AceShowbiz -

So it now makes two to make "I Am Legend" as Johnny Depp has given positive sign to star alongside Will Smith in bringing up the project to the big screen, BlackFilm.com has reported. The talented actor probably will be given the role of Ben Cortman, the neighbor of the film's protagonist, Robert Neville played by Smith.

Directed by "Constantine" helmer Francis Lawrence, the picture is based on Richard Matheson's book which describes Neville as the last living man on Earth surrounded by throng of vampires who are all hungry for his blood. The story follows Neville as he stalks the sleeping undead in the daylight while trying to save himself from being the vampires' victim at night.

Depp was last seen playing eccentric Willy Wonka in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" which became one of the highest-grossing movies last year. He next is set to hit the screen in July through "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" in which he reprises his role as Jack Sparrow.