I Am Legend Ending Explained, Plot, Cast and More
by Kavya
Updated Aug 09, 2023
I Am Legend 2007
In 2007, the American film "I Am Legend" brought to life a gripping post-apocalyptic narrative. Directed by Francis Lawrence and featuring Will Smith in the lead role, the movie is an adaptation of Richard Matheson's 1954 novel of the same name.
Set in a desolate New York City, the story unfolds after a virus initially intended to cure cancer devastates humanity, leaving US Army virologist Robert Neville (Will Smith) as one of the few survivors. Neville, immune to the virus, dedicates himself to finding a cure while battling nocturnal mutants.
The film's development journey began in 1994, with Warner Bros. exploring the idea. After overcoming various challenges, including budget concerns, production commenced in 2006. The movie was primarily shot on location in New York City, with significant scenes, such as the one at the Brooklyn Bridge, contributing to the film's $585 million worldwide box office success.
"I Am Legend" was released on December 14, 2007, and quickly became a commercial hit, opening with record-breaking box office earnings for a non-Christmas film in December. While praised for Will Smith's performance and its portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world.
The positive reception and financial success of the film led to the announcement of a sequel in 2022, with Will Smith returning to his iconic role and co-producing alongside Michael B. Jordan.
I Am Legend Ending Explained
The ending of "I Am Legend" in its theatrical cut presents a climactic and poignant sequence that showcases the protagonist Neville's determination to find a cure for the mutant creatures that have overrun the world, turning them into zombie-like beings. Neville, portrayed by Will Smith, is portrayed as a brilliant scientist who has been working tirelessly to reverse the effects of the virus that caused the global catastrophe.
In this version, Neville's isolation in his laboratory serves as a symbolic representation of his commitment to solving the crisis. As he edges closer to a breakthrough, his actions become increasingly desperate, reflecting his determination to make amends for the catastrophic consequences of his previous attempts to control the virus. His devotion to his research is driven not only by a scientific quest but also by a sense of responsibility to humanity's survival.
The climax of the theatrical ending occurs when Neville discovers a potential cure for the mutants' condition. His excitement is short-lived, however, as the creatures launch a final assault on his fortified home. In a heroic act of self-sacrifice, Neville fights off the attacking mutants, allowing Anna and Ethan, two fellow survivors, to escape with the cure. This act underscores Neville's transformation from a lone survivor focused solely on his own survival to a selfless protector of humanity's future.
Although this ending maintains the theme of Neville's self-sacrifice, it diverges from the novel's original intent. In Richard Matheson's source material, Neville's realization that he has unwittingly become the villain of the mutants, rather than their savior, serves as a pivotal moment.
The alternate ending, which is closer in spirit to the book, features Neville coming to terms with the mutants' intelligence and his own morally questionable actions. He abandons his research, takes the cure himself, and sets out with Anna and Ethan, acknowledging his imperfections and seeking redemption.
Interestingly, an earlier version of the film's ending preserved this introspective twist, but test audiences reacted negatively to it. This negative reception led to the decision to opt for the more heroic and action-driven ending seen in theaters. The alteration highlights the influence that test audiences can have on a film's final direction, often favoring more conventional resolutions over those that challenge the characters' moral complexities.
In essence, the ending of "I Am Legend" captures Neville's evolution from a driven scientist to a selfless protector, while also reflecting the challenges filmmakers face in balancing artistic integrity with audience preferences. The different endings illustrate the delicate balance between staying true to the source material and catering to mainstream cinematic expectations.
Why Does I Am Legend Have Two Endings?
"I Am Legend" features two different endings due to audience reactions and the filmmakers' creative choices. The alternate ending, which aligns more closely with the themes of the original novella, was the original version of the film but was replaced with the theatrical ending after test screenings garnered negative feedback.
The alternate ending, preferred by director Francis Lawrence, portrays protagonist Robert Neville's realization that the mutant creatures, Darkseekers, are sentient beings with emotions and a social structure. This ending delves into the moral complexity of Neville's actions and decisions, emphasizing his unethical treatment of the Darkseekers. It blurs the lines between heroism and villainy, leaving Neville in introspection and regret.
In contrast, the theatrical ending emphasizes Neville's heroic sacrifice to protect Anna and Ethan, as well as his dedication to finding a cure for the virus. This ending focuses on a conventional Hollywood climax, portraying Neville as a clear-cut hero.
The decision to include two endings reflects the filmmakers' exploration of different thematic interpretations, with the alternate ending offering a more thought-provoking and morally complex conclusion. The choice between the two endings highlights the impact of test audience reactions and how they can shape a film's direction and tone.
Who is Fred in I Am Legend?
In "I Am Legend," the character "Fred" refers to a mannequin that Dr. Robert Neville, played by Will Smith, interacts with as part of his daily routine. Fred is not a real person but rather a mannequin that Neville has named and placed outside on the street as a way to simulate human presence and maintain a sense of normalcy in his life. The use of mannequins is a coping mechanism for Neville, who is the apparent last human survivor in a post-apocalyptic New York City.
Neville's interactions with Fred serve as a reflection of his loneliness and longing for human companionship. He engages in conversations with Fred and even apologizes to it at one point, showcasing the psychological toll of isolation on his mental state. The presence of the mannequin "Fred" provides a glimpse into Neville's daily struggle to combat the solitude and despair that has consumed his life.
