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Must Watch: I Am Legend's Original Ending - This is Amazing

by
March 5, 2008
Source: SlashFilm

I Am Legend

Today I've got to break some rules. We normally never ever talk about anything related to DVD, but this time this is too amazing to pass up. And all in the same, I'm putting a theatrical spin on it, so let's just get to it. Last December when I Am Legend hit theaters, one of the biggest complains I heard was that the ending was completely changed from the book and in turn the entire "legend" concept that Richard Matheson originally wrote was never actually seen. The DVD is arriving in a few weeks and Francis Lawrence's original ending that was made is included on it. Thankfully we've grabbed the new version for you viewing pleasure below. And to say it simply - you NEED to watch this.

You've been warned - everything from this point forward contains spoilers. Proceed at your own risk!

I actually loved I Am Legend quite a damn bit. I think I saw it around three times in theaters and loved it more each time. Up until the point where Alice Braga's character appeared, I was enjoying it so much that I was considering putting it on my best of 2007 list. However, by the end, I wasn't as sure. The scene at the end where the vampire creatures break into Robert Neville's lab is intense and amazing, and I enjoyed it, but it wasn't how it should have played out. This ending is what we should have seen.

The I Am Legend DVD with this alternate ending included is now available to buy on Amazon.com: Two-Disc DVD or Blu-Ray!

For those unaware, let me explain the concept of Richard Matheson's book to help clarify why this original ending was so amazing to finally see. Without spoiling too much (incase you want to read it), the entire purpose of the title I Am Legend is that in the book, Robert Neville actually is the last man on the planet. And he has switched places from our reality of what we perceive as legend, to actually being the legend. As in, vampires are "legendary" because they're a myth from fantasy. In the book, Neville is "legendary" because he is that myth and goes out day after day hunting them. With the original theatrical ending, they never actually touched on that idea at all - but when you think about, that's a pretty damn cool concept.

While an ending that direct wouldn't have worked at all in this interpretation of I Am Legend, the way this original ending plays out actually caters much more to that concept than the one we saw in theaters. I love the dynamic between Neville and the lead vampire, especially when he finally brushes up against next to him and comes in contact with him. He never got that close to any of them in movie and seeing that gave me a chill. It's rare that I'm this moved by something like an alternate ending, but this was truly breathtaking!

This is the kind of situation where I want to break the rules because I want to show Warner Brothers that the actual audiences in America would have accepted this ending and preferred it over the one that made it into the final theatrical cut. Although I Am Legend performed amazingly well at the box office anyway, I think this is a much more profound and emotional ending. Unfortunately now WB is already thinking that the ending they chose was right because it made them money - so I hope you can prove them wrong and show your support of this new alternate ending. That is, if you prefer it.

Special thanks to SlashFilm for first pointing this out - I'm truly grateful to have come across this.

I wrote this specifically so I could hear everyone's feedback. What do you think of this new ending and would you have preferred it in the theaters?

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1,703 Comments

1

Wow. When I saw it in the theater, the last 10 minutes ruined the movie for me. I thought the ending was too abrupt and did not touch at all on the original concept of the book. This ending was fantastic. I especially like how Smith glances at his wall of photos and realizes that he must appear to be some sort of serial killer, with photos of his "kills" displayed on his wall. Very cool.

Chris Schoenherr on Mar 5, 2008

2

Neville realizes that to the vampires he is Josef Mengele. A much truer ending to the book.

Mac McFadden on Feb 3, 2011

3

Agreed. When he looked up, it was subtle, but you couldnt miss the meaning. Fantastic ending. Should have been in the movie for sure. The ending as it was, did not finish the story in the movie or follow the book. Thank you for sharing.

Seth Pyrzynski on Apr 22, 2011

4

I definitely would've left this movie and the movie theater with a better since of fulfillment instead of feeling like they teased me 80% of the movie only to let me down in the last 20% of this film

Dennis25 on Apr 27, 2011

5

I really like that ending to. I would have been happy with it if it was the one they used. Wish they could do a re-do and have that been the end.

Stephen on Mar 5, 2008

6

Yep...I support your idea it makes so much sense if wb cater to their audience than their audience will leave wanting to come back again not disappointed like in "The Matrix 3" (The Matrix:Revolution) THEY LET AGENT SMITH DIG HIS FILTHY HANDS INTO NEO AND COVER HIM IN THAT BLACK STUFF(WHY NOT GIVE THE FANS WHAT THEY WANTED TO SEE THE VERY BATE IN WHICH THEY USED IN THE TEASER TRAILER TO GET US TO COME OUT AND WATCH THE MOVIE ? The last fight, rain scene where neo says:It ends tonight! YOU EXPECT TO SEE WORK AN ACTOR ACTING NEO FIGHTING ALL THOSE AGENT SMITHS SOME ACTION NOT TWO GUYS SWIMMING IN THE AIR WHEN THEY KNOW EVERY BIT OF DEFENSE EVER INVENTED.

Dennis25 on Apr 27, 2011

7

I like what you're saying about the 'idea' but to me, as an aspiring filmmaker, what is of paramount importance is the ability to retain the filmmaker's voice throughout. When Alica Braga turned up in the film, it felt like Hollywood had stepped in to make it alright and I guess what they were doing is 'splitting the protagonist' so that she gets to do her 'you are not alone" speech with or without Neville. Which is also the logic applied in Seven, i.e., the good guy wins because the protagonist is split in two (Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman). Oddly enough, the killing of Neville in Legend and Pitt's character killing John Doe in Seven are both more subversive endings for big star-vehicles than if all goes well and the good guy lives and wins. So I think I prefer theatrical ending and (still) hate the look of the vampires.

Elvis D on Mar 5, 2008

8

I read the book in the weeks preceding the film's release and I was disappointed by the script's deviation of the ending and overall concept. I agree that the novel's concept of Neville being a legend to the vampires is far superior to the film's concept of his death being a legend amongst survivors. Thank you for posting this alternate ending. I very much liked it and it better than the theatrical version. Although I had wished that the alternate ending was more true to the novel in which Anna is an evolved daylight vampire who helps capture Neville and brings him to the vampires. She then explains that the vampires are a new society amongst themselves and view Neville as a killer and ghostly legend. And then they execute him. In this alternate ending, Neville should have died. This aspect makes the theatrical version superior, but it would have been great if both versions were combined to see Neville giving up, taken, and then executed. It would be a much more bleaker ending and it'd be a gamble, but very unique and artistic.

Matt S. on Mar 5, 2008

9

Amazing, much more powerful of an ending than the one I saw in theaters. When Neville snatched the girl in the movie I was thinking that the writers were alluding to her being the leaders girl; the way the leader jumped into the sunlight when she was taken and how the vampires stepped up their tactics to try and get Neville after that. Its good to see I wasn't just imagining it. Its also interesting how Neville believed that the vampires had completly lost all traces of their humanity when he watched the leader expose himself, when actually it was the one aspect of his humanity left that made him jump into the sunlight.

baby kicker on Mar 5, 2008

10

Elvis #3, I'm still not sure I understand your reasoning for why it was better (even for Hollywood 'big star-vehicles') for Neville to be killed off... It's obvious most people didn't like the more "hopeful" ending that we saw in theaters. And the funny thing is they called this one "controversial" when I don't think there is anything even controversial about it - it's just a more emotional and powerful ending that sticks with the concept than pulling something "Hollywood"... Matt #4, to respond to your consideration about Neville being killed again... I think that if they tried it with this ending, it would've been too hard to explain that concept and everyone would have been saying "oh, these vampires really are ruthless, even when he helped them and gave them what they wanted..." I think that's why that wouldn't have worked here, but I'm not sure... I still don't like the idea of Neville being killed at all.

Alex Billington on Mar 5, 2008

11

WB...this ending is better. Nuff said!

crabby on Mar 5, 2008

12

I have never read the book, so take my opinion from that point of view. I liked both endings and without knowing anything about how it was "supposed" to end I would prefer the theatrical ending, but knowing more about the book I think I see why you liked this ending better. I think the idea that Neville will sacrifice himself to save humanity is what the theatrical ending tried to get across while the ending here is more rosy.

Stephen on Mar 5, 2008

13

Realistically though... Did regular layman moviegoers actually think to themselves "oh this was about Neville sacrificing himself to save humanity" or did all of that get overshadowed by the simultaneous "pfft" heard in the theater when Alice showed up at that survival town.

Alex Billington on Mar 5, 2008

14

Cool, I've been looking forward to the alternate ending since I saw the movie. I'm a huge fan of the novel, especially because of the 'legend'-part, so I was rather disappointed when they didn't even talk about that in the movie. As you say, the first half is incredible, even thought the similarities to the novel are non-existing, I still liked it a lot, great performance by Smith and I loved the fact that they kept the sub-story about the dog, even though that was also changed significantly. Anyway, the theatrical ending is horrible, and after reading about this alternate ending, I still didn't really expect it to be anything other than a short scene where Smith hands over the woman and the vampires leave. The fact that you see how much the alpha-male cares for the woman, that they just want to be left alone, and Neville realizes he's been doing something horrible, is incredible, it didn't seem like they dared to do that. Too bad WB chickened out in the end.

Marcus on Mar 5, 2008

15

Alex, Your taste for movies must reside somewhere in your asshole if you think this movie even deserves to be near a best of 2007 list. This was one of the worst movies of 2007 and resembled I-Robot so much that it probably could have been called I-notveryscarymonster. For you to see this movie at the theatres 3 times is a disgrace as it proves that your intellect is somewhere beteween that of a turd and a retarded spider monkey. Also now that you are actually trying to decifer why the most retarded scientist in movie history was killed really proves your stupidity.

Scott on Mar 5, 2008

16

I-notveryscarymonster? haha that was sooo cheesy and pathetic

jadsfjasjdf on Feb 22, 2011

17

Scott I think are being a bit harse. I thought it was one of the best movies I saw this year, better then National Treasure and others like that. It was one of the few movies I did get to see so maybe that biases me some what. As for your last comment Alex, yes I did think it was about him sacrificing himself, I saw the movie a couple weeks after opening so I doubt anyone there was a fan of the novel and were just "layman" moviegoers as you call em.

Stephen on Mar 5, 2008

18

I will grant that that was better than the original ending. However, I still do not think it is the best it could have been. I think sticking closer to the overall theme of the book would have made the movie stronger. You still lose the fact that Neville IS the last man on earth, and you're left with hope that there are other survivors. So even with this ending, you lose some of the magic of the story. But yes, far less "screw the people who read the book"-y.

Quicksilver on Mar 5, 2008

19

Stephen, 'I am legend' is a cinematic materpiece when compared to 'National treasue' obviously by your comments you don't get out much. I suggest you watch movies that aren't endorsed by Alex as the movies that Alex declares as best of the year will turn you into a mindless fucktard.

Scott on Mar 5, 2008

20

Why are you a dick to everyone? Fuck off bro, you honestly know nothing about this. Give one good example of your cinematic "mater"piece and maybe I'll consider not thinking your a complete idiot who doesn't understand cinema.

Spartanlaserman on Feb 22, 2011

21

Scott's right you know... spartanlaserman

Ben_2_good on Jul 7, 2011

22

i loved the alternate ending, and i would have preferred it in theaters, i think it is more complete to me for some reason. either way, i loved i am legend, and i loved it in IMAX, cant wait for DVD

taurinh on Mar 5, 2008

23

I loved the book and really disliked the movie as it was a total disconnect from the entire 'Legend' concept of the book. Neville was entirely re-written from an ordinary man fighting every day to get through to a kind of "super-hero" Dr. That said, I would have liked the movie better if the ending had been this one, but overall read the book. Much better.

Ben Reubenstein on Mar 5, 2008

24

The alternate ending is definitely better, and felt true to the story. Warners really messed up with the version they put in theaters. It ruined the whole movie for me. Seeing the alternate ending makes the movie feal more complete to me now. Thanks Alex!!!!!

TCox on Mar 5, 2008

25

Like Stephen, I have never read the book but I think 28 Days later and 28 Weeks later are far more superior than I Am Legend. Also, I Am Legend was very predictable. The second I saw the dog I knew he was going to be bitten by the Vampires and that Smith would have to kill him.... See, this is the problem with Blockbusters, they're made with the same predictable formula. By the way, am I the only one to think that the CG used in the film (read: every vampire) wasn't that great? Anyway, I'm tired of those film...

Redge on Mar 5, 2008

26

If I would have seen this, that bitter taste in my mouth would not have occurred.

Sam on Mar 5, 2008

27

I was under the impression that this ending was changed because it didn't test well with audiences. But was this because they didn't like the fact that you don't find out if there are any other survivors, or because Neville didn't die?

Ross on Mar 5, 2008

28

Am I the only one who liked the theatrical ending better????

Ryan on Mar 5, 2008

29

This actually brings me to ease, because throughout the entire movie I was looking for that specific sequence that I had seen in the trailer (virus infected human whispering sweet nothings in Smith's ear) yet I was dissapointed, or more confused, that it was missing in its entirety, where I thought it should be at the end. I enjoyed the alternate ending immensly, as it seemed to bring a lot more depth along with some closure; whereas the theatrical one just seemed to...yeah...close. Though, the theatrical one was more intense, and I think it was needed as most people would've walked out of the theatre with the alternative ending saying "that sucked...I hated the ending." I enjoyed the alternate one, but I can see why the other was chosen, and I probably would've have appreciated the alternate if I hadn't seen the theatrical version in the first place.

maverick on Mar 5, 2008

30

To be honest, I think the the theatrical ending is a lot more somber and better overall. I mean Will Smith's character dies in the theatrical ending .... I just think it's a bolder choice. This one just sort of ... ends with the happy "family" driving off.

S Dub on Mar 5, 2008

31

Side thought: Why wasn't Will Smith nominated for Best Actor for his performance as Neville? http://www.supersatellite.com/2008/03/05/i-am-a-better-legend/

Quicksilver on Mar 5, 2008

32

This was excellent, and added more tone for the audience to feel after watching the movie... DIDN'T THEY BLOW UP THE BRIDGE THOUGH?!?!

