AceShowbiz - Will Smith has returned to major projects, starring in the Oscar contender Emancipation and the successful $400 million-grossing Bad Boys: Ride or Die. Now, attention has turned back to one of his most iconic films, which has recently experienced a resurgence in streaming popularity nearly two decades after its original release.

The film in question is I Am Legend, a 2007 sci-fi thriller directed by Francis Lawrence. Based on a novel by acclaimed sci-fi writer Richard Matheson, I Am Legend grossed an impressive $585 million worldwide against a production budget of $150 million. The movie is set in a post-apocalyptic New York City and follows the story of the last human survivor, a character portrayed by Will Smith. The film is also notable for reportedly featuring a scene that cost $5 million alone, highlighting the scale and ambition of the production.

I Am Legend holds a 68% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising the film primarily for Smith’s captivating performance despite some questionable special effects. The critics’ consensus states, "I Am Legend overcomes questionable special effects and succeeds largely on the strength of Will Smith's mesmerizing performance."

Interestingly, the film contains a subtle Easter Egg that has attracted attention from fans in the streaming era. A billboard visible in a scene set in Times Square advertises a Batman versus Superman movie, a reference made nearly ten years before the actual release of Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The 2016 superhero film featured Ben Affleck as Batman and Henry Cavill as Superman and went on to gross over $800 million worldwide, making the Easter Egg a fascinating piece of cinema trivia for fans and critics alike.

According to FlixPatrol data, I Am Legend was one of the most-watched movies on the domestic iTunes charts recently, highlighting the enduring interest in the film well after its theatrical run. This resurgence comes as Will Smith prepares to reprise his role in a highly anticipated sequel. The upcoming project will be directed by Steven Caple Jr., known for his work on Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, and is expected to feature rising star Michael B. Jordan.