As of now, I Am Legend 2: Patient Zero (2024) is still in development and has not been released. Therefore, there aren’t any official reviews available. However, based on what is known about the film, we can anticipate the following:

Background and Plot Expectations

The sequel to I Am Legend (2007) will bring back Will Smith as Robert Neville, the protagonist who was the last human survivor in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by the infected. I Am Legend 2 is set to explore the origins of the virus that turned humanity into the “Darkseekers” and will likely focus on Neville’s journey to finding a cure, a storyline that was left open in the first film, especially given the ambiguous ending.

Patient Zero refers to the original individual who first contracted the virus that led to the global pandemic. This concept could serve as a critical narrative tool to better understand the origins of the virus and the early stages of the apocalypse. It could offer a deeper dive into how the virus spread, perhaps focusing on the first outbreak and the scientific responses to it, offering a fresh perspective while still retaining elements of the tension and isolation seen in the original.

Cast and Characters

While Will Smith is confirmed to reprise his role as Robert Neville, there have been discussions about a potential return for other characters or the introduction of new ones. The film may explore Neville’s struggle not only with survival but with the psychological toll of being one of the last humans left, a theme that was central to the first film. The inclusion of Patient Zero suggests that the plot will involve significant exploration of the virus’s spread, potentially introducing new characters who were affected at the onset of the crisis.

Direction and Vision

Directed by Akiva Goldsman, who also co-wrote the script for the original film, the sequel is poised to carry forward the emotional and survival-driven atmosphere of its predecessor. Goldsman’s involvement is promising, as he has experience in writing thoughtful, action-packed science fiction, though his past works (such as I Am Legend) have received mixed reviews in terms of execution.

With I Am Legend 2 dealing with the origins of the virus, the film could potentially shift from the immediate post-apocalyptic setting to the past, giving audiences a more expansive look at the world before and during the early stages of the outbreak. This could involve flashbacks, more detailed exploration of society’s collapse, and possibly focusing on scientists or military personnel trying to understand the virus before it completely overwhelms the planet.

Action and Visual Effects

Given the action-heavy nature of the original film, I Am Legend 2 is expected to feature high-intensity sequences that explore the evolving dynamics between survivors, infected mutants, and the environment. The film’s special effects are likely to be cutting-edge, particularly when it comes to portraying the infected “Darkseekers” and any potential new viral mutations or advancements in the infected behavior.

The visual effects team behind the movie will likely build on the impressive work from the first film, further immersing the audience in a world that feels both familiar and unnervingly different. The desolate, crumbling streets of New York, which became iconic in the first movie, may be revisited and expanded upon as the global narrative unfolds.

Themes and Tone

As a sequel to a post-apocalyptic thriller, the movie will likely explore themes of survival, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. The introduction of Patient Zero may also offer a new angle on the ethical dilemmas and moral questions that arise when a devastating global disaster occurs. What actions would humanity take in trying to save itself, and at what cost? The film’s tone will probably mix intense action sequences with more introspective moments, emphasizing the loneliness of surviving in such a world.

Audience Expectations

Fans of the original I Am Legend movie are undoubtedly excited to see how the narrative expands. There is particular interest in how the film will reconcile its post-apocalyptic setting with the more expansive, pre-apocalyptic world. The movie will likely balance action-packed scenes with emotionally-driven moments, reminiscent of the original, but fans also hope it will bring new and interesting developments to the storyline, keeping it fresh and engaging.

Challenges

A significant challenge will be matching the emotional depth and psychological complexity of the first movie. The ending of I Am Legend was ambiguous, leaving many questions unanswered, especially regarding Neville’s fate. How the sequel handles these unresolved plot points could influence its reception. Additionally, the portrayal of the virus’ origins and its impact on society needs to be both scientifically grounded and compelling enough to hook viewers who expect a deeper narrative than a simple prequel.

Conclusion

While I Am Legend 2: Patient Zero has yet to be released and no full reviews are available, it is clear that this sequel has a lot of potential. With a mix of emotional depth, high stakes action, and exploration of the virus’s origins, the movie could offer an exciting expansion of the universe established in the first film. If it balances the intricate character moments with gripping action, it could live up to the legacy of its predecessor, offering both a satisfying continuation and a fresh perspective on the world of I Am Legend.