Forrest on Mar 5, 2008

33

Whilst I do prefer the alternative ending, I think I like the threatrical one more on the basis that Neville dies. To be, that makes a massive impact, and I can't tell you how refreshing I found it to see a Hollywood film where the main character doesn't survive for once. Personally, I would have liked the alternative ending to have Neville executed by the Vamps (I forget the actual name). After glancing at the subject-wall, Neville could easily mumble something like, "What have I done?" or "What have I become?", before being carted off by the vamps or fed on. You could easily have the head Vamp go over to the wall of something, and show that he recognises Neville's acts as murder. This kind of ending would have been a lot more inkeeping with the book, whilst remaining as sombre as the threatrical cut and keeping that fantastic feeling of dispare.

Joseph on Mar 5, 2008

34

This is awesome. I can't tell you how much better this made the movie. I never read the book, but hearing from people who had, and knowing the original premise really made me feel they butchered it. Especially after they claimed they made the first movie adaptation that stuck by the book. The person commenting above me (#23) missed the point. That ending they created changes the story so much, and even pertaining to the title of the movie, that it becomes a different story all together. That moment where he realizes he is the monster and not the hunted, is the ah-ha moment this movie needed. Thanks again for posting this

Josh on Mar 5, 2008

35

I am a huge fan of the big and expressed on many occasions my dislike for the film to Alex. This ending is better in that it doesn't show the vampires as wild creatures it shows them as a collective with leaders and such. However....like Alex explained....Neville was the legend. Legends die.... The introduction of the woman is what really screwed up the movie for me. If she was like the one in the book and the ending followed the book it would have been a trully great film.

Heckle on Mar 5, 2008

36

This ending was much better. I hated the ending in theaters with the whole community of survivers and stuff. This ending showed some hope but was still very open. Why do studios always have to fuck things up?

Andreas on Mar 5, 2008

37

The theatrical ending wasn't that bad. The alternate ending was better even though I thought realistically they should've killed Neville basically because he's killed so many and their food supply was pretty low. But the alternate ending leaves more room to expand on maybe Neville can return and become this bad ass character he is in the book but then again we've already got a Blade movie so why do another. I'm with Alex, I think the movie was one of the best of 07' National Treasure sucked. They should put the alternate ending back into the movie and release it into the theater again like Michael Clayton.

Tirrell on Mar 5, 2008

38

this ending was so full of win that i'm even more pissed about ending we ere subject to. I wish they would make a real i am ledgend movie that is based directly off the book, or even off the leaked orriginal screenplay (leaving on the tugboat and having an undergrownd sewer city with the creatures in it etc.). I want a DVD copy of the movie with the alternate ending being used as the actual ending so I don't have to go to special features to watch it.

Avelanch on Mar 5, 2008

39

This ending is far superior. Not because of Neville but what we learn about the infected. They still have a part of humanity and the leaders intentions were more than just get Neville. When Neville glances to the wall of photos of all the infected that he experimented on you can see that he understands that he has lost his humanity as much as them. This ending would have made this film much better. Overall the theatrical ending was just lame, although I didn't mind that Neville died. Will Smith was an amazing force in this film.

E. Jones on Mar 5, 2008

40

This ending is quite amazing. It totally captures the same feel as the ending from the book and at the same time is updated and fits with the rest of the movie. The only reason I can think of that this wasn't used is because they felt they had to dumb the movie down for the masses. Once again the sheeple have ruined a perfectly good movie.

Knightmare on Mar 5, 2008

41

this ending is definitely 1000 times better. this was the ending that should have happened. thanks for showing it to us. i of course would have liked a movie that followed the book a lot closer, but this is fantastic. again, thanks for showing this alternate ending. it's the great ending this movie needed.

julius on Mar 5, 2008

42

While I think this ending would have been an improvement over the one that they actually used, I can honestly say I still wouldn't have liked the movie. I'm not going to claim any reason other than the book has been one of my favorites since I was young and the movie was just wrong. Will Smith himself did amazingly well. I didn't realize he was that talented an actor, but he is drug down by the fact that everything he's in has to be such a big blockbuster and have lots of CG and a huge budget. I actually stopped liking the movie as soon as the vampires showed up. They were just wrong. IF you've seen 30 Days of Night (not a spectacular movie in itself really, but... ), the vampires in it, with a tiny bit of tweaking were much closer to what the vampires in this film should have been. I do not and never will understand why they would use all CG to create monsters that are basically sick human beings. It makes no sense and it ruins what little chance this movie had of really sucking you in. And when the woman showed up, it just got even worse. Neville coped entirely to well and too quickly..... okay. I'm going to stop or I could go on and on. Basically, why take an amazing book and change it so much it barely resembles itself? Hollywood does it over and over and over. It's incredibly frustrating.

XMalice on Mar 5, 2008

43

I didn't like the survival town thing in the theatrical ending. It took the hope out of Anna's character and made it reality. However, I did like that, in the theatrical ending, he finally cured the disease. The blaze of glory was to satisfy the folks who like explosions and violent self-sacrifice, nothing more. I'm iffy on this alternate ending. I'm probably leaning toward it, though, because it puts more humanity into the vampires and Neville gets out of the situation alive, and is presumably able to continue his research.

Colin Dean on Mar 5, 2008

44

I would have much prefered that ending to the movie.

Dustin on Mar 5, 2008

45

Alex Billington #6, I love the idea of Neville being killed because it simply fits in with the concept and title of the novel and film. For one to truly be a legend, one must be dead or have their existence in question. If Neville lives with Anna and drives away from the vampires in Manhattan, the title comes into question for the viewer as to why the movie is called I Am Legend. It'd be quite difficult for the viewer to connect with the vampires in how they see him as a legend. Certainly, humanity will not see Neville as a Legend if he lives because there are other survivors who should also be called Legends as well. But if Neville dies, then it is easier for the viewer to understand that he is both a legend to humanity and the vampire nation alike.

Matt S. on Mar 5, 2008

46

Yes, the movie was AMAZING. Like many have already mentioned, however, this ending is much, much more fitting. They hinted at the unknown advancement of the "vampires" earlier in the movie, and this ending brings that fulfills that idea. This is way more satisfying. Warner Brothers screwed up.

Evan F. on Mar 5, 2008

47

Obviously someone in WB said "let's finish the movie with a big explosion" and there you have it. This ending is a lot deeper and unveils something that Neville character didn't thinks in the movie: that the beasts doesn't want to be cured.

Reiem on Mar 5, 2008

48

Just the same bull. And you should read the book again. Neville is legend because he is an relict of a former society that doesn‘t exist anymore. He commited suicide.

Mark on Mar 5, 2008

49

I agree with you Alex. This was definitely the ending that we should have seen in theaters. But, like you said, Warner Bros is thinking they made the right choice. A truly satisfying and optimistic ending. Apples to oranges comparison: I also believe that the alternate ending to "Rocky Balboa" on the DVD was the ending we should have seen at theaters. It was a much more satisfying ending that capped off the franchise. That ending alone would have helped the flick garner bigger box office!

Spider on Mar 5, 2008

50

A much, much better ending. It was never really explained how or why the vampires (though they weren't really vampires) were so clever in setting traps etc to then just want to tear Neville apart. Showing the Alpha male doing everything he did just to get his woman back shows that they are evolving or that they still have human characteristics. It shows that Neville was the one out of place not the vamps. He was the last remnant of the past and the world had moved on. Had it been played better, with this ending and the girl not turning up it could have been an awesome twist at the end (just like the book was) Having such a thoughtful and considered ending makes the clumsy appearance of the woman and them heading off to the safe haven too good. So I know I want everything but in a perfect world it would have had this ending and maybe even Neville just shuffling off to do his own thing, wiser to the fact that life is still going but just fundamentally changed. What a shame that WB's didn't have the bottle to run with this.

Payne by name on Mar 5, 2008

51

The original ending didn't suck, but this is sooo much better. Thank God for alternate endings! If you're a drudge fan: drudgetracker.com

Jimmy L on Mar 5, 2008

52

Wow, ya, this was waaaaay better of an ending than the theatrical release. This followed closer to the book, compared to the theater release which was a big disappointment for me when I saw the last 10 minutes! I would LOVE to see this put on the dvd as an alternate ending and shoot, even if they were to consider a re-release of sorts! I'm not a huge fan of franchise movies but I think this could have had a continuation in the story if they had wanted to. Will Smith did an excellent job!

Sean on Mar 5, 2008

53

I have NOT read the book so I am not biased in that way, I liked the theatrical version much better, so i guess the original concept is hes a legend to the vampires and not humanity? Uh great? So in other words we all die and Nevelle is a "Legend" to beats that have no real communication skills, how do they pass on legends? in grunts? And Nevelle just decided oh man i killed vampires with feelings, i guess i should leave them alone and let whatever happens happen, screw that, fight till the end or die trying. lol I don't know I thought that was a very interesting and cool alternate ending, but like i said i liked the theatrical better.

Richard on Mar 5, 2008

54

While I was watching the movie in theaters, I thought Will Smith's character would give back the vampire's woman seeing as how I thought it was obvious to the audience that was the driving force behind the attacks. Having him sacrifice himself help the others escape seemed to break the continuity of the story. Now that I have seen the alternate ending, I am more at ease that I was correct in that feeling.

superfob on Mar 5, 2008

55

Um, has it been pulled by WB already?

Birdwatching From Mars on Mar 5, 2008

56

I am so sick and tired of going to see movies which work perfectly well up until the end, when you can almost smell the men in suites walk into the cinema and spray their idea of what they think people want all over the place like a wolf marking its territory. I think Frank Zappa called such a phenomena as a 'Cocaine Decision'. Thank you so much for letting me get a chance to see this otherwise brilliant movie, in the way it was meant to be seen - or at least in the way that actually makes more sense of the entire rest of the plot.

Jim Gardner on Mar 5, 2008

57

I don't know. Having read Richard Matheson's book I was fairly disappointed with the movie. It would have been great as a movie unrelated to the book, but I was really looking forward to the final scene of the book when he looks out over the new population of vampires and finally realizes that he has become their legend. I think if nothing else the original ending holds truer to the concept of a legend. He dies to get a cure out etc. While this ending is powerful, I think it strays even more from Matheson's vision.

Liz on Mar 5, 2008

58

I read the book before seeing the movie and loved the book. I enjoyed the movie interpretation on some levels as well. I can see why Hollywood went with the alternate ending of Neville going out in a blaze of glory. This made him so much more the hero. Completely self-sacrificing. And, as someone noted previously, could average joe movie goer have figured out the I Am Legend twist that Neville is a legend to the vampires as a legendary killer? I would hope the answer would be yes, but possibly not. He would might have had to actually state somehow that to the vampires he is a legend for some people to get it. One thing I didn't like about the alternate ending, was whatsername giving the final broadcast. If Neville is still alive, why wouldn't he do the last one? Why is she suddenly the focus? It was HIS story all along, with either ending. Her speaking the epilogue doesn't make sense to me if he's alive. I do think having him die makes so much more of a statement. I didn't like the original endings twist on the 'legend' aspect because of how COOL the book ending was. I liked the alternate a bit more, but there was less bittersweet triumph with it since every one is alive and unharmed. Meh. Like the interaction with the head vampire, and the tenderness between him and the female. Really drove home the fact that even though they were very animalistic in nature, they did retain some human nature after all. Or maybe were starting to regain some humanity. That was great. So, all in all, neither ending was perfect. If I could have mixed and matched a bit, then it would have been perfect, but I was also very spoiled by reading Matheson's original story.

Amber on Mar 5, 2008

59

Wow! When I saw the Movie in the Theater I, thought Great Cinema, Crappy ending and as a Result I didn't recommend the movie to friends. I Thoght it to downbeat. To Anti and not really complete sort of light a Book were the Author died and they got someone else who didn't get it to write the Last Chapter. This ending has rectified the Movie for me. I hope WB gets it attached to a Directores Cut edition so that one can watch the Movie as it was ment to be. Y-not

Stephan Hauser on Mar 5, 2008

60

WB made a horrible mistake! This ending would have made the movie much better. Like most people here I felt the end just left you hanging and I hadn't read the book when I saw the movie. I expected this type of ending and was disappointed when it didn't happen. It just makes more sense why things played out the way they did….

Jeff on Mar 5, 2008

61

Wow! Great ending, far better than original.

S?awomir Koz?owski on Mar 5, 2008

62

FIRST - as for the guy who ripped your opinion about this being one of the best movies of 2007 and called it one of the worst - Get A Grip! I love the personal feel to this website and everything about it. Alex didn't ask for opinions about him, it was about the ending. To refer to Alex as an a _______ is out of line. As for this ending, I preferred this alternate ending to one used in the theaters. It does show that the remaining people do still have a SOUL, unlike real vampires, and not just blood thirsty killers (at least some of them) The ending in the move was OK, but like others said, very FINITE. As for the ending in the book, I am maybe one of the few (and do know others who feel the same) that the book ending was screwed up. Why get him all the way through that only to have a new race (execute him for what he did). If the infected still had a soul in the book, then they would have realized the Neville was doing the same thing they would have done if they all believed that the vampires/infected were only out to kill him. Maybe keep him imprisoned, but not kill him in the book and study why he was never infected. As for the movie, they could have easily incorporated the vampire/infected becoming the regular race, Neville giving the girl vampire/infected back. AND THEN drive out of the city .... THUS leading to a sequel where he could have been captured on his way to Vermont, leading to interrogations and imprisonment and then taken it from there.

John on Mar 5, 2008

63

SOOOO much better than the ending we saw in theaters. Didn't the ending posted here not test well, so they changed it? If so, what the f*ck was that test audience thinking? I know they didnt choose the alternate ending, but this one, the original, is fantastic and made the movie much better. I want to watch the whole thing over again with this scene included.

Keith on Mar 5, 2008

64

Great ending, one question, how did they rebuild the bridges so quickly?

