Will Smith returns to a major franchise for the first time since 2003, starring in the long-awaited sequel to *I Am Legend*.
- May 3, 2026
AceShowbiz - Will Smith has been a familiar face in major film franchises, but his upcoming sequel to I Am Legend marks a significant milestone in his career. While Smith has had numerous blockbuster roles, this new installment will be his first time starring in a direct franchise sequel since 2003’s Bad Boys II.
Early in his career, Will Smith transitioned from a successful hip hop artist and TV star on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to a respected dramatic actor, gaining critical acclaim with his role in 1993’s Six Degrees of Separation. This set the stage for his emergence as a Hollywood A-lister with major franchise films throughout the 1990s.
During that decade, Smith became synonymous with several blockbuster franchises, notably Bad Boys and Men in Black. Alongside these, he also delivered memorable performances in stand-alone hits like Ali, I, Robot, Hitch, and I Am Legend. The latter is the property now receiving a long-awaited sequel, I Am Legend 2.
Interestingly, despite appearing in sequels such as 2012’s Men in Black 3 and 2024’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die, I Am Legend 2 represents Smith’s first direct follow-up to a franchise-launching movie since Bad Boys II, released 23 years ago. To clarify, while he has reprised roles in sequels, none have been “second movies” directly following the original release since that 2003 film.
Before Bad Boys II, Smith returned for 2002’s Men in Black II, which expanded the popular sci-fi comedy series. Though Smith has sporadically appeared in sequels, he has generally avoided continuing characters outside of a few select franchises.
This avoidance of sequels is notable. Smith chose not to return for 2016’s Independence Day: Resurgence, was recast for the 2021 reboot The Suicide Squad, and did not appear in 2019’s Men in Black: International, which replaced his Agent J character. Therefore, his decision to return for I Am Legend 2 is significant and somewhat unexpected, as most of his recent blockbusters have been original stories or continuations of existing franchises that he had already committed to.
The nature of Smith’s return in I Am Legend 2 is complicated and unique. The original 2007 film, directed by Francis Lawrence, ended with Smith’s character, Dr. Robert Neville, sacrificing himself to destroy a nest of Darkseekers, monstrous creatures central to the story’s post-apocalyptic horror theme. However, the sequel will retcon that ending, opting instead to use an alternative conclusion that remained closer to the source novel.
This alternate ending reveals a more complex narrative where Neville discovers that the creatures he has been hunting are sentient beings capable of thought and feeling. They view him as the true monster, turning the story into a moral exploration rather than straightforward survival horror. This shift means that I Am Legend 2 will not only continue the story but also reframe the original film’s conclusion that most audiences are familiar with.
This thoughtful change in storyline adds an intriguing layer to the sequel, distinguishing it from typical follow-ups that merely capitalize on a successful first film. It also highlights the filmmakers’ intention to deepen the original material’s themes and provide a fresh perspective on the narrative.
In summary, I Am Legend 2 is a landmark project for Will Smith, breaking a 23-year streak without starring in a new franchise sequel that directly follows an original movie. His selective approach to sequels over the years emphasizes his preference for original projects or carefully chosen roles within franchises. The retconning of the original film’s ending further sets this sequel apart as a unique continuation rather than a straightforward cash-in.
Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this sequel handles the complex themes introduced by the alternate ending and whether Smith’s return breathes new life into the franchise after nearly two decades.
