Schwarzenegger to produce 'I am Legend'. - Science Fiction Fantasy Chronicles: forums

Dave · 20th March 2002, 12:09 PM

Arnold Schwarzenegger won't star in the proposed post-apocalyptic SF movie 'I Am Legend', but will act as producer, Variety reported. Instead, Warner Brothers is now talking with Will Smith to star and Michael Bay to direct, the trade paper reported. The movie, based on Richard Matheson's classic SF novel, is reportedly on a fast track.

Earlier reports had Ridley Scott directing Legend. Rumours are that he is now involved in 'Alien 5'. Mark Protosevich (The Cell) wrote the script. The Matheson book pits the last man on Earth against nocturnal mutants in post-plague Los Angeles. The book was previously adapted for the big screen as 'The Last Man on Earth' and 'The Omega Man' (Charlton Heston).

Schwarzenegger is currently signed to act in 'T3: The Rise of The Machines', 'King Conan', 'Collateral Damage', and 'True Lies 2'.

Tabitha · 23rd June 2002, 01:18 AM

Any further updates on this one? I would like to see The Omega Man, but I can't seem to find it anywhere - is it any good?

Dave · 23rd June 2002, 05:06 PM

Yes, 'The Omega Man' is one of those essential scifi films you were asking about. It is one of Charlton Hestons best parts, and the post-apocalytic horror scenes, especially the opening scenes in a deserted Los Angeles are very good, and frequently copied by later films.

I also like Anthony Zerbe as Matthias.

Go here: http://uk.imdb.com/Title?0067525

I'm surprised that you find it hard to watch, the BBC frequently show it, usually late in the night, and that IMDB page review also says it is "on local-TV late movie shows."

I can't find anything more about this Schwarznegger remake.

Tabitha · 5th July 2002, 02:38 AM

Just found some info on this - although it isn't very positive I am afraid...

Michael Bay, the most recent director to be attached to this project (following Ridley Scott and Rob Bowman) is due to begin shooting Bad Boys 2 next week (July 15, 2002). His IMDB entry makes no mention of the "I Am Legend" project. So he has either parted ways with the production or it is seriously on the back burner.

I found a discussion with Rob Bowman, director of Reign of Fire, and The X-Files Movie, about his involvement with the project. From what I can tell the interview was from way back in 1999, or possibly 2000, so Bowman is no longer involved, but his description of the script, and the differences between the new adaptation and previous ones, are interesting. I was unaware that 'vampires' had anything at all to do with it!

Anyway, here's the link: http://www.vampiresandslayers.com/i_am_legend.htm

I will keep a look out for newer info too

Dave · 5th July 2002, 10:54 AM

I haven't read the Richard Matheson book, but I think that the mutants are Vampires -- they come out at night and drink blood -- in the two films that part is played down.

20th March 2002, 12:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dave Wherever I Am, I'm There Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Greater London Posts: 11,602	Schwarzenegger to produce 'I am Legend'. Arnold Schwarzenegger won't star in the proposed post-apocalyptic SF movie 'I Am Legend', but will act as producer, Variety reported. Instead, Warner Brothers is now talking with Will Smith to star and Michael Bay to direct, the trade paper reported. The movie, based on Richard Matheson's classic SF novel, is reportedly on a fast track. Earlier reports had Ridley Scott directing Legend. Rumours are that he is now involved in 'Alien 5'. Mark Protosevich (The Cell) wrote the script. The Matheson book pits the last man on Earth against nocturnal mutants in post-plague Los Angeles. The book was previously adapted for the big screen as 'The Last Man on Earth' and 'The Omega Man' (Charlton Heston). Schwarzenegger is currently signed to act in 'T3: The Rise of The Machines', 'King Conan', 'Collateral Damage', and 'True Lies 2'.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

23rd June 2002, 01:18 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tabitha Save Angel! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 3,638	Any further updates on this one? I would like to see The Omega Man, but I can't seem to find it anywhere - is it any good?

23rd June 2002, 05:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
Dave Wherever I Am, I'm There Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Greater London Posts: 11,602	Yes, 'The Omega Man' is one of those essential scifi films you were asking about. It is one of Charlton Hestons best parts, and the post-apocalytic horror scenes, especially the opening scenes in a deserted Los Angeles are very good, and frequently copied by later films. I also like Anthony Zerbe as Matthias. Go here: http://uk.imdb.com/Title?0067525 I'm surprised that you find it hard to watch, the BBC frequently show it, usually late in the night, and that IMDB page review also says it is "on local-TV late movie shows." I can't find anything more about this Schwarznegger remake.

5th July 2002, 02:38 AM	#4 (permalink)
Tabitha Save Angel! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 3,638	Just found some info on this - although it isn't very positive I am afraid... Michael Bay, the most recent director to be attached to this project (following Ridley Scott and Rob Bowman) is due to begin shooting Bad Boys 2 next week (July 15, 2002). His IMDB entry makes no mention of the "I Am Legend" project. So he has either parted ways with the production or it is seriously on the back burner. I found a discussion with Rob Bowman, director of Reign of Fire, and The X-Files Movie, about his involvement with the project. From what I can tell the interview was from way back in 1999, or possibly 2000, so Bowman is no longer involved, but his description of the script, and the differences between the new adaptation and previous ones, are interesting. I was unaware that 'vampires' had anything at all to do with it! Anyway, here's the link: http://www.vampiresandslayers.com/i_am_legend.htm I will keep a look out for newer info too

5th July 2002, 10:54 AM	#5 (permalink)
Dave Wherever I Am, I'm There Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Greater London Posts: 11,602	I haven't read the Richard Matheson book, but I think that the mutants are Vampires -- they come out at night and drink blood -- in the two films that part is played down.