I Am Legend (film)

I Am Legend is a 2007 American post-apocalyptic action horror film directed by Francis Lawrence and starring Will Smith as virologist Robert Neville.

I Am Legend is a 2007 American post-apocalyptic action horror film directed by Francis Lawrence. The film stars Will Smith as virologist Robert Neville, who appears to be the last human in New York City after a virus wipes out most of humanity. It is loosely based on Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel of the same name.

Premise

The film is set in a depopulated New York City after a man-made virus devastates humanity. Robert Neville, a virologist immune to the pathogen, searches for a cure while surviving among nocturnal mutants.

Cast

Will Smith plays the lead role of Robert Neville. Other listed cast members include Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, and Dash Mihok.

Production

Francis Lawrence directed the film from a screenplay by Akiva Goldsman and Mark Protosevich. The movie was produced as a big-budget studio adaptation of Richard Matheson’s novel.

Release

I Am Legend was released in 2007. Source listings place its U.S. theatrical release in mid-December 2007. The film was distributed internationally, including in Canada, as part of its worldwide theatrical release.

Reception and legacy

The film was reviewed as a major studio science-fiction thriller and became a widely known adaptation of Matheson’s novel. It has remained notable for its solitary performance-driven premise and post-apocalyptic Manhattan setting.