The specific scene you mentioned, where the mannequin appears to move its head, is a clever filmmaking technique. During that scene, a mime was used to replace the mannequin as a way to create an eerie and unsettling effect for the audience. This intentional manipulation of the mannequin's appearance adds to the film's atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, emphasizing Neville's fragile state of mind and the blurred line between reality and his perceptions.
In summary, "Fred" in "I Am Legend" is a mannequin that Dr. Robert Neville interacts with as a way to combat his loneliness and maintain a semblance of normalcy. The use of the mannequin is a symbolic representation of Neville's struggle with isolation and his desperate need for human connection in a world that has been devastated by a deadly virus.
I Am Legend Plot
The plot of "I Am Legend" follows the story of Dr. Robert Neville, a U.S. Army virologist who lives in a post-apocalyptic New York City after a virus, originally designed to cure cancer, has turned most of the world's population into mutant creatures known as Darkseekers. These Darkseekers are vulnerable to sunlight and prey on the few remaining uninfected humans.
Three years after the virus outbreak, Neville lives a solitary existence, conducting experiments on infected rats in search of a cure for the virus. He also searches for supplies and survivors through his daily radio broadcasts. Neville's only companions are his loyal dog Samantha and the mannequins he talks to as a way to cope with his loneliness. He barricades himself and Sam in his fortified home at night to protect themselves from the Darkseekers.
While hunting for food, Neville and Sam encounter a group of Darkseekers in an abandoned building. They narrowly escape, and Neville discovers a potential treatment derived from his own blood. He captures a female Darkseeker and brings her back to his laboratory for experimentation. Despite his efforts, the treatment initially appears unsuccessful.
Neville's routine is disrupted when he is ambushed by Darkseekers who have been observing him. He is captured and rendered unconscious. When he wakes up, he fights off infected dogs and loses his beloved dog Sam in the process. Grief-stricken, Neville becomes more reckless and confrontational towards the Darkseekers.
During another encounter with Darkseekers, Neville is saved by Anna and a young boy named Ethan, who are immune to the virus. They explain that they are survivors from a Red Cross evacuation ship and are heading to a rumored survivors' camp in Vermont. Skeptical of their claims, Neville continues his research to find a cure, focusing on the captured female Darkseeker.
As the Darkseekers become more aggressive and track down Neville, Anna, and Ethan, they take refuge in Neville's basement laboratory. With the Darkseekers closing in, Neville realizes that by using ice to lower the female Darkseeker's body temperature, he can enhance the effectiveness of his treatment. In a tense showdown, Neville and Anna defend themselves and the female Darkseeker from the attacking mutants.
Ultimately, Neville sacrifices himself to buy time for Anna and Ethan to escape with the female Darkseeker and the potential cure. As they leave, Neville detonates a grenade, killing himself and many of the pursuing Darkseekers.
The film ends with Anna and Ethan reaching the survivors' camp in Vermont, where they use Neville's research to develop a potential cure for the virus. Neville's legacy lives on as his sacrifice helps humanity take a step towards rebuilding and finding a way to reverse the devastating effects of the virus.
"I Am Legend" explores themes of isolation, survival, and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the face of an existential threat. The plot follows Neville's journey as he grapples with his own loneliness and the moral complexities of his scientific pursuits, ultimately culminating in a selfless act that carries the hope of a brighter future for humanity.
I Am Legend Cast
Will Smith
Dr. Robert Neville
Alice Braga
Anna
Charlie Tahan
Ethan
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
Cast
Character
I Am Legend Where to Watch
You can watch "I Am Legend" by renting or purchasing it on popular streaming platforms such as Vudu, Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, and Google Play. Simply visit the respective website or app, search for the movie, and choose whether to rent it for a temporary viewing or purchase it for permanent access. These platforms offer a convenient and flexible way to enjoy the post-apocalyptic thriller starring Will Smith as Dr. Robert Neville.
I Am Legend Ending Explained- FAQ
The ending of "I Am Legend" sees Dr. Robert Neville sacrificing himself to save survivors Anna and Ethan, allowing them to escape with his cure. The alternate ending, closer to the novel's spirit, reveals the Darkseekers' sentience, leading to Neville's realization of his unethical actions. Both endings diverge in their portrayal of Neville's character and the fate of humanity.
"I Am Legend" has two endings due to negative audience reactions to the original, more ambiguous ending during test screenings. The theatrical ending was altered to present Neville as a heroic figure, while the alternate ending explored the complex themes of discrimination and morality, aligning closer with the novella's intent.
In "I Am Legend," Fred is a mannequin that Dr. Neville interacts with in a scene. A mime replaced the mannequin during filming, creating a subtle, unsettling effect when it appeared to move. This moment highlights Neville's loneliness and deteriorating mental state.
The scene where Dr. Neville encounters the mannequin Fred outside is a deliberate attempt to play with the audience's perception. A mime replaced the mannequin, creating the illusion of movement. This eerie moment adds to the film's atmosphere and Neville's isolation.
You can watch "I Am Legend" by renting or purchasing it on various streaming platforms, including Vudu, Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, and Google Play. Simply search for the movie on your preferred platform and choose whether to rent or buy for your viewing pleasure.