Merrick here...

It's important to be clear that the following information comes to us with a bit of backstory/context. But...as far as I know...we've never actually tested this source before. So, take this into consideration (i.e. consume with a grain of salt) when mulling the following:

Westwood9 sent in some information regarding purported developments on the new I AM LEGEND "prequel" project (HERE).

Let's start at the beginning. Smith is actually the one who developed the initial story. It took place several years before the original film and there were still pockets of survivors and the story centered around Smith interacting, bonding, and ultimately failing to save them. For months this was the story. Warner's didn't much care for it and Smith and Weiss eventually came on board and all parties agreed to change things up. Well this change is pretty insane, the film is no longer a prequel, it's a fucking sequel!

...said Westwood9 in his/her message. The "Weiss" Westwood9 refers to = D. B. Weiss, the film's current writer (as far as we know).

Yeah, so, Will blowing himself up in the first film might make his appearing in a sequel (if that's what this really is now) somewhat tricky. And, why would Smith even bother to develop such a project if this is the case? Strangely, had The Powers That Be gone with the ending they originally shot, a Smith-driven sequel would at least make sense/be easier to wrangle conceptually.

Is this bunk? Studio madness? If accurate, will all the anti-plague toxins Neville was working on somehow allow Smith to return as a sentient-but-crispy talking head? More to come as more comes in...

BTW: II AM LEGEND is not an official title, or anything. Talkbacker Mullah Omar previously dubbed the notion of a prequel "II AM LEGEND" (IN THIS TALKBACK), and I subsequently adopted the title when referring to this project.