Marcus on Mar 5, 2008

65

now that's and ending to a movie that i would have been proud to spend 10 bucks on.

groonk on Mar 5, 2008

66

I think the reason for her doing the epilogue is to trick you for a moment into thinking he died. Then it gives you the shot of him smiling and she mentions his name. Besides he recorded the previous message that was broadcast. It was her turn.

heckle on Mar 5, 2008

67

This was a fantastic ending. The theatrical version was just too abrupt an end for a character much of he audience had attached themselves through. I'm a huge proponent of killing off a main character if it's appropriate, rather than having Hollywood corporate influence dominate the ending. But there are certain characters who just go through too much for them to have an unhappy ending. It doesn't feel right that after two hours of rooting for this person, fearing for them, actually being on edge when they are on edge, and feeling every emotion they feel so profoundly that they should die and you are left with nothing but those emotions. A sense of accomplishment needed to be felt in I Am Legend, and it is sort of felt in the theatrical version. But in this one, it also humanizes the vampires, if only for a moment, and gives a great deal of development to Neville. This is one character I would not prefer to have dead. The last minute or so though, with the car on the bridge bit, wasn't so appealing. Maybe they should have shot Anna's voice over a montage of her and Neville packing up and cleaning up his house, rather than insert a trite bit of cinema. Overall though, this was a much stronger, much more well-rounded and less hurried ending to an otherwise superb movie and acting effort on the part of Will Smith. Had it not been for that ending, I truly believe he would have at the very least gotten a Golden Globe nomination.

Reza on Mar 5, 2008

68

The bridges thing is a good question. Also...In the book i can totally see why they would want him dead. He was killing them off. He was a serial killer. Don't we execute our serial killers? Oh also....test audiences are often not the people that would normally go see the type of movie they are viewing. They are often just told that it is a movie with a certain actor and maybe what genre it is. So they arent the best judges of the films....its a flawed way of testing.

Heckle on Mar 5, 2008

69

Even though the movie wasn't spectacular, this ending would have made up for it plenty. This was a MUCH more emotional and impacting ending that at least payed a little bit of homage to the book it was based after.

Bob Smith on Mar 5, 2008

70

The theatrical ending was better. People need to realize this was this was the ORIGINAL ending, so "the evil suits" only decided to change it after several complaints received at test showings. Movies aren't made for geeks, a lot of things done in the book would've looked retarded on the big screen. What works inside your mind/imagination, doesn't translate that well in film... take for instance, the way everyone keeps saying "they should've done it just like in the book" - uh, no. You would turn what was a flick almost everyone enjoyed, into a real cartoon fest.

Cesar Manzo on Mar 5, 2008

71

i like this one better, much better! I completes the movie better. I would have enjoyed the movie better too. I make have to make my own cut of the film to watch in the future, with this ending.

louis on Mar 5, 2008

72

Here's the mistake I think people are making with this ending: it only really works if you've read the book. Otherwise, it doesn't make a lick of sense. You have to infer so much just based on glances and gestures that you end up scratching your head. Why would Neville apologize to these ruthless monsters? I get the reasoning based on what the book is about, but that's not the story the movie was telling. The filmmakers figured this out, thankfully, in time. For me, the theatrical ending is so much more powerful. You end up with this science vs. religion thing that was in the movie the whole time, but only very subtly so. And when it fully emerges...I remember thinking to myself, "THAT'S what this movie's about." It becomes about this marriage of science of faith where the legend in "I Am Legend" is the legend of Robert Neville's sacrifice for humanity (making him a Christ figure) and his salvation of it through his work in the lab. I thought it was brilliant and was completely shocked to find out that the novel was otherwise when it seemed so perfect in the story the film presented.

Brock on Mar 5, 2008

73

Way to be the man, and get this out to everyone. Youtube had to shut it down b/c of the copyright infringement crap, but thank you for keeping the mirror alive. As for the alternate ending. OMG. I was floored that this original cut wasn't the final ending! It truly is a testament to how changing anything in a movie just to make money IS THE WRONG WAY TO MAKE MOVIES. It is a shame that WB was the instigator here. I think the facade that all the "dark dwellers" are basically inhuman is greatly contrasted with this ending that proves this wrong and makes Neville the "legend" he is. Great ending. Thanks.

Steve on Mar 5, 2008

74

I liked this ending, however i feel that nevel still should die at the end for his crimes. not out of principal, but to lend the story a more tragic feel. After the vampires kill him ,(if they must keep the woman and the boy in the film and go with the whole survivor storyline to leave room for sequels), they could walk away and leave the woman and boy alone, continuing on with the second ending of driving over the bridge but not finding other people just yet. and for gods sake cut out the over the top voice over.

Dan on Mar 5, 2008

75

I don't like either ending, but since I think the movie was uninspired, I think either ending suits it. There seems to be a lot of talk in these comments about vampires though, so maybe we didn't watch the same movie?

Ponens on Mar 5, 2008

76

WOW. I was so disappointed with the ending they chose for the theatrical release, but I finally feel like I was vindicated from that with this alternative ending. It explains why that lead vampire (that, to me oddly enough, looks like John Malcovic) went to such extreme lengths to get back his love. That kind of dedication reminds me of What Dreams May Come with Robin Williams. I absolutely loved the book, and I feel the movie ran as far as it did because it used the name "I Am Legend" as a vehicle to propel it. Finally, with this ending, I'm satisfied with where it led. PS: Thank you so much for showing me this.

Chinda on Mar 5, 2008

77

that was the ending they should have used, much better then wat they used. I have one thing that i dont like about it tho, at the end when Alice Braga's character starts talking, i think Will Smith should have ended it just my opinion tho still amazingly better then what we saw with the theritical ending.

Curtis on Mar 5, 2008

78

Well, bottom line is it totally saves the film. I had a hard time with the "Scooby Do" monsters....this eased the pain a little. Still really did not enjoy it that much. I really wanted to as well. Still the Batman/Superman logo ad was still one of my favorite segments. But thank you for this, I will pass it on.

Tim Clovefield on Mar 5, 2008

79

This should have been the ending in theaters. In the theatrical ending all of the vampires' behavior was explained away by saying they had socially degenerated. This actually explained why the lead vampire kept returning to try and kill Neville personally.

Cioeboy on Mar 5, 2008

80

Love the alt ending. The release ending left me disappointed and feeling the movie was uncomplete. Thanks for showing us the "true" ending.

Chad on Mar 5, 2008

81

Thank you for posting this article as I completely agree that the theatrical ending we saw was not good. I didn't read the book so I was judging the film completely on it's merit. I enjoyed it up until the ending where I thought he needed to survive and make his way to the colony. Ideally I was hoping for a little bit more even from the alternative ending. Obviously this film is not CHILDREN OF MEN and I think I set my standards to that movie every time now. The raw emotion you feel when Clive Owen delivers the girl up the stream and to the ship is unsurpassed. Unfortunately LEGEND was never gonna deliver this kind of power and the ending in either form is anti-climactic. CHILDREN OF MEN mixes the sadness of Owen's death with the joy and optimism for the future of the human race. In the actual theatrical ending of LEGEND, its wrong that Smith dies. But in the alternative ending it can't avoid but be happy and cheesy as they sit in the car smiling at one another. All in all LEGEND is a fun flick that would have benefitted from the alternative ending but not been made great..

Dom on Mar 5, 2008

82

Wow, this ending was awesome. I was a fan of the movie overall. I understood why they took the movie in the direction that they did in order to make it appeal to a broader audience. But I think that they could and should have kept this original ending to the film. The ending to the theatrical version was the one slightly disappointing part of the film. I am glad that I got to see this version, as it is much better.

NamelessTed on Mar 5, 2008

83

well....I thought the film was...okay. I'm so damn done with bleak endings, no more mankind, etc. Yeah, sorry kidsNational Treasure was dopey at times, but more "fun" at least. Really now. Sure the we become the monsters (or Neville becomes the monster) and the infected vamp-like ones are the 'new society.' bullshit. What society? I've readmany of Matheson's works, including his original novel for this but.... this ending is more 'satisfying' in its own way. I'm all for humanity still existing, no coming to end replaced by these creatures. Perhaps it's because I'm a parent and not just some sci-fi fanboygeekola. Will Smith did a great job in the film, I just found it, again unsatisfying. But not as horrible as Cloverfield. Asked for money back, though the theater manager wouldn't do it because we'd stayed for the whole film, taking no responsibility for running what was ultimately crap. But that's another debate, ain't it?

crankyoldguy on Mar 5, 2008

84

This was the right way to end this movie. I won't buy a DVD of it unless there is a version with this one restored, not just as an 'option' to watch separately.

Ranson on Mar 5, 2008

85

SO much better! Also, this alternative ending opens the opportunity for a sequel, something the studio should have thought of.

Tortuca on Mar 5, 2008

86

I just don't understand why it would have been that hard to follow Matheson's concept. Braga's character is in on it. She has evolved further than first generation vampires. She becomes the narrative voice explaining why Neville had to be executed at the end. This is the kind of stuff that drives me crazy about science fiction getting translated into films by major studios. Matheson wraps the vampire convention in a plausible life-science scenario of genetic mutation and species evolution. It's a big idea kind of book. And it builds and it builds and it builds and you have no idea where it is going until wham! You are on the last page and there is the big reveal and it is over and there you sit - astounded by what Matheson has pulled off. Something you never see coming. Just like the ending of The Sixth Sense. Imagine if the movie studio heads determined in the end that audiences weren't smart enough to understand what M. Night Shamalayan was doing in The Sixth Sense and told him to erase the part about Bruce Willis's character being dead - scratch that part. Let him solve the murder mystery conventionally and become a fond uncle to Haley Joe Osment's character. I can hear them: "Let's let him watch the young man mature and live happily with his wife into the future. Much brighter that way. Audiences like bright." That is essentially what happened to I Am Legend. Some studio head at Warner Bros. decided that people were incapable of handling a big idea movie and instead settled for science fiction movie conventional ending #435. I was fuming when I left the theatre. They took an amazing plot and eviscerated it. And that happens all the time. This modified ending helps some, but still leaves so much that could have been great unrealized.

Tim on Mar 5, 2008

87

I love this ending. I thought the theatrical ending was a cheap gimmick, and that Neville never really "got" the real truth of what was going on. In this ending, he did. Amazing.

Ingrid on Mar 5, 2008

88

I honestly thought the original ending was much better, this one was kind of bad. not gonna lie

Dan on Mar 5, 2008

89

this ending was better than the first but still missed the point of the book. he only becomes a legend through his death. the world has started over and left him behind as civilization has found another way and he is the only thing left for them to fear. so with his death he becomes the story that a new culture will tell scary stories about. the ending would have been perfect the way it was envisioned by the author. before seeing the movie i imagined a beautiful scene of will smith accepting and going to face his imminent death and finally speaking the same simple words that ended the book so powerfully. "Full circle. A new terror born in death, a new superstition entering the unassailable fortress of forever. I am legend."

Daniel on Mar 5, 2008

90

This was the way the movie should have ended. It's SOOOOOO much better. Just watching the alternate ending made me change the way I thought about that movie. IT's now so much better, I hope the DVD has that version of the ending as a choice for you when you watch the DVD. I hope you can select that as the version cause it would make me go out a buy the DVD. That was the real ending as far as I'm concerned. FANTASTIC!

Tim on Mar 5, 2008

91

i think the final cut shown to us made sense without knowledge of the book. i think that's why they did it that way. if you had not explained what was in the book, i would not have entirely understood this version and would have had to guess why things were happening. but all that aside, this version was powerful and broke the cycle of the same ol' ending. i would have been happy with either ending. on a side note: i like how Neville flinched when the other Vampire creatures tried to spook him. showing he's not in control of the situation and is vulerable.

craziemutant on Mar 5, 2008

92

bottom line, they trashed several classic movies and made a horrible version of Money Making Crap. I thought Will Smith had better morals. This movie (and all of your 'awesome' reviews) makes me embarrased to share a love for film with such kooks

dan on Mar 5, 2008

93

This ending was definitely superior. The one in theaters was so bad I laughed my dick off. What kind of frag grenade blows up like a nuke? Get dicked on WB.

Dick on Mar 5, 2008

94

regardless of the book this ending was far better than the original

payton pickard on Mar 5, 2008

95

A friend of mine sent me this page because I complained about the ending and as an aspiring writer and director, I told him how it should've ended, just like this cut! I have never read the original novel, I just deduced that the ending should have the vampires more humane since that's how the entire movie played them out to be, that they weren't mindless. And that the boss dude was in fact the lover of the girl. Why Francis Lawrence didn't allow this scene in the final cut is just perplexing... But it has made me happy that I have a similar vision to the original's idea and they chose to film it.

Bernard Lau on Mar 5, 2008

96

I much prefer this ending - what a great twist to turn him into the monster. It would be better though if the lead vampire wasn't a spitting image of Ted Danson - mannerisms and all.

nathan on Mar 5, 2008

97

When watching the film in the theater I immediately picked up on the relationship between the head vampire and the captured test subject. That was further reinforced with "kidnapped mannequin" sequence. When none of that was paid off at the end of the film I was let down, even confused by it. This ending is SOOoo much more emotionally satisfying I can't find words to express it. My hope is that this will be an extra on the DVD release, then I'll just cut the film together the way I had hoped to see it in the first place. If it isn't an extra to allow that to be an option, then I won't bother picking up the DVD at all, because the way that it was released in the theaters was a "fine ride", but ultimately not worth my owning it. I know I just wouldn't bother watching it with that unsatisfying ending.

Dinosaur Dan on Mar 5, 2008

98

I like this ending WAAAAAY more. It gives a more human feel to the ending of the movie. The ending in this movie was way too simple and Hollywood like.

Mac on Mar 5, 2008

99

That was SOOOOOOOOOO much better than that piece of crap ending in the theater...

Bill on Mar 5, 2008

100

In most cases, mass media has to follow a fixed format in order to successfully integrate into the market. The alternative ending does not follow the "golden rules" that make a product viable to the "dreaded" lowest common denominator (read: profitable). This is the sole reason WB consistently "slaughters" fantastic creative works in a rather predictable manner, regardless of artistic merit and plot integrity the deviations are required for a return on the millions of dollars invested in production. I'm sure it's a fantastic book, but intellectually challenging epic novels will rarely (if ever) make it to blockbuster level following the original storyline verbatim.

