The long-delayed I Am Legend sequel is finally taking shape, 20 years after the release of the original. The critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic zombie thriller from Will Smith is having the second part directed by Steven Caple Jr.

The director confirmed the news in a recent interview with Collider ahead of his upcoming Netflix film Man on Fire's release. Caple began his directing stint with the 2016 crime drama The Land and then went on to helm Creed II (2018), taking over the baton from filmmaker Ryan Coogler. He then made Transformers: Rise of the Beasts in 2023.

Loosely based on the 1954 novel of the same name by Richard Matheson, the film is set in New York City after a virus, which was originally created to cure cancer, wiped out most of mankind, leaving Neville (Smith), a virologist, as the last human in New York City, other than nocturnal mutants. He searches for other surviving humans in the morning while being locked his home through the night. He is immune to the virus, so he experiments to bring a cure to the world. However, Neville died towards the end of the film, leaving audiences to wonder how he would return for the sequel.

An alternate ending where he lives, was revealed in the DVD version. Also, in the film's original rejected ending sees Smith realising that the zombies are not mindless monsters, but consider him to be a monster.

Akiva Goldsman, who adapted the Richard Matheson novel for the original film, will be returning to adapt the sequel. Will Smith will be ressurrected as Goldsman is taking the sequel forward with the original ending that aligns with Matheson's novel. The sequel is also set to star Michael B Jordan, but a confirmation is awaited.

I am Legend is the third feature-film adaptation of Matheson's novel following 1964's The Last Man on Earth and 1971's The Omega Man.

Further details including the sequel's plot, extended cast and a release date are yet to be announced.