Fans can now discover the film for free(Image: Warner Bros)
Fans often debate changes the film makes from the classic novel.
An ‘unbeatable’ sci-fi adaptation some say is better than the book is based on is now streaming for free. While I Am Legend is already available on a number of streaming platforms, including Netflix and HBO Max, it has just been added to BBC iPlayer.
It means that fans can now rediscover the movie for free. It originally released in cinemas back in 2007 and was a huge hit at the box office earning around $585 million worldwide.
I Am Legend is inspired by the classic novel of the same name written by acclaimed author Richard Matheson. It is the third attempt at turning it into a film after 1964’s The Last Man on Earth and 1971’s The Omega Man.
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Since the most recent adaptation’s release, it has been a hot topic debated among fans about the changes made from the original and whether one is superior to the other.
It is based on a classic novel(Image: Warner Bros)
Not only that but there was an alternate ending that was released as a bonus on the DVD copies of the film. Those discovering it for the first time on iPlayer or Netflix will have to settle for the original theatrical version.
According to its synopsis, the story follows Robert Neville, a scientist and survivor of a man-made plague that transforms humans into mutants. He wanders alone through New York City, calling out for other possible survivors and works on finding a cure for the plague using his own immune blood.
Neville knows he is badly outnumbered, and the odds are against him. The infected wait for him to make a mistake that will deliver Neville into their hands.
A sequel has long been rumoured to be in the works. Most recently in 2023, when it was claimed that a follow up would see Will Smith reprise his role and the plot would follow on from the alternate ending.
Fans debate whether it is better than the book(Image: ITV)
The film is still highly regarded among many fans and even considered as one of Will Smith’s best leading performances. As one person posted: “Will Smith leaves you STUNNED with an astonishing performance. Though not nominated for an Oscar, Smith delivers a career-best performance.”
Another agreed: “Intensely suspenseful. Well written and superbly acted. There are remarkably few films in which (mostly) one character can successfully carry the film. This is one of them.”
While someone else claimed: “A wonderful film. I can’t even imagine another actor for the main role, Will Smith is unbeatable. By the way, I also read the book, the film resembles only the setting, but the story in the film is strangely done better. “
I Am Legend is streaming on BBC iPlayer, Netflix, HBO Max and NOW.