MEOWCHiX on Mar 6, 2008

101

...they ruined the movie. They RUINED the freaking movie. For WEEKS after seeing the film, the lack of this very type of connection irritated me. I needed to see the connection between Neville and the lead infected. I needed to see the point at which Neville realized that they HAD retained their humanity. I needed to see the point at which Neville realized that the lead infected was simply trying to rescue his love. Neville never should have died...that ruined the entire concept. Thank you. This has literally rescued the movie. If there's a petition to get a release of this movie with the alternate ending, point me in the right direction. I need to sign it. THIS MOVIE NEEDS TO BE SEEN WITH THE PROPER ENDING.

Gordon on Mar 6, 2008

102

I have never read the book or seen other incarnations of the movie...The Will Smith I Am Legend is the only reference for this story that I have - that said, I really enjoyed about 50% of this movie. The first half was superb, conveyed emotion and held my interest. The moment the woman and her child were introduced I began to get bored and started to dislike the story. You could see where it was going - nowhere good. The ending turned out to be ridiculous as expected, and defeated the first half of the movie that I had really enjoyed. I had hoped that the lead male mutant would back off after seeing that Neville had cured his mate and that Neville would become legend in the eyes of the cured vampires...As the female he had cured related his story at the end. I would have really liked that to have been the end, but alas, it was not to be...And the woman and her child as well as the sudden religous themes at the end ruined the movie. This alternate ending is, in my opinion, better than the theatrical one by far - but is still not precisely what I was hoping for after watching the first 50% of I Am Legend...Had they allowed Will to truly be the last man on earth this movie would have been great, however it will now go down as mediocre and poorly ended.

SOMEONE on Mar 6, 2008

103

Hi, I have not read the book, i thought the first ending SUCKED and ruined the whole move. I actually left, not liking the film, probably only because the last 10 minutes just plain sucked. This ending is much better. and I see it as bring much more hopeful, a scientist who discovered the cure and knows how to administer it, as opposed to the movie's ending where he gives some info, kills himself and hopes someone can figure it out. Either way I'm intrigued to read the book... and Omega Man was still 100x better than this film!!!

Chris on Mar 6, 2008

104

Yeah this was deff a way better ending i mean come on his dog dying was enough sad dramma then him dying too nah way to much at that point i was like oh nah they didnt need 2 do that... but this ending saves tha day and i think its 100 times better ......wmhs is da click dat i roll wit .....

canadian kid on Mar 6, 2008

105

I think some people are really missing the point. This end states clearly that Neville is the monster, hence the 'I am legend' title. Without this ending the title and film makes no sense at all.

Tim on Mar 6, 2008

106

All I can say is wow. That was a better ending by far. There was so much feeling and struggle in that six minutes that would have pushed that movie over the top. Hell I probably would have seen it a few more times in the theater instead of saying at the end, I might buy it. thank you.

azriel on Mar 6, 2008

107

Now that ending is a hell of alot better then the theatrical cut it should have been used because I wasn't exspecting thr hero to die at the end. 🙁

Carl on Mar 6, 2008

108

Better than the original ending, but still not what it could have been. From the moment the woman and child were introduced the movie went downhill. I agree wholeheartedly with post #79

chris on Mar 6, 2008

109

We constantly berate studios for NOT taking risks when it comes to their main characters. Well WB chose to kill their lead in the end and it ruined the ending of this movie. This alternate was everything I look for it was shocking yet touching, bold yet understated. I really wish they would have gone with this ending b/c after a great ride the movie fell flat in the last 10 minutes.

lib4 on Mar 6, 2008

110

That was a stupid ending. The theatrical release was actually a more daring attempt because it wasn't such a sappy ending...

Harner on Mar 6, 2008

111

Come to think of it, these comments must be fake. This ending is the one that seems cheap and tacked on. The original unhappy ending was the correct and brave choice. Bravo WB.

Harner on Mar 6, 2008

112

this ending was truly amazing, like 100 times better than the other, the other ending never actually made sense to me, even though the movie itself up until the ending was awesome, so this changes my once clouded opinion of this movie to it being totally amazing with this ending!!

rayhaan on Mar 6, 2008

113

The alternate ending is controversial and I loved it!!! Not even close to being as harsh as the book, but a twist reality whose really the villian now..... still a PG-13 ending, but that's the demographic the film industry is pandering to.

Vinny on Mar 6, 2008

114

That was really interesting. And I'm quite surprised most of you like this "happy ending" more than the one released. I really enjoyed the movie, I don't love it or anything, but it has many interesting things. The way the story goes, there is no way it can end in a fully-happy-fashion. As I said, it was really cool watching this alternative, but it's not quite believable to me. The mad zombie/vampires getting emotional? It makes no sense at all. Too much touchy-feeling to me. Robert Neville has nothing else to live for, his family is dead, he had to kill his dog (SPOILERS!). How can he be smiling in his SUV with his "new" family? It seems like a happy advertising. The one released isn't perfect, but I think is much more close to the original intention of the novel. There is no concept of legend here.

Sam on Mar 6, 2008

115

Just to clarify..You consider a man coming to the realization that he's experimented on & tortured dozens of sentient beings as opposed to raging monsters a 'happy ending'??? The point of the story is that he's now in the minority..The legend element is what he perceives to be monsters are now the dominant species and they tell stories of him. He kidnaps and murders their kind, thats his 'legend'. The title and whole point of the story is him coming to this realization. If he blows himself up with a grenade, how exactly is he supposed to find out how they perceive him? I cant read these posts anymore. I despair.

Tim on Mar 6, 2008

116

Scott, you are way out of line. People can have different opinions about movies without running the risk of being labeled assholes or fucktards. Grow up.

Mike on Mar 6, 2008

117

I watched the movie and I personally expected more.... but if this alternative ending was placed into the movie, it would have been a lot better.. I really liked it

jose on Mar 6, 2008

118

Thanks for showing us this version. I never read the book so I saw the I Am Legend film for what it was. I have to say I greatly enjoy the theatrical versions ending much more. It was tragic to see the Robert Neville die but at the same time it was refreshing for a movie. With this version Robert Neville lives but it just seems to come to a to common ending, they leave, Robert Neville lives and rides out with his new family to the survivors colony. The theatrical versions ending is so much better, it seems different from the typical Hollywood movies ending. I might be in the minority though, I've shown this version to some family members and they seem to like it simply because Robert Neville lives.

Hans on Mar 6, 2008

119

Love it,,,

Jacob on Mar 6, 2008

120

Legend was a complete rip off of 28 days/28 weeks. STOP THIEF!

Lis on Mar 6, 2008

121

this ending is a million times better!!!

timaree on Mar 6, 2008

122

"I Am Legend" was written in 1954, you dumbass. 28 Days/Weeks Later were both made after 2000.

Lis is an idiot. on Mar 6, 2008

123

The altenate ending is definitely better but it doesn't save the movie for me. The ending of the book is much more powerful, that ending ligltly touches it, but it's still too light. In the end, Neville should be the monster without ambiguity, anything else and the point is moot.

Corbor on Mar 6, 2008

124

I feel like it's hard for this movie, considering the book was so breathtaking. While this new ending doesn't necesasrily SAVE the movie from what happened to it (unecessary character additions,) I think it certainly allows for a much more moving, engaging conclusion to the story. I wasn't the biggest fan of Neville's "FIRE TACKLE" in the long run. As a reinterpretation of the book, I really quite like this film. This made things a bit better for me. --IK

Ian on Mar 6, 2008

125

I believe the original ending is the best way to show our emotional to our kinds from all races that we are humans already. Today, we faced war every where. I found the theatrical ending so similar to our today situation in the reality. Fight them, kill them, and having a castle for survivours. But the original's , I think, is trying to show us a balance between good things and bad things. Every one has a right for living even, vampires. We can not find peace in a castle which is so similar to a home, we can find it in a balanced world. Finally, I perefer the original ending. It was great. Thank you.

Mehraz on Mar 6, 2008

126

The theatrical ending was sloppy and lazy. I liked this ending much better.

Ryan on Mar 6, 2008

127

This unreleased ending fits the movie better!! It already alluded multiple times to leader wanting the girl back. It played off of his last bit of humanity (and his growing intelligence in how he went about getting her back) and how he was like Dr. Neville, who had lost his own family in the tragedy that spawned the "vampires." The theatrical ending, although fittingly depressing in terms of Dr. Neville's character, just never really did it for me, and it was abrupt. I grow really tired of dumb suits who focus on money and know nothing of art and story attempting to dumb down the American audience, or consider us idiots to begin with who can't handle "complicated endings." You know, Shakespeare remains timeless for a reason and he was far from simple-minded in his writing. Hollywood keeps trying to clone Pixar's success but never realizes what makes Pixar's soul isn't computer animation but great story telling that doesn't dumb it down for the audience. Computer animation just happens to be the medium they like to tell their stories through--and they use that tool damn well.

Art on Mar 6, 2008

128

This ending far surpassed the theatrical ending. As someone who was a fan of the book well before the movie was even announced, I truely wanted to love absolutely everything about this movie before I even saw it. After watching it, I did love it, but was definitely let down with the ending. This new ending, however, completely changes the tone of the film. For the better. Bravo and thanks for sharing this.

shaun mcalister on Mar 6, 2008

129

I liked this one better. The ending in the movie was too abrupt for me, and the idea that you could reverse those types of "symptoms" was beyond belief. And I think there was enough death in the movie, without Neville having to die at the end, too. The fact that the dog was sacrificed on the alter of "art" was more than heart-wrenching to me. I'm just glad Neville didn't have a cat! But I'm so glad you shared this alternate ending. I'm sure it will make it's way onto the DVD version, but I would have rather my theater experience ended this way than the ending they chose.

RStewie on Mar 6, 2008

130

Why the fuck didn't they show this on the big screen? A million times better than the theatrical cut with the bullshit semi-religious ending! The alternate ending leaves a nice possibility for a sequel too.

Kenneth on Mar 6, 2008

131

I was very disappointed by this film originally but this ending mitigates it somewhat. there were just too many dense stupid things done by a man who otherwise was doing loads of intelligent things. Not anyway near enough action for this type of film or enough tension instead of action. I haven't read the book but of course am aware of it and the impact it had upon publication etc. Am i wrong in thinking that neville went round the world raizing cities to the ground a la I am destoyer of worlds. If so that would have been much better than resorting to the cliche of another survivor coming to his rescue in his hour of need. but hey that's hollywood cater to the lowest common denominator

bboy on Mar 6, 2008

132

That's incredible. I would have MUCH rather seen this ending than the crap they are feeding us at the theaters! In all honesty, I was so disappointed after watching the movie the first time ... and I honestly think that I would have liked a LOT better had they kept the original ending!

Nicki on Mar 6, 2008

133

Holy crap that was awesome.

Joseph on Mar 6, 2008

134

I think the theatrical ending fit more with the theme's that were emphasized throughout the movie. ie. saving humanity, finding the survivor city, etc. The ending that was used made the story feel complete and tied up most loose ends (this coming from someone who hasn't read the book and didn't know what the story was about until now). Now that I know what the real story was about the alternate ending is incredible and completes the story so much better. But of course Hollywood is all about making money and chose the ending that they thought would appease the masses. How did they cross the blown up bridges in the end??Haha

Lori on Mar 6, 2008

135

What do you think of this new ending and would you have preferred it in the theaters? I almost cried - that is the way the movie should have ended. Oh hell yes I would have preferred it in the theater. Hey, Hollywood - we're adults and we prefer being treated that way.

Brian Dunbar on Mar 6, 2008

136

Charlton Heston should not have gone from Hollywood.

drancope on Mar 6, 2008

137

At the theatre I felt ripped off by the cost of the ticket, which tends to sour me on going back to the theatre for a while. This ending would not have given me that feeling. I'm vindicated though thinking about the gate receipts that I have withheld as a consequence of WB making a totally irrational decision that resulted in ruining the movie.

Doug on Mar 6, 2008

138

Fact: The alt. ending is much better then the one potrayed in theaters.

Mike on Mar 6, 2008

139

Alternate ending preferred by myself and at least 5 other folks I've shown it to.

Jon on Mar 6, 2008

140

I like this ending MUCH better than the theatre one. I really enjoyed the entire movie in the theatre, but I felt like the ending was a bad cut and paste job. Now I know why. It was. All of the foreshadowing throughout the movie makes this the natural and more satisfying end. Too bad they had to "lowest common denominator" it at the last minute. As far as it not sticking to the book...honestly, have you ever seen a movie that did? You just have to accept them as totally seperate entities and it usually makes both much more enjoyable.

Cat on Mar 6, 2008

141

I loved the original ending and feel cheated that the powers that be felt it necessary to change it. I was shocked at the ending in the theatre and felt like it ended too abruptly. This ending fits so much better than the one they chose to show us. Wow what a mistake they made in not showing us the original ending!

Jeanie on Mar 6, 2008

142

Sheer Awesome. Much better than the original ending, and Im glad that it'll be appearing on the DVD. I'll be picking it up.

Neef on Mar 6, 2008

143

I really like this ending!! I read a part of the book but not the whole thing. I like this ending because it further affirms the fact that the lead "vampire" was just trying to get his woman back. I thought the part when Neville says to the camera that because the vampire exposed himself to the light that he'd lost all human charchteristics, made it seem like the vampires were animals. When, in fact, anyone with a brain could see that the male was hurt, angry that Neville had taken her. I, personally thought, that because the lead male thought his girl was dead that he wanted to hurt Neville in the same way by some how killing the dog (which, by the way, had me sobbing in the movie theater). I didn't like the chick showing up just like that all of a sudden, but reading all of your comments about an evolved female who takes Neville back to the rest of the vampires, makes sense. And this ending gave me that AHA feeling. I understand why he was legendary. Because he was a Serial Killer. The theatrical ending wasn't bad, but this one is makes alot of sense and it definately would've been a gamble.

ALMA on Mar 6, 2008

144

Wow. This is probably the best alternate ending I have ever seen. To me, it ties up the movie miles better than the theatrical version. I was extremely moved by the character interaction as well, and it really leaves me more satisfied at the end. WB needs to see this.

