Will Smith confirms he’s filming sequel to 2007 sci-fi novel I am a legendand is writing the script with Michael B. Jordan; the American actor also spoke about the controversial slap he received at the 2022 Oscars.
“I’m on the phone with Michael B. Jordan tomorrow,” Smith said during a conversation at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. “The script just came in… I may have given away too much information…”
Smith said that while his character Robert Neville died at the end of the first film, the DVD extras include an alternate ending in which the character survives – and that the sequel will exist in that world.
“We’re going to take the DVD version of the mythology that my character lives in,” Smith said. “I can’t tell you more, but Michael B. Jordan is on board and we’re doing it.”
Directed by Francis Lawrence and released by Warner Bros. in late 2007, I am a legend Total global revenue was US$585 million, including US$256 million in North America.
The sequel was first announced in the spring of 2022, with Akiva Goldsman, the first film’s writer and producer, also set to return.
slap
This was Smith’s first public appearance since the infamous 2022 Oscars, when he slapped host Chris Rock at the ceremony, shortly after Smith won the Best Actor award for “Oscar.” KInge Richard.
“What I’ve experienced through the adversity of the past few years is I have to understand: I don’t need other people to applaud me in order to focus on my mission,” Smith said. “I’ve always wanted to bring beauty into the world, I’ve always wanted to make people smile, I’ve always been committed to the process of joy and inspiration. I want you to feel good, and I’m here because deep down in my heart, I want you to feel good.
“At the same time, I’m also a very human person,” the actor continued. “My virtue is not yet perfected. I am perfecting my virtue. The greatest thing that has happened is that I have been deeply humbled and deeply inspired to perfect my light. This is the purpose of this next phase of my life – To perfect my light as best I can and shine it to as many people as possible.”
Smith touched on the topic in response to a question about fame, which he called “a unique monster.”
“I have to be very careful; “You can’t get excited when everyone is saying nice things about you, because the more excited you are when people say nice things about you, the more you get excited when people say bad things about you. Much damage. “
Later in the speech, he said: “You’re going to make mistakes – I’ve made a lot of them myself.” One audience member shouted: “We love your mistakes!” and the actor laughed, to which he replied: ” We all make mistakes.”
He spoke of his energetic lifestyle, saying, “I like to figure things out; I like to solve problems.” Puzzles, problems. So I started creating my own problems. Life is great, I need some questions! “
Talking about the different types of films he has made in his nearly 40-year career, Smith said that whether they are large or small productions, they all return to love. “With blockbusters, the barrier that gets broken is your heart,” the actor said.
Smith also spoke passionately about Saudi Arabia, saying several times during his hour-long speech that he would love to make a movie there. When asked what his next plans were, before he could answer, an excited local audience member yelled: “A movie starring Denzel Washington!”
“Denzel’s movie!” Smith laughed. “Yes, Denzel Washington is watching a movie in Saudi Arabia.” The Vox Cinema venue in Jeddah was filled with people and cheers came and went. “What’s happening in Saudi Arabia is huge,” Smith said in response to a question about how the region’s creative talent is working with Hollywood. “Stay in Saudi and build your community here.”
The meeting was moderated by Lebanese moderator Raya Abirached.
Smith arrived in Jeddah a few days before the festival opens on Thursday, November 30. Throughout the week, fans posted photos of him around the city.
He attended the world premiere of the Saudi fantasy feature film and W.J.N.surrounded by fans outside and inside the venue at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
In Conversation continues on Sunday, December 3, with Egyptian actress Amina Khalil.
RSIFF runs until Saturday, December 9, concluding with Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli animation boy and heron.