Richard Mathison’s book I am Legend has been made into a movie twice before: 1964’s The Last Man on Earth (starring Vincent Price with Mathison himself writing the screenplay under another name) and 1971’s The Omega Man (with Chalton Heston).
Now it is making another run at the silver screen, this time under it’s own name with Will Smith starring.
The jist of it is a lone man tries to survive, by himself, against an army of vampires.
At one point, this project was slated to be made with Arnold Schwarzenegger, but things fell apart and they signed somebody with actual acting skills.
I am Legend is now slated for a December release…yes, I know the poster says November, but the poster is wrong.
I a huge fan of Matheson's novella. Since Will Smith is starring in this latest adaptation, I can't help but worry the ending will be changed.
Sorry, that should be "I am a huge fan…"
I must confess I have not read it. Even sadder is the fact that I am pretty sure I have a copy lurking in my library.
But I remember watching The Omega Man many times growing up.
If the ending is the same, then I do indeed share your concerns.
The Omega Man was one of the coolest movies I saw as a kid. Something about having a home fortified against all intruders intrigued me.
I'm sure it will be as faithful to the source material as "I ROBOT" was…