Chris on Mar 6, 2008

145

This is the better ending, definitely and makes more sense based on the setup IN the movie. The fact that the movie completely drops the intelligent monster aspect lead to a fight within our group of whether or not the vampire intentionally set the trap for Will. It seemed like he did but then why have that aspect and no follow up, and further why make it a point to say that the vampires aren't intelligent after we clearly saw that they were! Not only was this ending better but, to me, the ending in the film made no sense whatsoever. With that said, I still found the reveal of the human woman completely lame if they weren't going to go the way of the book and how did she even get to Manhattan if all the bridges were blown up?

Mel on Mar 6, 2008

146

To those saying this alternate ending was "rosey" compared to the final theatrical ending got it backwards. In this alternate ending, Neville realizes he is the monster, when he looks up at the wall observing all his previous "failed" experiments. He recounts the the acts he's committed through THEIR eyes instead of his own and realizes. We are then left with the thought that.. humanity is doomed. Possible coexistence is possible but we dont know if any of those immune are still alive besides the three as they drive away. I cant even believe they chose that popcorn crap ending over this one, did they even read the book? I mean... did they even understand the relevance of the title? They spun it completely the wrong way and nutured the story entirely.

WAaaaaaaaay better on Mar 6, 2008

147

They called THAT the "controvercial" ending!? and the ending where they glorify a suicide bomber and make him the hero is. . . what? Seeing the film in the cinema was a big let down. They took a good book and twisted it into a generic Hollywood everyfilm. Too bad, could've been awesome

Richard on Mar 6, 2008

148

I really loved this ending, it was much more emotional and really would have made the movie, just that damn much better.

Chuck on Mar 6, 2008

149

I much prefer that ending. I too felt the one in the film was rushed and abrupt. I preferred seeing the humanity left in those with the infection.

Nicola Ball on Mar 6, 2008

150

Much better than the twee small town USA dross we had to sit through at the cinema, had this been the ending I would have enjoyed the move a lot more.

praxis22 on Mar 6, 2008

151

I did not read the book but I have to agree that this alternate ending is much better. When I watched it at the theatre I was drawn in to the film up until the ending. It didn't seem to really fit. I am really looking forward to reading the book to see the different dinamics. Thanks for putting this out there.

Happy on Mar 6, 2008

152

This actually changed my mind about the movie. Much more superior- much more emotional. Makes you ACTUALLY care.

douche bag on Mar 6, 2008

153

This ending is amazing!

Tommy Villarreal on Mar 6, 2008

154

I liked everything about the theatrical version including the ending, however I do prefer this ending for a few reasons that have already exhaustively been mentioned. I liked the visualization of the remaining human nature shown in the infected. I liked when Neville was made aware of the type of legend he was viewed as from the infected point of view. The only major part of the book missing now would be the execution of Neville, which should have been ordered by the lead Vampire after retrieving the female, & the fact that Neville should have been portrayed as the last human on earth. Alex, the theatrical version still should have easily made the "best of 07" list.

Sinner on Mar 6, 2008

155

I never read the book, any reviews or even saw any previews before watching this movie, so I came to it totally clean. It was amazing! I`m quite hard to please with movie's. firstly, can I ask people to stop calling them "Zombie's" or "Vampires". I hate that. They were diseased and mutated human beings, extremely infa-red light sensitive, stronger and more violent. Even a major film reviewer (Julie something) on ABC tv here in Australia got it totally wrong, and called them Zombie's. She canned the whole movie because of it, that this guy was trying to save the Zombies blah blah blah. Totally missed the point. Secondly, I think the best ending (for me), having seen both versions, would be for a mixture of the two: - Will tells the chick and boy to open the door for him, then shut it and get into the oven thing. - Will takes the mutant lady out etc. Near the end of Will sees the wall of 'trophies'. - When the mutant boss leaves, the others go to rip Will apart, and then Will sets off his hidden explosives and blows himself and the rest of them away. - Chick drives off like above, movie ends as above (but without Will). Although I didn't mind that she found a virus-free colony somewhere in the original ending, I think it would be more interesting (and maybe lead into another movie) for her not to have tied up the whole story like that. I suppose they had to though, as Will's blood was needed as the cure, and he can't have died in vain. If it had to be a choice between the two endings, it's a tough one, but maybe the one they didn't use would have been better purely for the fact about the message of Will being the cruel and violent one (even if his cause was just), and setting it up for a sequel. They have to make a sequel, surely. But yeah, do a better job on the mutant cgi. I think they did a very good job on the movements and facial animations etc (definitely scared me), but the textures were too plasticky.

Gary Storm on Mar 6, 2008

156

Although I liked I Am Legend, that ending made it waaaay better. Way better.

Landon on Mar 6, 2008

157

The book concept has the idea that Neville is now the legend in their myth, for he is the minority of reality. But this alternate ending while good has no bearing on that point it just shows that Neville has finally realized he under estimated their intelligence and worth as people and is willing to be the better man and be diplomatic to the creatures. This still has nothing to do with the concept of becoming a legend. Overall in vampire lore, there aren't points where the vampires (being the minority, the legend to humans) stop and go "maybe the humans aren't so bad after all" "maybe I will stop thinking of them as inferior". lol and no where in this alternate ending do they make an references to being or becoming a legend. So while good, this alternate ending doesn't add to the movie nor does it stay more true to the book, we already knew the infected were smarter then Neville assumed, we already knew that the Alpha was coming for his woman (hence that he loved her) the only difference is that Neville doesn't die which is not true to the book and we still don't get an accurate sense of what it means to become a Legend like the book's concept.

Teno on Mar 6, 2008

158

So since there isn't a filmed ending that is exactly like the book, if I had to choose between the theatrical and the alternate, I would choose theatrical. Because this version is happy go lucky everyone wins, Neville doesn't become a legend in any sense whatsoever and from all appearances no one finds a cure either.

Teno on Mar 6, 2008

159

Oh and the last thing, I see a lot of comments saying "this version made me care more" well in either version we know the Alpha male is coming for the female infected, just in the theatrical version he never accomplishes his goal but that doesn't mean he didn't love her. And if the theatrical version made you not care, does that mean you only care if people live? and when Neville dies you don't care? hmmmmmmmm.....

Teno on Mar 6, 2008

160

This ending is marginally better, but the movie is still a crap festival that bears no relation to the book it is supposedly based on.

Skullfuc| on Mar 6, 2008

161

I liked it as it was shown in the theatre and with the alternate ending. But it is irrelevant which ending anyboby likes. The part that didn't make sense to me was Neville getting caught by the vampires. That whole trap stunk. When that dummy appeared out of nowhere on the street, his thought would have been "TTTRRRRAAAPPP". His sense of self preservation suddenly eclipsed by the emotional bond he had with a mannikin? Give me a break. OK, so they copied his trap. They were watching him like a hawk. They might have noticed he always carried a flamestick or boomstick or one of those AK-47s. The vampires might have gone looking for some of those. Do you follow me? One night while Rob is kicking back in the tub with Fido, the Vampires blow into town and start capping all the mannikins they can train their sights on. We get the usual scene where the protagonist starts stuffing every armament known to man in his shorts and bolts out of the house guns blazing. Nev is wasting hundreds of these twitchy fuckers when suddenly the head vampire arrives, grunts up and pulls a Browning out his asscrack. Everybody dies in a blaze of gunfire. The "Hollywood" ending we all know and love. OR..... We could beg Hollywood to apply the "Home Alone" ending to this movie. Robbie gives the bastards whatfor with swinging paintcans, tarpits, bricks, flaming rope and "Snakes" with his lousy cheating on the countdowns. All the vampires get picked up by the cops and Robbies mom and dad finally get back from Paris. I'd let one sneaky vampire bite Buzzs' head off at the end for that last thrill that tells us the whole damn thing ain't never gonna end.

Yeti on Mar 6, 2008

162

That is the ending I wanted to see in the theatre. Just so much better. Wow.

Seth on Mar 6, 2008

163

If they'd wanted an ending like that, they never should've dumbed-down the vampires. There just wasn't enough time devoted to them to make that ending seem plausible to audiences. "Because this version is happy go lucky everyone wins, Neville doesn't become a legend in any sense whatsoever and from all appearances no one finds a cure either." Agree completely. There is no "legend" in this version of the ending. This whole thing just reeks of too many cooks, and it's a shame they wasted yet another opportunity to actually film the book's ending. It would be different if someone could actually come up with something better, but after three attempts, no one has.

James on Mar 6, 2008

164

I agree with what most folks were saying. I loved I Am Legend, and I thought Will Smith was amazing in it, but the ending did not sit well with me. It just didn't seem to follow through with where the rest of the film was going. But THIS ending follows through. I love this ending. Please, WB, release this cut.

Carrie on Mar 6, 2008

165

There is one continuity error with this ending. It shows them DRIVING OUT OF TOWN OVER THE MANHATTAN BRIDGE. Earlier on in the movie, it was clearly indicated, and, in the case of the Brooklyn Bridge, shown, that the Air Force destroyed all of the bridges connected to Manhattan.

Brandon on Mar 6, 2008

166

To be completely honest, this was the ending that I expected to see in the movie. Everyithing pointed to it. It was obvious to me that the head "vampire" was there for the love of the woman stolen from him. I was surprised that Neville never caught on to this, and that they ended the film the way they did.

John on Mar 6, 2008

167

Wrong Teno & James. This new ending shows more clearly why he would be concidered a legend. He's not a legend b/c he found a cure. He's a legend in the infected eyes b/c he has hunted & killed so many of thier kind in broad daylight w'out being hurt. He is the last of a species & they do not understand why he captures & kills them. Like the book say's, & Alex points it out as well, Robert Neville is "legendary" because he is that myth that goes out day after day hunting them.

Sinner on Mar 6, 2008

168

The altered theatrical version was a departure from the book's conclusion, but so was the original (alternate) ending we see here (Neville lives). I do prefer the alternate ending though, as Neville appears to understand his "social de-evolution" as much as the apparent cultural de-evolution of the nocturnal zombie's. The theatrical version misses the book's epilogue of demonstrating the nature of the (de)evolving zombie culture and their view of Neville's predation on their species; the primary head zombie character, his mate, and Neville are wiped out in the final confrontation of the theatrical release. After Neville's final solution, the story or "legend" of human existence cannot be passed on in zombie culture since all were wiped out. The theatrical version deviates from the book in that it is trying to make Neville a "legend" in the surviving human culture. The alternate version shows a somewhat remorseful Neville, but could have been portrayed in a more poignant manner -- Neville's realization of what he had become, and the effect that social de-evolution had on him. The photos on the wall are his works. He might have emotionally broken down against this wall of his work instead of against the isolation chamber. Although Neville doesn't die in the alternate version, the zombies (the relationship between the leader & his mate) could also have been shown to understand what they have become and how they may evolve into a civilization, by realizing Neville's remorseful act. I think the decision to present the theatrical version was made due to the time limits placed on the length of the film, and how much story can be told in the time allotted.

Papers2 on Mar 6, 2008

169

I saw this movie opening day and because of the ending they display in theater I suggested that people not see it because everything they foreshadowed turns into a huge letdown. This is what should have been displayed because it gives the movie its meaning.

Suriel on Mar 6, 2008

170

great frickin ending, loved it , they tied up that movie well.why didnt they used that ending.

Darrin on Mar 6, 2008

171

A slightly better ending, but Neville should still die and still be the ONLY human alive. It's not enough to save an already slow and boring movie, with little to do with the source material.

avoidz on Mar 6, 2008

172

"He is the last of a species & they do not understand why he captures & kills them." The only problem with this is that he is not the "last of a species", as the final scene reveals. This version wants to have the new society of Matheson's story, while also allowing Neville to live happily ever after with the human colony. The whole thing's a little too politically correct for my tastes. As I said, the vampires needed more time for development. There's not enough in that ending for audiences to walk away saying, "Oh, you know what, they now see Neville as a legend because..." They'd get the humanity and evolution aspects, but it would still be pretty weak overall. They should've just stuck with the book's ending, which completely blows away both of these muddled attempts.

James on Mar 6, 2008

173

The theatrical ending could have been improved if it just showed Anna and Ethan looking for other survivors, but you don't know if they find them. It occurred to me that another avenue they could have chosen would have been the captured infected female becomes "cured", but she has torn loyalties and in the end betrays Neville. I would have added a flashback scene showing the last of Neville's human companions getting killed by the infected. In the movie, you never see anyone actually get killed by them, and it would have added to the sense of terror to see what they were actually capable of.

Tommykey on Mar 6, 2008

174

I liked the theatrical ending for the theatrical adaptaton. I haven't read the book and I would like to, but if the original concept was that he was the last man on earth, then what about the woman and the boy? I do agree that he being a legend in the eyes of the "vampires" is genious, but the thing is.... that does not really show during the movie right? Their less than primitive inteligence and them always attacking, never running from him, doesn't really quite make it happen for the real ending. And note that survival and fear are basic instincts.

Fred on Mar 6, 2008

175

Having never read the book and seeing the movie purely because it looked like it would be good, I was a little disappointed with the ending. I actually said "What... thats it, he blows himself up and thats it? WTF". This alternative ending was sooooo much better, it just seemed.....right.

Karen on Mar 6, 2008

176

I liked the way the vampires huddled together in dark. It was sweet.

Yeti on Mar 6, 2008

177

This ending is absolutely fabulous, I can't believe they didn't use it for the original movie!

charles johnson on Mar 6, 2008

178

Thank you SOOO much for letting me see this. I would have wanted to see the movie more than once had it contained this ending. The entire movie was great, don't get me wrong...But the ending just disappointed me like a mUUFuugga. Thanks again.

DaNky on Mar 6, 2008

179

Why are you all referring to them as vampires and zombies??? In the movie they were infected humans who mutated. What were they in the book then?

Gary Storm on Mar 6, 2008

180

btw before I said the cgi textures for the mutants could have been better, but damn! he looks pretty real in that pic at the top of this page.

Gary Storm on Mar 6, 2008

181

As others have stated, the theatrical ending was a huge disappointment. I really wish they had this ending instead.

Zak on Mar 6, 2008

182

This "alternative" ending should definately have been the ending that they released in theaters; I would have told a lot more people to go and see it; rather than saying "It was great, but the ending was kind of lame"...

kat on Mar 6, 2008

183

I told myself before the movie that I wouldn't associate it at all with Matheson's book because I knew I'd be disappointed. I was going to look at the two as seperate creative works. Doing that, I really liked the movie. I still found myself disappointed that they didn't use the ending from the book though. It's one of my favorite endings ever from any type of media and I was really hoping they'd use it. This ending is much, much better than what we saw in the theater. It would have elevated the entire movie (and my review of it) from good to great... well, maybe very good. Either way, this ending kicks ass.

Patrick on Mar 6, 2008

184

Now thats what you call an ending...

Stryker on Mar 6, 2008

185

They were "vampires" in the book, and Neville was figuring out the fact from fiction of their condition. The alternate ending is muddled, like James said in comment 166. But by the end of the movie adaption of the book (it's _based_ on the book) it's too late to inject any notion that the infected are a new society, since they spent the running time making them into videogame baddies with no development whatsoever. I don't count the mannequin scene, because I think it's safe to say the consensus is the movie Neville became delusional and walked into his own trap, rather than the idea of the infected leader copycatting the earlier trap. And where the hell did that bridge come from in the alternate ending? They were blown up!

avoidz on Mar 6, 2008

186

A better ending for the audience maybe, but by Killing off Neville it acts as an ultimate sacrifice for the sake of humanity. The alternate ending totally changes the perspective of things and the 'Good guy is really Bad' role reversal isn't always the ploy that Hollywood buys into. You can now bet that with the publicity this ending will get, will act only to bolster the sales of the DVD "Contains original dramatic ending". The Hollywood machine that owns the, 'Will Smith saves the world' tactic sells theatre tickets and i wouldn't mind betting that's the reason it stayed in.

Mark W on Mar 7, 2008

187

I prefer the alternative ending, much more powerful and thought provoking, but, it would be made so much better if the Woman and Kid hadn't been brought into it. For me, that totally takes away all the gravitas and suggestion that Neville is a 'Legend' among this new race of Vampire-folk.

Paul W on Mar 7, 2008

188

I hated the theatrical ending, I prefer this alternate ending sooo much more. I loved the whole movie, I really loved it, from start to just before the end. Again, I HATED the theatrical end, it almost destroyed the whole movie, I felt like it came from nowhere. Boom, they find his house. Boom, they get inside. Boom, one of "them" is cured by Robert's vaccine. Boom, he sacrifices himself. Boom, there actually is a whole freckin' village of people living somewhere else. Boom, end credits. This end was so much better, period.

Niklas H on Mar 7, 2008

189

The theatrical ending provides proper climatic resolution, this version is just a wash out and I can't believe all the posts supporting it. What's up with all the zombie / vampire sympathizers in this post? On the sentient being scale they're two steps below mass murders and baby rapists, the good doctor was totally justified in his actions. Personally I was hoping he'd whip out the big guns and photon bombs and give 'em a real what for- but no he came across as a total goodie two shoes who never did no wrong (he even returned his video rentals?!). This alt ending just took the 'pansydom' to a whole 'nother level. Why not just make the monsters fluffy pink and foofy cute while we're at it?

Anonymous on Mar 7, 2008

190

I am a big fan of the original book. While a film will never be able to capture all of a books content I was pleased with this version of I am Legend until the end sequence. Warner should have used the one you have posted it makes much more sense and completes this version of the film.

AndyB on Mar 7, 2008

191

Definatly prefer this ending was hoping it was gonna end like this when i was watching the film.

Nicholas Abbott on Mar 7, 2008

192

Not having read the book yet I can`t compare this movie to it but after seeing the movie I do want to read the book,I`m hoping it`s better than the movie. This latest version of the story was I felt weaker than The Omega Man. In that movie the ability of the mutated humans to speak their thoughts about Neville make him more of a legend than in this version. For all it`s faults The Omega Man was a far deeper and better scripted version and the death scene at the end had,for me, far more impact than the theatrical ending of I Am Legend. The mutants in The Omega Man were as pathetic creations as the animalistic creatures in I Am Legend but at least in viewing The Omega Man I didn`t feel like I was watching a pc game. As much as I preferred the alternative ending I feel that having it as the theatrical ending would have added an amount of style and depth that the film didn`t deserve. I hope that they will make another version of the film that lives up to the alternative ending.

damnsuicidalroos on Mar 7, 2008

193

I only read half the comments (haven't got that much time on my hands) so I appologise if this point has already been made but my problem with the theatrical ending was the idiotic subversion of the meaning of 'legend' away from the book. At least this alternative ending doesn't try to give the movie's title some idiotic explanation.

Stevie K on Mar 7, 2008

194

I think this alternate ending falls flat as well.The original falls flat because of the introduction of the woman and child. They were not needed for anything except lazy exposition. But as far as the alternate ending goes... to Neville, the vampires are still infected humans. They are not a new race or society. They act like they do because they are sick from being infected by an incurable disease. They were society being devolved. I think the theatrical ending showed the seeming futility of trying to change a majority that believes one thing when they are exactly another. But back to the movie that was released, if the vampires were just this new society and Neville was the serial killer, why was the survivor camp at the end fenced in? Obviously to protect them from something? I thought the best way to end this movie within the parameters of the introduced set-up was to have the woman and child exist only in his imagination and show his descent into madness. Later we can see civilazation in whatever form it evolved to be and a museum like exhibition of Neville's lab and experiments. Whether it was positive or negative exhibition would be up to the writers.

Ern on Mar 7, 2008

195

However this movie ends, you can't polish a turd.

demiourgos on Mar 7, 2008

196

Never a truer word spoken 😛

avoidz on Mar 7, 2008

197

I haven't read the book but from reading the other feedback I get the basic premis. I enjoyed the moviebut boy did it have its faults! I agree that the female lead turning up in the middle of the movie was played out badly and completely unnecessary, it was like WB telling their paying cinema goers that Will Smith couldn't hold the audiences attention, Which i thought and am sure all will agree that he without doubt could of done for the entirity of the runningtime, as his performanceinthe movie was outstanding. The CG was at its worst was Cartoonish (What did they spend the budget on the Lions??) Anyway to the Ending I do much prefer the alternate ending sticking to the Idea that Robert Neville was the Legend (to this supposed 'Vampire' mutation of the humanrace)which you dont really get a feel for in the theatrical release, rather than a legend to survivors. I think it comes down to WB like many other big Studios believing that the cinemaq going public arent intelligent enough to understand the more complex emotional and existential ideas that the original story (and the alternate ending) explored. TO me the alternate made much more sence to the whole over all feel of the movie.

SimeonD on Mar 7, 2008

198

Much cooler ending. Unfortunately it still has the shameless and jarring product placement of a spotless Ford SUV to finish it.

Norman on Mar 7, 2008

199

Stunning. Beautiful even. And makes so much more sense than the original ending - they set up all the stuff with the trap, hinting that the head zombie/vampire was pursuing the girl who had been taken - and to finally see the pay off is brilliant. Thanks.

S on Mar 7, 2008

200

How on earth did WB consider that ending over this one? This one takes the movie to a whole new level. I also never really understood why they chose to do CG monsters. Real people like they used on 30 Weeks Later would have done a much better job.

Helder from Portugal on Mar 7, 2008

201

I thought the movie was amazing, up until the ending. It killed me that a series of avoidable mistakes eventually led to the demise of the hero. I truly did feel that the theatrical ending ruined the movie for me for more reasons than one. This ending gave me chills when I watched it and I only wish I could've seen it on the big screen because then I would've been walking out with chills instead of the feeling that I just watched a wasted movie!

Nate on Mar 7, 2008

202

Holy cow. What an even FURTHER crap-tacular ending.

Geo on Mar 7, 2008

203

Thanks for this post! I am very happy to see that this ending was filmed, what a much more satisfying end to the movie! The biggest part of this for me is finally understanding why they were so aggressive once he had the girl patient, you would never know or understand that the vampire was his wife, etc. This ties together many of the theatrical scenes and makes the movie come full circle. Much easier to understand and watch this way. I felt a little cheated in the theater, but kind of enjoyed her finding the humanity camp. Then again, the natural questions of if th vampires could scale a 4 story apartment that they could jump over those walls came to mind, and the whole idea of that even being possible with the vampires shown "ability's" seems that much more improbable, and I could not enjoy it. I know, its just a movie right? Its just a person like me like it when a movie is so real, covers all its bases and leaved you informed and satisfied. The bean-counters at WB could care less what ending we saw, as long as we paid to see one or the other unfortunately. No movie produced by a major company is made with the first intention of quality cinema. Its all about the BOTTOM DOLLAR and how much money a movie will make. Good call releasing this WB, I will be buying the DVD now because of it.

Jared G on Mar 7, 2008

204

Thank you very much for sharing this alternate ending. I prefer this one to the official one. In the book, Neville is a legend in the vampire world. The official ending made him a legend for mankind. Stupid, IMHV. At least, he gains respect from the lead vampire in this alternate ending...

Raphaël AJ on Mar 7, 2008

205

This ending is far better than that of the theatrical cut. It brings much more closure to the story and really rounds things off nicely. The theatrical cut hinted at the "Dark seekers" being smart but never followed through. This ending gives them a whole new dynamic and a much clearer motive. Whilst I agree in some respects that they could have taken Neville away for execution, I always felt that aspect of the novel was a mis-step. At the end we're supposed to realise that Robert is the real monster... yet, in lining him up for public execution whilst having absolutely no sympathy for his cause shows THEM to be the monster. It's complete injustice. So I think, all round, had this ending been in place for the theatrical release, this would have been the more satisfying story.

Mobiug on Mar 7, 2008

206

I loved most of the movie. I didn't like so much when they used the butterfly as some kind of "god's signal" of what Will Smith character should do in the end. But in this alternate ending, they use the butterfly-aspect in a more believable way (well, "believable" within the consideration that this is a movie about a post-apocaliptic vampire society... ha!). I think this ending is in some way more attached to the original concept described in Matheson's book: Neville is the "bad guy", not the saviour of mankind, because... what mankind is left to save in that new context? Very cool. I'm looking forward to buy the DVD/Blu-Ray disc/whatever new technology the future brings!

Jorge Leiner on Mar 7, 2008

207

"it's too late to inject any notion that the infected are a new society, since they spent the running time making them into videogame baddies with no development whatsoever" Exactly. The real advantage for this ending is that the Big Bad Studio cut it, so we automatically assume it's an artistic triumph. In reality, this ending probably represents just as many conflicted visions as the theatrical. If they *had* used it, everyone would've complained about them tacking on a happy ending where everyone wins, and that it still wasn't true to the book. I like the idea of Neville finally realizing he can't solve the problem of Ground Zero, and that it may no longer be his place to try. But the film wasted the opportunity to tell that story, and instead chose to represent the vampires as (largely) generic, cgi zombies. A handful of cliched moments doesn't really make up for their lack of development. The actions of both Neville and "Main Vampire Guy" in this ending are simply too abrupt to be believable. It's simply too little, too late...except as a strategy for selling a few more dvds. The theatrical version ruins the "legend" aspect of the book once it reveals that Neville is not the only human on Earth who is immune. Once they made that creative decision, it becomes more logical for him to be a legend to humanity. They robbed the vampires of so much intelligence, the idea of them relating to Neville as a legend becomes a much, much weaker concept.

James on Mar 7, 2008

208

An improvement.

Svlad Cjelli on Mar 7, 2008

209

Wow really liked this. The best thing is its just as bleak as there isn't isn't this big commune with people living there as in this ending they just have to move on but he has to confront the fact that to the big scary monsters he's the big scary monster. Loved it! WB please take note

Gordy on Mar 7, 2008

210

Hello from spain First, sorry for my English I think as you, this end of movie is better than original Hola desde españa Lo primero, lo siento por mi ingles Pienso como usted, este final de pelicula es mejor que el original

J on Mar 7, 2008

211

Much more 'powerful' than the original ending in the movie.

Cockapoopoopeepeeshower on Mar 7, 2008

212

I didn't like the original ending. It was kind of cheesy and didn’t stand in one line with the whole movie. But this “new” ending doesn’t make to feel as a complete either (except for a wall of victim’s pictures of Dr. Neville). All of a sudden they gave so much human personality to vampires? I do understand they were on a path to become more cunning (primal instincts of survival), but not humanly cunning and certainly not so fast. To me the idea of killing the Leader and himself by Doctor Neville is more appealing as the Legend should die to leave in memories. But the ending the movie, I think, should be exactly as in “new” ending: a car on a road with a woman and kid inside and a voice calling for survivors…no hope for hope.

Ilona on Mar 7, 2008

213

Damn, I enjoyed this ending much more. The ending of the theatrical version left both my girlfriend and I disappointed. We both thoroughly enjoyed the movie up until the ending. I really think this should have been the theatrical ending. Thanks for sharing.

Micah on Mar 7, 2008

214

Definately a lot better. So much more depth in the unaired one than the one shown in theatres. The fact that Dr. Neville has realized that he has been killing the creatures and never really examining their actions with one another. I agree, breathtaking is the best way to describe this.

Taylor Hudock on Mar 7, 2008

215

I never read the book but would be in agreement that the theatrical ending was too abrupt. The ending was tied up nice and neat, a bit contrived, and really left me wanting for more. In my opinion, the original (alternative) ending was better. Thanks for posting Michael! I hope WB takes note.

