I Am Legend 2 writer shares update on highly anticipated sequel – and promises no dogs will be killed

It's been four years since it was announced that iconic sci-fi movie I Am Legend would be getting a sequel, but it seems the project has run into some issues.

The original hit movie, released in 2007, starred Will Smith as US Army virologist Robert Neville, the last human in New York City amid an apocalypse that has wiped out mankind.

Speaking exclusively to Radio Times about the status of the long-awaited sequel, writer Akiva Goldsman admitted there have been some hitches.

He said: "I have run up against a series of obstacles that I refuse to allow to defeat me. That is the truth of that one. We're pressing on. We're trying. We're doing everything we can to get it made."

There's good news too, however, as Goldsman also made us one very crucial promise after (spoiler alert!) the brutal and controversial death of Sam, the beloved German Shepherd in the first movie. This time, he can say for certain that no canines will be killed.

"I fear that I would not survive the backlash should we kill another dog," the writer admitted.

He added: "I'd like to point out that between the opening shot and the next shot, we killed almost everybody on the planet. That was OK. You kill one dog – I've never had more walkouts during test screenings."

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the film had found its director in Creed II and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts filmmaker Steven Caple Jr.

Smith is thought to be returning to the film, alongside Michael B Jordan, with the pair also co-producing.

The sequel is reportedly set to ignore the ending of the first film, in which Smith’s character Dr Robert Neville sacrificed himself, and instead treat the alternative ending to the first movie as canon.

The alternative ending was filmed and released on DVD, and showed Smith's character surviving after managing to fend off a final attack from the infected.

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Authors

Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.