The sequel to Will Smith’s I Am Legend, which is scheduled to open in theaters later this year, is already making waves, though not quite in the way the director and producers had hoped. What kind of sequel are the film’s makers planning for fans of the first film? I find it funny that you ask. It will skip over the last fifteen minutes of the original 2007 zombie hit in favor of a totally other, unseen moment that very few people have ever seen, according to producer Akiva Goldsman’s first disclosures, as reported by Deadline. Think of the follow-up as less of a replication and more of an apology.
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One example of how narrative problems can seriously damage a movie franchise is the post-apocalyptic 2007 thriller “The Darkseekers.”Initially, the filmmakers had a more provocative and thought-provoking ending in mind, one that delved deeply into the philosophical implications of human nature and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a world ravaged by disaster. However, this planned conclusion was ultimately scrapped in favor of a more conventional and commercially appealing blockbuster finale.
This shift in direction not only diluted the film’s original thematic depth but also transformed it into a more formulaic narrative that prioritized box office potential over artistic exploration. The decision to forgo a challenging and uncomfortable third act in favor of a safer, more familiar resolution serves as a cautionary tale for filmmakers and studios alike. It underscores the critical importance of maintaining artistic vision and integrity, even when faced with the pressures of commercial viability and audience expectations.
Moreover, the reliance on focus testing—where audiences are surveyed to gauge their reactions to various aspects of a film—can sometimes lead to decisions that compromise the story’s original intent. While focus testing can provide valuable insights into audience preferences, it can also result in a homogenization of content, stripping away the unique qualities that make a film resonate on a deeper level.