Will Smith gives long-awaited update on 'I Am Legend' sequel with Michael B. Jordan

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By Nasima Khatun

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Fans have been left bubbling with excitement after Will Smith recently gave an update on the highly-anticipated I Am Legend sequel.

On Saturday night, the 55-year-old star opened up about some pretty specific details about the potential of an upcoming sequel during a conference at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Smith also delighted fans by confirming that Michael B. Jordan is still rumored to be taking on the lead role in the movie.

"I have a call with Michael B. Jordan tomorrow," the star said. "We’re really close, script just came in."

"I can’t tell you anything more, but Michael B. Jordan is in," he added.

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Will Smith on stage during the Red Sea International Film Festival. Credit: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty

Smith also shared some potential plot points of the movie - revealing that the sequel may take over from the 2007 movie's alternate ending.

"You have to be a real I Am Legend buff to know this, but in the first, theatrical version, my character dies, but on the DVD there was an alternate version of the ending where my character lived," he said. "We are going with the mythology of the DVD version."

Elsewhere during the conversation, the actor discussed how his first love - which was rap and music - turned into a love for acting.

"Movies are about people trying to figure out how to be here without being miserable – how to be okay with life, how to not just survive but how to thrive into this potential existential tragedy that we have all been dropped into," he said, before adding: "How do we find love and joy in all that."

When asked to name his key mentors, he said that a pivotal moment was working with Tommy Lee Jones and Gene Hackman.

“That was the first realization that I could use everything I need around a single project," he told the audience filled with long-time acting fans.

"Those two actors made me realize that I was totally outmatched, and they inspired me to elevate my craft as an actor," Smith said.

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Will Smith said that he will join Michael B. Jordan for a sequel of 'I Am Legend'. Credit: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty

After starring in some major blockbusters throughout his career, it seems as though the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star has now shifted his attention to raising the next generation of filmmakers in the industry.

"The thing I am really excited about now is the transfer of knowledge. I really want to teach filmmaking," he said.

Smith then went on to explain why Saudi Arabia was becoming a hub for exciting projects as well as upcoming stars.

"What is exciting about Saudi Arabia is that it is a brand-new film community. There is a style of global storytelling that has travelled the world," he said at the event. "I understand about taking local stories and making them global. I have a deep faith in the power of sharing our stories together to help heal wounds.

"The next stage of my life will be about working in global collaboration about sharing our stories in a way that creates bridges," Smith added before concluding that he doesn't "feel that politics will create the necessary change."

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Will Smith takes a selfie with fans. Credit: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty

While there were no other details related to the I Am Legend movie, fans took to social media to express their excitement at the possibility of there even being a sequel.

"Big news! Will Smith just confirmed a sequel to 'I Am Legend' and he's teaming up with Michael B. Jordan for it. Can't wait for the sci-fi magic they'll bring to the screen!" wrote one user while another added: "I’m here for it! I enjoyed the first one."

A third also chimed in saying: "This is the news that I’ve been waiting for since the first I am legend was released."

Let's hope Smith reveals some more details soon!

Featured Image Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty