The blockbuster hit “I Am Legend” starring Will Smith is widely regarded as one of his most memorable performances, but did you know that it could have been vastly different and potentially directed by the action-oriented Michael Bay? Bay, who is known for helming high-adrenaline movies such as “The Rock,” “Armageddon,” and “Transformers” films, could have brought his distinct fast-paced and bombastic style to “I Am Legend.”
Originally, Variety reported that film icon Arnold Schwarzenegger was set to lead in a Ridley Scott-directed adaptation of “I Am Legend,” but the project’s budget soared to an estimated $125 million in 1997, leading it to stall. Despite the initial cost concerns, execs were intrigued by the prospect of seeing Will Smith team up with Michael Bay post “Bad Boys” success, hoping to replicate their box office magic. At the time, Schwarzenegger was looking to rebound from a series of underperforming films and saw “I Am Legend” as a potential comeback vehicle alongside “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.”
However, plans changed when Schwarzenegger chose not to proceed with “I Am Legend,” leading to Bay’s exit as well. The film ultimately landed in the hands of screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, who revised the script, and Francis Lawrence took the director’s chair, leading to the critically acclaimed version audiences know today.
FAQs about “I Am Legend” and Its Almost Directors
Who was originally supposed to direct “I Am Legend”?
Ridley Scott was the initial director attached to the project, with Arnold Schwarzenegger to star.
How much would Ridley Scott’s version of “I Am Legend” have cost?
The budget for Ridley Scott’s adaptation was reported to be around $125 million in 1997.
Why did Will Smith and Michael Bay not work on “I Am Legend” together?
The project saw a change in direction when Schwarzenegger passed on the role, and subsequently, Bay was dropped. Akiva Goldsman then re-wrote the script, and Francis Lawrence was brought in to direct.
Did Michael Bay and Will Smith eventually work together again after “Bad Boys”?
Yes, despite not collaborating on “I Am Legend,” Michael Bay and Will Smith reteamed for “Bad Boys II,” which was released in 2003.
Conclusion
The film industry is replete with stories of ‘what-could-have-been,’ and the saga of “I Am Legend” is a quintessential example. Had Michael Bay taken the directorial reins with Arnold Schwarzenegger as the lead, the adaptation of this classic story could have been a film with a completely different tone and style. Instead, audiences received a more contemplative and emotional survival story with Will Smith at its center directed by Francis Lawrence. Bay and Smith did show that their cinematic partnership was strong with their subsequent reunion, but for fans and cinephiles, the idea of a Bay-directed “I Am Legend” remains an intriguing piece of Hollywood lore.