Will Smith recently shared his admiration for his canine co-star, Abbey, from the 2007 film “I Am Legend.” During an episode of “Hot Ones” on June 6, the 55-year-old actor revealed his deep connection with the German Shepherd who played his character’s only living companion in the post-apocalyptic horror movie.
Smith, who portrayed Dr. Robert Neville, the last man standing in Manhattan after a virus wiped out humanity, spoke fondly of Abbey. He humorously mentioned that it felt like Abbey could understand English, joking that she could even find your cell phone if asked. “It was like Abbey spoke English,” Smith told host Sean Evans, adding, “Like, she literally could understand you, it was the weirdest thing.”
The actor’s affection for Abbey was so strong that he attempted to adopt her. However, he explained that Abbey was the “breadwinner of her family” and had to stay with her trainers. Despite not being able to bring her home, Smith’s admiration for Abbey’s skills and training was evident.
Smith recounted how Abbey performed her stunts with remarkable precision. He highlighted a scene where his character had to choke the injured dog, and Abbey’s ability to go limp on command was astonishing. “Abbey’s doing that,” Smith said, referring to the dog’s performance. He marveled at the training that allowed Abbey to convincingly play dead, saying, “It was like working with a brilliant actress.”
Fifteen years after “I Am Legend” first hit theaters and grossed over $585 million worldwide, a sequel was announced in 2022, with Michael B. Jordan joining the project. Both Smith and Jordan have provided updates on the film’s progress, expressing their excitement about working together.
Smith told Entertainment Tonight in May that the sequel is looking promising, with solid ideas in place. “I think it’s looking good,” he said. “I think we’re going to make it on screen together. That dude is the truth, so I would love to do that.”
Jordan echoed Smith’s enthusiasm, telling PEOPLE in June that the team is still working on the script to ensure it meets their standards. “It doesn’t have a release date or anything like that. I’m not sure exactly where we’re going to be filming that one, but I’m really excited to get in front of the camera with [Smith],” Jordan said.
The “Black Panther” star expressed his admiration for Smith, saying he has looked up to him for a long time and is eager to collaborate. “Being somebody that I’ve looked up to for a really long time, to be able to work with Will is something I’m really looking forward to. I’m really excited,” Jordan added.
Smith and Jordan have spent time together working on the project, and Smith is optimistic about the outcome. “I think it’s looking good,” he teased, “[we have some] really solid ideas… I think we’re going to make it on screen together. That dude is the truth, so I would love to do that.”
Adapted from Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel, “I Am Legend” was directed by Francis Lawrence and became a box office hit. The story follows Dr. Robert Neville, a virologist who is seemingly the last man in New York City, battling vampiric mutants while searching for a cure.
The sequel will diverge from the original film’s explosive ending, where Neville sacrifices himself. Instead, it will follow the alternate ending from the DVD release, where Neville survives. “So we are going with the mythology of the DVD version where my character lived,” Smith confirmed.
While “I Am Legend 2” does not yet have a release date, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Smith and the introduction of Jordan to the franchise. The collaboration between these two talented actors promises to bring a new dimension to the beloved story.