Tamla M. on Mar 7, 2008

216

Very well said Scott! Yes I am another person who read and loved the book. Especially the ending which is fantastic, but I’d like to give my opinion without whining too much about how "it wasn't the book" I still thought this film was quite mediocre I felt that the director was a little lost in approaching his subject matter, and congratulations to the CGI could the vampires have looked worse. Look! I can fit on entire beach ball in my mouth and I’m no longer affected by gravity, or appear to have any bones. This said there were some touching moments where the sheer desolation of his circumstances came through and while this ending doesn’t blow me away (mostly because of that stupid woman) it still so much better than the piece of excrement shown which was yet another flag waving america will never be beaten snore fest. If it had have been kept at least I wouldn’t have left the cinema wanting to purge my mind of it with a red hot knitting needle

Emma on Mar 7, 2008

217

I'm still in awe at that ending. I felt like the only one to see that scene where Neville captures the female...that this was why the male stuck his head into the light. That there was a new evolved sense to these creatures that Neville dismissed. That scene comes full circle with this ending. At first, I thought that the writers completely missed their own story line...but now it makes sense. I would have liked the end credits to have us see some of their travels...finding more survivors...possibly curing others...

John-El on Mar 7, 2008

218

YES! That is exactly what I thought would have happened as I was watching it. The ending in the theater shocked me. And really kinda pissed me off a bit.

TroyJMorris on Mar 7, 2008

219

Oh and no, I never have read the book. It just seemed like the natural progression.

TroyJMorris on Mar 7, 2008

220

I have never read the book, and even so I absolutely loved this new ending. The movie was very good up until the lab scene at the end and it made me feel very "so-so" about the movies as a whole. When I saw this new ending, however, I felt touched.

Tim on Mar 7, 2008

221

I was, shall we say, more than a little angry with the theater ending of this flick when I caught it months ago. If I hadn't been so completely dumbfounded by the complete reversal of the orignal story, I think I would have thrown something at the screen. This ending is much better in that respect; I don't hold 10% of the ire I had for the first ending towards this one. I was downright outraged before. I'm just sort of resigned now. While at least partially restoring the actual MEANING OF THE TITLE that was so inexplicably reversed previously, this is still a rather vapid (though not nearly as much so) reflection on Matheson's work. Instead of a contemplation on the inevitability of the "Other" conflict in human society, and the inability of such dissimilar groups to exist together (thus always driving them to destroy each other) we're told that all monsters are just like us; seeking restoration of the familial unit. A noble message? Maybe. Matheson's story? Not remotely. Plus we keep the anti-science message of the film, and tack a happy ending onto one of the most nihilistic books of classic Sci-Fi. Color me unimpressed.

MCWagner on Mar 7, 2008

222

when I saw the movie I was expecting exactly this, that the vampire really was in love of the vampire-girl that Smith had trapped, and he was seeking her. But that first ending, bad tastely inspired on inmolation (God!, it´s terrible to propose that he turns into a hero by inmolating himself, is almost terror-propagand!) and then the "great" idea was that curation was in his blood!, (what´s so great about it?, he already knew!) and the final scene, that disgusting utopic-post-apocaliptic-lutheran community (notice the white church...) Far better end this alternative one. The detail of the photographs behind Will, all the vampires that he killed for his experiments, is so heavy. Anyway, seems a little unbelivable that the vampires resisted eating him at last... sorry my poor english

Necium on Mar 7, 2008

223

I was truly moved by this ending.... the love, the compasion, and let's not forget forgiveness...this should have been the ending that was released and showed to the movie audience.

Vinnie on Mar 7, 2008

224

I don't understand, why are you so exited from this "happy ending". Behavior of these zombies is not coresponding with the rest of the movie, it's seems more like a cheap emotional trick to me. Even more, there's nobody to be called a legend - everybody survived, everybody's happy (obviously except me). So I'm glad that more darker ending made it to the final cut, this is just good enough to be on DVD in deleted scenes...

Steven on Mar 7, 2008

225

Yup, this is definitely a better version. Too bad, even Warner Bros fuck up sometimes.

Vivien on Mar 7, 2008

226

And LOL for post #192, you are so right!

Vivien on Mar 7, 2008

227

The whole reason I hated this movie was because Will Smith dies at the end but now that I see this ending it would have been way better and I would be looking forward to watching a second film. This could of also run as a Television series just like stargate did.

Amadamia on Mar 7, 2008

228

This is by far the better ending. The ending in the theater made me feel cheated.

Ronnie on Mar 7, 2008

229

Dont you find this movie a little like ....uhm lets see Resident Evil? Which i thought was a much better movie then this ... this movie was sooo bad i think i fell asleep and caught the ending.... And by far this ending was much better.

Jason K on Mar 7, 2008

230

I found this ending way much better than the one in the movies. I strongly believed that there is always hope at the end of the tunnel and this ending encourages faith and hope.

Victor on Mar 7, 2008

231

altho i like this ending, i prefer the one they showed in the cinema. because he dies, it give us that human emotion of a happy sad kind. a real tug at our heart strings, through out the film it is pretty much just him, we become attached to him and there for when he dies to save man kind, we find this more moving. a marter (not sure on spelling) is a better hero than an alive one in most stories. even tho most people seem to like this ending, and it is a good alternative ending. i prefer the cinema released ending.

sikes MW on Mar 7, 2008

232

to me the first ending was way better than this one it had a better jump to this i dont know how to explain this esacly but the feeling that i derived from the first ending was more powerful than the one i got from the second i know at the end it just goes down to the individual and which one he prefers best.

edward on Mar 7, 2008

233

This was definitely a much better ending. I can see why WB changed it though because people don't want to think of the 'hero' as actually being the 'monster'. They wen't with the big explosion and the selfless saviour routine instead because they know the lowest common denominator of movie watchers understand explosions and heroes. I would love for this one to be the proper ending on the DVD though if I could choose.

cybrpunk on Mar 7, 2008

234

WB if you are reading this, fire whoever replaced this ending with the one that was used theatrically. The alternate ending is MUCH better than the one theatrically.

lazycat on Mar 7, 2008

235

def a better ending.

cldoode on Mar 7, 2008

236

Boy did they screw up... And to think they want to make a sequel... "I am still Legend".. ANOTHER DUMB STUDIO MOVE

terra-rizing on Mar 7, 2008

237

HOLY CRAP WAS THAT ONE BETTER!!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!! I LOVED this movie, all except for the ending; this really makes a difference. I WILL say that I liked his dying at the end, but this made the WHOLE MOVIE make so much more sense; the way the leader zompire behaved. In the theatre, it made no sense b/c they didn't justify it. THANK YOU!!!!!

Bones Rodriguez on Mar 7, 2008

238

Agree 100% this should have been the theatrical ending.

Johanna on Mar 7, 2008

239

I too did not like the ending in the theatre version, it was too abrupt, this one is sooooooooo much better!! Thanks for sharing!!!!

Contessa on Mar 7, 2008

240

That was a better ending 4shore but the whole movie was out of wack. There wasnt anough fighting and no real survival action. It was pretty much just Neval going mad and having a bitty party for him self. They could of made a realy great movie with the money spent. Maybe they should of listern to the die hard fans of the book insted of making a pile of shit.

maker11 on Mar 7, 2008

241

I did like the original ending, but that was... Wow. Just 'wow'.

whazat on Mar 7, 2008

242

wow thatsz crazy

indya on Mar 7, 2008

243

Ah Come On!! This alternate ending is amazing. The "religious" cinema version/ending was so bad it nearly ruined the whole movie for me. I am so glad I saw this

Simon Fleming on Mar 7, 2008

244

It was nice how everyone lived, women love happy endings. I prefer realistic ones. This ending is not a legendary ending for those who did not read the book. Your average viewer would have left the theater wondering why the title is I Am Legend. In order become a legend one must die. It was easier to leave movie goers with a legend who died for the cure so that humanity could go on and tell the legendary story of Neville. In the movie, he could not become legend to a bunch of vampires who had a total of about 10 to 15 minutes of screen time to develop their character.

Frank on Mar 7, 2008

245

Well after watching the film and thinking it was rubbish then reading the book and realisng the whole I AM LEGEND thing I have come to the conclusion that this ending did not fit the thetrical film. It may have fit the film if there were other bits in the earlier parts of the film to dictate that the infected where inteligent and had a society. The film for me started as a pyschological drama and then turned into a Video game. Great for kids and your average viewer but I dislike stuff like that immensly. The theatrical ending fitted the theatrical feature. Maybe the alternate ending may have fitted the true film before it was edited into a piece of mindless tosh. Who knows maybe it could have been a good film maybe it would have made less money maybe maybe ... Maybe it will all be on the DVD but i should imagine they will dedicate most of it to how they created the infected using CGI for the Fanboys.

Eve on Mar 7, 2008

246

Again, most of you still do not know why he is called a legend! It is not b/c he finds a cure! He is viewed as a legend from the infected! It's the reverse of the old "us (scared shi!less) against the vampires (legends)" story's. In their eyes, he is legendary b/c he is hunting & killing them. This new ending makes more sense b/c when the lead vampire / infected person looks @ all the pics of fellow infected that have been accidentally killed, Neville realizes how they view him; a monster...a killer...a legend.

Sinner on Mar 7, 2008

247

YEA DEFINITLEY I COULDNT AGREE MORE, THE ENDING IN THE THEATRICAL VERSION DID SORT OF RUIN THE WHOLE FLOW OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND LEFT US OFF ON AN INCOMPLETE SORT OF BASE. THIS ENDING, EVEN THOUGH IT DOES APPEAR SORT OF INCOMPLETE SOMEHOW OVERCOMES THAT OBSTACLE BY ADDING ANOTHER DIMENSION TO THE ENTIRE CONCEPT OF THE MOVIE.

smokie on Mar 7, 2008

248

Hmmm, after watching that "happy ending", I didn't like it as much. The whole point of the movie was for him to be a "legend". I understand his name was "Legend", but come on. There would've been no subconscious meaning behind the name to begin with. Besides, the way it played out is what Shakespeare would call "a tragedy". I think if he did survive that ordeal, and ended up getting the girl and driving off in a nice SUV with smiles and sun shine, it would've been just another "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" summer flick. I think the fact that he died, proved to make him a "true hero" and a "legend" at that. He made the ultimate sacrifice and for that he deserved the medal of honor. Otherwise, all he gets is a purple heart. Overall though, the movie wasn't that great to begin with. It had its moments, but not enough for me to put it on a scale with films like Gladiator, 300, or even 28 Days Later. And we all know where these raging mutant humans concept derived from right? Yeh, it was the last film I mentioned.

ToVo on Mar 7, 2008

249

This ending is wayyyy better...it makes more sense but I guess this ending clip will be a myth, a legend to some of us.

J on Mar 7, 2008

250

This movie would have been great just by sticking 2 the book, the reverse legend idea is a very original idea as far as hollywood goes... that being said the idea that them killing him making the alternate version less impacting because it would imply a lack of humanity in the form of ruthlessness doesn't quite register because it is an irony of the retaining of not only obvious and positive human characteristics, but also that of the mob mentality, as was seen during witch hunts and also in the direction of vampire hunters too which causes unnecessary death. in short, i believe in order to preserve a powerful storyline, Will Smith should have to die by the book if he was to die at all.

Joel on Mar 7, 2008

251

Didn't read the book. Normally I do, and i usually prefer the book over the movie. I decided to see the movie, then read the book. I will read it soon. Anyway, I really enjoyed the movie. I like the fact that Neville dies and becomes a legend for all of humanity in the future. The savior of life as you and I know it. I'm really not sure how I would of felt about the alternate ending had i seen it instead. I think it would not have been as satisfying, because it was kind of anticlimactic. Also Eve made a good point; that alternate ending didn't fit the film as well as the one i saw at the movies. I didn't really like the look of the vampires, but they were pretty intense. Great action sequences too. Gotta say best movie i saw this year. And I think i'll like the book too! 🙂

Doomsday on Mar 7, 2008

252

TBH, both endings are ok. I personally prefer the one in theatres. This one was ok as well, but I was happier with the theatrical one.

lol on Mar 7, 2008

253

It's a far more interesting idea for Neville to be the "legend" to the new society of creatures than the same-old cheesy "savior of humanity" ending. The book got it right; the movie just doesn't get it.

avoidz on Mar 7, 2008

254

I prefer this ending to what ended up in the theatrical release. It manages to tie up a few loose ends that bothered me. Neville's incorrect assumptions about the creatures were briefly touched on a few times, but I was disappointed that it didn't delve deeper into it (lack of humanity, etc). Even with this more appropriate ending, I still think I Am Legend is extremely flawed - especially the last half. By no means, is it a terrible film, but a lot of potential was wasted.

John D. on Mar 8, 2008

255

its too bad thats not the original ending i saw because i would have been alot more satisfied with it

josh on Mar 8, 2008

256

I rated this movie a 72% when I first saw it in the theater. I watched it again a few days ago and walked out even more dissatisfied with the third-act turn the plot takes. This ending would have been worth at LEAST an extra 15-20% on my rating scale. Very cool.

Jared on Mar 8, 2008

257

No doubt ... this is how the movie's ending should have been done and not the other way around. I trully don't know why they didn't keep this one. This movie was a true piece of art. However, by watching the original ending, I was not happy because a hero should remain alive in the story. True, in some stories the hero could die and beomce a martyr. But I preffer this new ending. It represents peace, a reward for someone's true believe in accomplishing something while hope is almost gone, a challenging decision from the hero when his woman was trying to make up his mind to stay behind the safety door and not to face the enemies, a loving ending clear and simple. Too bad it was not the original ending .....it would have been the best movie 2007-2008. Ohh well... Decision making should be critical like they say.

Jamal O on Mar 8, 2008

258

That made so much more sense. Everything that didn't sit right about the other ending is ... well, okay with this one. Much, much better.

Eri on Mar 8, 2008

259

WOW! That ending was so much better! I would have seen that at least 5 times in the theater if they used that ending! But because they used the other ending I only paid to see it once. WB could have made a lot more money!

Kendall on Mar 8, 2008

260

oh yeah, this ending is much better. i was amazed at wide streaks of wonderful suspense and storytelling, but really wondered where that central picture from the trailer had been cut out... It all makes sense now. The conventional ending is a bit like "war of the worlds", with the chucrch bells tolling about god´s mercy. (I´m atheist, so I don´t find that all that thrilling.) With this ending, the movie really makes sense.

