended, impacting the schedule of "I Am Legend." This delay was attributed to China's restriction on the number of foreign films allowed in the country.

Will Smith, the film's star, engaged with the chairman of China Film Group in an effort to secure a new release date. Smith shared his challenges, stating, "We struggled very, very hard to try to get it to work out, but there were only a certain amount of foreign films that were allowed in."

The movie premiered at events in Tokyo, New York, and London. Notably, at the London premiere in Leicester Square, a British comedian and actor named Neg Dupree made headlines by being arrested.

He disrupted the event by pushing his way onto the red carpet and shouting "I am Negend!" This unconventional act was part of his "Neg's Urban Sports" segment featured in the comedy game show Balls of Steel.

Despite these hiccups, "I Am Legend" eventually made its way to audiences worldwide, becoming a significant release in late 2007. The film's gripping narrative and Will Smith's compelling performance contributed to its success at the box office and its lasting impact on viewers.

Where to Watch i am Legend?

You can now watch "I Am Legend," a science fiction movie featuring Will Smith, Alice Braga, and Dash Mihok, by streaming it on ROW8, Prime Video, Apple TV, or Vudu using your Roku device. Dive into the captivating storyline where Will Smith's character fights to survive in a world overtaken by mutants after a virus outbreak.

To catch the action and drama, simply go to ROW8, Prime Video, Apple TV, or Vudu on your Roku device. This allows you to enjoy the movie at your convenience, immersing yourself in the suspenseful plot and remarkable performances by the cast.

"I Am Legend" is a thrilling science fiction film that unfolds in a post-apocalyptic setting. Will Smith, as the main character, faces challenges as the last human survivor in a world plagued by mutants. The movie explores his quest for survival and the search for a cure to the virus that has devastated humanity.

Make your movie night special by streaming "I Am Legend" on your preferred platform through your Roku device. Join the adventure, witness the intense performances, and experience the suspense as the story unfolds.

Whether it's ROW8, Prime Video, Apple TV, or Vudu, you have the flexibility to choose where you want to enjoy this sci-fi classic. Don't miss out on the opportunity to engage with this captivating film from the comfort of your own home.

I Am Legend Trailer

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I Am Legend Alternate Ending Explained - FAQs

1. What makes the alternate ending of "I Am Legend" different from the original?  

The alternate ending reveals the infected creatures, Darkseekers, are intelligent beings with feelings, adding depth to the story.

2. Why did the filmmakers choose the alternate ending for "I Am Legend 2"?    

The alternate ending was preferred by audiences and aligns more closely with the original novel, providing a foundation for the sequel.

3. How does Will Smith's character, Robert Neville, change in the alternate ending?    

Realizing the intelligence and emotions of the Darkseekers, Neville questions his morality, leading to a transformative decision in the sequel.

4. Why wasn't the original ending, where Neville sacrifices himself, used in "I Am Legend 2"?    

Test audiences had mixed reactions to the original ending, and the alternate version received more favorable responses, influencing the sequel's direction.

5. Where can I stream "I Am Legend" to experience the alternate ending?    

You can watch "I Am Legend" on ROW8, Prime Video, Apple TV, or Vudu using your Roku device, immersing yourself in the compelling narrative and performances.