I Am Legend 2 could have one big Darkseeker challenge if the movie decides to go with the first film's ending retcon. Will Smith got fans of the original I Am Legend excited when he announced he was finally returning to the post-apocalyptic world with the sequel. Not only is Smith returning, but he's also bringing in Michael B. Jordan to co-star. This is all great, but the first film doesn't leave much room for Will Smith to return.
The one big possibility is that the sequel will use I Am Legend's alternate ending as a way to bring back Will Smith, and say that it is this ending that works in the timeline of the two movies. This is a clever way to retcon the ending of the first film and make it possible for a Will Smith-starring sequel. The only problem with this approach is what using the alternate ending could do for the plot of the sequel and the Darkseekers.
SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY
The Darkseekers are the people in I Am Legend who were infected by the virus but didn't die, turning them into zombies. Throughout the events of the movie, they are seen being ruthless killers going after Will Smith in his fight for survival. Viewers can see how I Am Legend's ending makes it hard for Smith to return as he sacrifices himself in the fight against the dreaded zombies. It's in the alternate ending where things could get tricky for the sequel if the story uses the retcon as a springboard. One of the Darkseekers shows a different side than the rest, exhibiting compassion and more humanity, and in this version, Will Smith survives. Clearly, this ending would allow Will Smith's character to return. There is a problem, however.
How I Am Legend 2 Can Avoid Its Darkseeker Problem
The issue comes with having to build on that Darkseeker ending. Yes, it allows Smith to come back, but once the audience has seen them in a more empathetic light, it could be difficult to go back to seeing the horde as mindless villains in the sequel. Not only has the audience seen this different side to them, but so has Will Smith's character. I Am Legend 2's story could have Smith killing them like before, just using the ending as an excuse to bring him back, or it could be a different type of movie and do something with the Darkseekers that the audience isn't expecting. There could be different factions of zombies, some more clever and compassionate than others, and that's where the conflict comes from. If the film depicts them in the same light as the original, though, it will likely prevent a number of moviegoers from getting fully on board with the plot.
Another possibility is that it is a prequel, set before the events of the first film as, with the original ending, I Am Legend 2 is impossible with Smith. This would allow Smith's character to return with no explanation, and it would keep the original ending intact without worrying about the new characterization of the Darkseekers. It's probably safe to assume that it will be a sequel, as there would be other issues in play with a prequel like having to de-age Will Smith for the entire movie, but it is a possibility. It's not impossible to go with the events that change how the characters and viewers see the supposed villains and make a new, compelling story, but it would make things difficult. Either way, the team behind I Am Legend 2 gets the benefit of the doubt, as an I Am Legend sequel is exciting in whatever form it comes.