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'Constantine' director to make 'I Am Legend'
New kid on the block Lawrence wants to make an animated movie as well as a screen version of the Richard Matheson book.
Feb 22 2005
Following a strong $30 million opening for Keanu Reeves' latest flick 'Constantine' at the American box office, talk will inevitably turn to a sequel to the comic book adaptation.
Time Out recently caught up with director Francis Lawrence however, and he mentioned two other projects he's trying to get off the ground at the moment.
One is what Lawrence refers to as a 'dark, gothic fairytale' based on the first in Philip Ardagh's 'Eddie Dickens Trilogy'.
'Awful End' (or 'The House at Awful End' to American readers) is set in the 19th Century and tells the tale of young Eddie, who is sent to stay with his Mad Uncle Jack and Even-Madder Aunt Maud at Awful End when his parents fall ill. The director says he'd like to bring the book to the big screen in animated form if possible.
The second project is an adaptation of Richard Matheson's classic sci-fi novella 'I Am Legend'.
Originally published more than 50 years ago, 'I Am Legend' is the thrilling story of Richard Neville, the last surviving human on earth after a mysterious plague turns everyone else into bloodsucking vampires.
The brilliant book was loosely made as 'The Last Man on Earth' in 1964 and 'The Omega Man' in 1971, while versions starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Will Smith have both stalled in the last decade, though a truly faithful adaptation of Matheson's story has yet to be made.
But with Lawrence (whose stunning 'Constantine' visuals really make the movie) at the helm and a script that stays loyal to Matheson's original story, the results could be nothing short of spectacular.
User comments on this story
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- jeremy poop on head said...
- They also made i am legend into a graphic novel. It's not the same as reading the book, but definately gives you an alternate view. I'm skeptical about Will smiths acting. what about mickey rourke? Posted on Apr 12 2007 17:13
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- Lamar Hollingsworth said...
- If this movie had been made years ago Paul Newman would have been good because judging from the first edition of the book's photo of Matheson they both look alike. Will Smith? Hmmm...I would just like to see a faithful production without all the atomic bomb crap that was in The Omega Man. Posted on Dec 08 2006 20:28
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- Gartmanxx said...
- I found what appeared to be the screenplay on the web. Just read it, had the usual hollywood ending, unsure if it will cut it...we will see I guess.... Posted on Nov 24 2006 23:18
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- huny said...
- when I read the book about 5, 6 years ago I pictured kiefer sutherland. now, after seeing him as jack bauer, I'm even more convinced he'd be perfect. I love will smith, but I dunno about him for this role. I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised. Posted on Aug 20 2006 20:36
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- Burning Stickman said...
- I agree that Bruce is one hell of an actor, but I also agree that this just wouldn't be the right part for him. My bet would be on Clive Owen. I believe that he would add the right amount of seriousness to the role without overpowering the character. Posted on Aug 18 2006 00:53
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- Laertes said...
- I have to agree, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Will Smith are poor choices for the role of Richard Neville. Bruce Willis would fit the bill, imo. Posted on Aug 16 2006 16:43
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- anzalone said...
- i really love "i am legend" and i think it would be an atrocity to see arnold or will smith portray Richard Nevelle... Though I really enjoy Bruce campbell i dont think he should do Nevelle either, as he is more of a comedic actor... I don't know who I would have play Nevelle, but definitly not Will Smith, Arnold, or Campbell. Posted on Jul 28 2006 21:32
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- Neil Freeman said...
- I've read the book, and when i think about this Movie and who should star Bruce Campell names is top of my list. A guy facing a world of evil by himself. Does anyone remember the Evil Dead? Who else can it be? Posted on Jun 30 2006 09:06
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- drkmind said...
- well will smith has battled several roles that noone thought he could handle and here he is mr i dont curse in my records making a zombie flick hmmmm i have faith in the fresh prince. lets go willie lets go Posted on Jun 09 2006 01:44
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- TD said...
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Ummm... Will Smith as the <i>intelligent, resourceful</i> Richard Neville? A character that teaches himself biology in his spare time between slaying vampires?
Ok, so he's playing against sterotype. But I just can't see it. Posted on Jun 03 2006 07:29 - Report as inappropriate
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- Italiano said...
- i think will smith can handle this movie. the only reason i-robot wasn't any good was because of bad scripting, not acting Posted on May 10 2006 23:14
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- Giancarlo said...
- I have no faith in Will Smith to do "I Am Legend" justice. Especially after " I Robot". Posted on Apr 28 2006 20:17
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