3v4d3 on Mar 8, 2008

261

i loved the movie till the vampires attack the lab.. but killing neville frustrated me... after seeing it the whole movie gets bugged... but if dey had used this one, people have surely loved it... i love dis ending.. atleast in DVD they shud use this climax rather than the previous one...

DK on Mar 8, 2008

262

I have to say, I loved the theatrical ending, but I probably prefer this ending as it is at least closer to the concept from the book, which I unfortunately never read, but have heard much about. I also like that this ending is a bit more open to interpretation because it ends wtih the 3 of them searching for survivors, not with the definate finding of survivors, it still leaves some mystery to it... This should have been the theatrical ending.

Chris G. on Mar 8, 2008

263

I loved this new ending, I must say that the theatrical ending didn't make me happy, I felt like it was missing something, now I know what it was... Greetings from Chile and thanks for showing this alternate ending

Diego on Mar 8, 2008

264

This was what would have made that movie a lot better. The ending they used was terrible and totally ruined the movie for me. They still should have gone with an ending closer to the actual books though. The movie execs still managed to mess with this movie in various places like introducing the counter hunt and the whole religion element... which made this film less than it should have been. It would be like if they made a movie out of Cormac McCarthy's "THE ROAD" and instead of the ending that he had written, or one that was thematically similiar, they opted to end the movie with the man and the boy finding a McD's selling hamburgers. It wouldn't make any sense unless you are a happy head member of the Idiocracy.

Sean Tobin on Mar 8, 2008

265

I read the book years ago and liked it very much. I have also seen the original movie and the first remake with Charlton Heston. I believe, had WB left the alternative ending in place, this version would have been the most powerful. I certainly would have left the theater with a much more positive feeling about the end. As it was, I left scratching my head (as is often the case with movies) wondering what they were thinking. No worries. It's just a movie and I liked it. Sean's comparison to McCarthy's "The Road" is spot on. Now that "No Country for Old Men" won all those awards, it's likely that "The Road" will become a movie as well. We can pretty much take it to the bank that the moron execs in Hollywood will screw up the ending. Too bad. It's a great story.

Wayne on Mar 8, 2008

266

WHOA. THAT WAS FANTASTIC!!!! That ending was soooooo much better than the theatrical release version. I, too, thought the movie was good up until the ending. It wasn't bad, it was just... unsatisfying. This ending is spectacular, scary, exhilirating, unexpected, thrilling, shocking, and yes downright COOL. WB, if you're reading this, RE-RELEASE the movie in a limited theatrical run. You know, just for 2 weeks in the major cities at first. I WILL PAY MONEY TO SEE IT... AND SUPPORT IT. And I guarantee you, others will, too.

BASSROCKER on Mar 8, 2008

267

I read the book in a day and finished it minutes before watching the movie. I really enjoyed the movie until the end, which was "not enough". This ending is much much better than the movie one, it is at least related to the "legend" concept of Richard Matheson. Wouldn't this ending be better for "I am legend 2" with Will Smith? 🙂

Deniz ARIKAN on Mar 8, 2008

268

Much better! I did not actually like the film that much, the gammy cgi scuppered it for me visually and I thought the plot was as subtle as a brick to the face. This ending, however, has at least remedied the latter and boosted the film overall. Now the question is why this was not in the original...

The Great Bastard on Mar 8, 2008

269

Sorry, the CGI monsters in this are so bad, no alternate ending even matters, and this "new" ending is not better anyway. It flies in the face of absolutely everything that comes before. The movie establishes from the first frame that Neville is alone and shattered and suicidal and that the monsters (not vampires) are souless killing machines, and that's why the movie ended the way it did. To have the monsters suddenly appear sensative and loving, and to have Neville live, or even want to live, is the exact opposite of everything that went before and makes no sense. This film, because of the terrible CGI of the monsters and the relatively boring, predicitable pacing of the entire film, makes it one of the worst of the year. This film will soon be forgotten and will not hold up as time goes by and the only reason it's even still around (DVD) is because it made so much money. You fan boys will watch anything the Hollywood money pit throws at you; really sad.

nick r on Mar 8, 2008

270

I have never read the book, but i find this final better. i ask too, Why wasn´t this the original end?

rodrigo on Mar 8, 2008

271

I think this ending is a lot better than the theatrical version because it isn't just the typical Hollywood and-the-day-is-saved ending. It seems that every single movie these days has to end all happy and everything is back to normal. This ending is a lot more realistic. And makes much more sense - Much more fitting.

Winter on Mar 8, 2008

272

the origanal ending for I AM LEGEND doesn't download anymore that 16% and is rather frustrating.

Joe on Mar 8, 2008

273

This ending is simply amazing, better and better than the original one. While the original gave me a sense of claustrofobya out of the cinema cause of the dead of Neville and a point of view a little bit pessimistic, this ending totally satisfy me and i think gave to the audience a true sense of optimism, and it' s what hope is about... sorry if i made some mistake with my english but i' m better in italian...

Francesco on Mar 8, 2008

274

Dude, why didn't they use this. I hate how people can change a movie and ruin it. I was so disappointed by the ending they used. It just dropped off and did that cliche: "He sacrificed himself to make life better for others" thing. Matheson's ending was so profound and unexpected and this ending actually gets at that. It's not the book, but at least it uses the concept.

Alex on Mar 8, 2008

275

Personally I didn't like the theatrical ending at all. I loved the movie sooo much, but then it got to the idea that "God" told her that there were survivors in this place, and Neville dies suddenly believing that she could be right, it just completely threw me off. Here's this great science fiction movie, and it ends far too religiously for me. I liked it when the only unrealistic thing you had to accept were the vampire-zombies and everyone being dead. I like this ending a lot better. It explains more, and actually shows what was implied to begin with, that the creatures actually were self-aware and, in a way, intelligent; forming connections and communication with each other. And while it didn't so much upset me that he died, just the way it happened bugged me, so I do like this one better, but not just because he lives. Anyway. For whatever reason, I prefer this one.

Rainy on Mar 8, 2008

276

I would have been more satisified with this ending instead of the original.

Tracey on Mar 8, 2008

277

I had never heard of the book before seeing the movie, but I was excited to go see it because it looked like an interesting movie. When I walked out of the theater, it was with much disappointment. The ending didn't feel right to me, it felt almost disjointed with the rest of the movie. Throughout the whole movie, he thought that the monsters had lost everything that had made them human. The alternate ending proved that wrong, making the movie and the monsters much more realistic. It showed another side of them which brought the movie from being flat and the vampires from being 2-D to being much more complex and interesting. People and creatures aren't just one thing, they can change and have different emotions, the alternate ending showed that. If they had used this ending instead, the movie would have been so much better and I might have actually enjoyed it and recommended it to friends.

SummerSunshine on Mar 8, 2008

278

I thought that this ending was interesting, it was more interesting than the original. However, I do not prefer this ending over the original. I don't think that the "book argument" is even valid because I don't believe that one can even compare the movie to the book. The book is so different that I could potentially argue several changes that I would have made if and only if I were trying to make the movie an exact replica of the book. Obviously that wasn't the goal. I like the book and the movie equally. I'm sure I would like the book and all the other movies that have been inspired by Matheson's "I am Legend" equally. I'm sure each one has its differences. It personally dissatisfies me when a movie unrealistically ends in happiness. I'm sorry. It almost seems rather cheesy. Either way, both endings probably would have "disappointed" me in a sense that ...Yeah, I would have liked to see more of the outside world, maybe all the answers for the audience, maybe a conclusion to how the cure worked. Unfortunately film makers don't have all of eternity to finish off every last detail to satisfy their audience. I can only assume that film-makers leave these details to the audience's imagination. I'm not a film-maker but I were, I would expect my audience to trust the final decision. Not very many people may know specifically what the reasons are behind why the ending was chosen, or wasn't chosen, but I feel like I can make an educated guess. If my opinion isn't obvious to a particular, then I don't think summarizing it will be of any hope either. Unfortunately, those of us that are on this forum don't have the capability to decide whether to add the idea of pretty clouds, happy sunshines, and glittering rainbows or the realistic (in this case) idea of death and destruction. In both endings the film-makers' idea of hope is still exemplified. I appreciate both endings' illustrations, but I think I prefer the original ending the most. This is my comment. Not my condemnation.

Shaula on Mar 8, 2008

279

I have my own copy of the dvd. Is there any way i can swap this ending with the other? you know like tape over it? that would be sweet.

maker11 on Mar 8, 2008

280

Oh. Was this movie based on a novel? I thought it was a sequel of the Residence Evil videogames and movies. Let's be serious. The alternate ending may fit with the book, but it doesn't fit at all with the movie. They are all brainless monsters because infected by a virus (like resident Evil indeed) and in the new ending the girl is the fiancee of the leader? What? There is even a leader? Nonsense. The movie is wrong since the beginning and the new ending would make it even worse. Yeah, the Hollywood hero that stays alive and conquers the faith of the zombies. Happy ending and all stuff like that. And guess what? Now WB will make even moooore moneyin DVDs because of the alternate ending. Call them stupid.

Michelasso on Mar 8, 2008

281

I've never read the book, but did see the movie. This ending ways much more sense to me...for pretty much all of the same reasons already stated above.

Carie on Mar 8, 2008

282

This ending was much better. Leavse open for a second movie

al on Mar 8, 2008

283

The original ending in theaters was really disappointing, and YES, this ending is absolutely better.

Junghyun on Mar 8, 2008

284

I think this was a hundred times better than the theatrical version. Throughout the movie I was wondering why Neville was never catching on that the "Vampires" were starting to become or at least act more human. This leaves far fewer loose ends. And I prefer Neville not dying.

Kris on Mar 8, 2008

285

I really liked it. It would've done nicer as the primary ending. Consider this my two cents.

spatnatz on Mar 8, 2008

286

the original ending sucked. i told any1 who asked about it that the movie was great except for the last 5 minutes. this one is way better. especially cuz the whole movie hinted that the girl he captures was the lead zombie's wife, but this one actually ties it up at the end and shows that it really is his wife.

jim on Mar 8, 2008

287

I think that this ending was better by far, but as for the scary factor it killed it. It fits much better with the movie, but WB was right in that certain people would rather see something scary than something heartfelt.

stacey on Mar 8, 2008

288

I also liked this ending very much. I like the fact that he goes to Vermont. Although, I find it a bit hard to believe that the vampires wouldn't just jump on him. Anyways, this ending made me think a lot more than the original one. I would have preferred to see this one in the theater for sure. thanks for sharing this! That was awesome!

Miguel on Mar 8, 2008

289

I don't know, I really did like that version, but it seemed sort of far-fetched. I think the concept of keeping the altered humans in an aggressive state is pretty important because we see them as the enemy. If we perceive them to have human emotions (aside from the attachment the male has to the female) we become to sympathetic to our "enemy". I liked both versions. I felt satisfied with both really. But for theatrical release, I would have left with Neville's abrupt death. While you may think the theatrical ending sucks, the worst part of the movie was when his dog caught the bug. :*(

Dave on Mar 9, 2008

290

its an all right ending but theres no need to get your panties in a bunch and try to "prove Warner Brothers wrong." What good will that do? I think the original ending (the one that appeared in theaters) makes more sense for the film adaptation because it was an epic movie. Therefore, it made more sense for Will Smith's character to have a heroic death as opposed to the alternate ending where he lives happily ever after.

mike on Mar 9, 2008

291

I went to watch this movie without any idea what it was about, frankly. I enjoyed it. And liked it even more because well, for a change, the main character dies. I was duly entertained, and a completely empty Manhattan was eeriely well done. You glimpse the enormity of the loss, because everything is quiet. Going by the comments as I have not read the book, I have to agree that an amalgation of the theatrical ending and the alternate ending would have worked better (this ending, while showing the remnants of humanity in the infected humans, and while powerful, had a too fluffy ending, despite the 'I am a monster to the monsters' realization - and yes I echo 'how did the woman get in with the kid and how did they supposedly leave question. A good amalgation might have been to have Neville get the blood, give it to the girl, and then take out the infected woman to the rest of the infected. Cue soft fluffy scene with the infected's leader and the girl tying up the budding cultural/intelligence development the movie built with Neville looking at the wall with the pictures of the infected he'd experimented on, realizing what he's become... a horrific legendary monster to a primitive intelligence. then, the leader giving the others the go ahead to kill Neville - regardless of whatever else you think, you DO establish that humans are food for the infected. That's when Neville blows them all up to kingdom come with a grenade he had stashed in his pocket - because this ending had me go "WTF why are you going out there? Unarmed?" This alternate ending seemed unrealistic in that he was, while bracing to be attacked and eaten, also counting that he would be allowed to move around provided he moved slowly and non-threateningly. Then the girl and the boy leave, with the blood, broadcasting their last message, with some scrapes and bandaged up wounds to show, leaving the audience guessing - and the ending open-ended as to whether or not they found other people still alive. And Neville dies, as legends are supposed to. That's just my two cents.

cutelildrow on Mar 9, 2008

292

I liked this end, too..

Matu on Mar 9, 2008

293

"The hero should remain alive at the end", the most used reason why people say they prefer the alternate ending. In other words what you wanted was teen oriented feel good popcorn fodder, cure the world, get the girl, ride off into the sunset. Strange also that those fluffing the alternate so much are comparing it to the books ending, when the alternate ending is the exact opposite of the ethos of the original book, whereas the theatrical ending is the spirit of it, as it was in Omega Man and I Am Legend. All i see from the comments here are a bunch of kind, in mind even if not in body that cannot take a film that doesn't give them a rosy glow, Disney provide movies for folks with that mindset...

Mark on Mar 9, 2008

294

Actually I like this ending much more because I thought this is the way the film should end. I thought (knew) that the butterfly is an important sign from the beginning. In the end, when the vampire leader was breaking the security glass, hesitated for a while, then I thought it will end like this. But suddenly he started again and we all remember the "cheap" grenade ending. This is much more better and explains lot of the main concept. After this, I'm wondering what will be I'm Legend 2 about.

Vodny on Mar 9, 2008

295

of course i prefer this ending jonni - italy

jonni on Mar 9, 2008

296

I knew it! there HAD to be some sort of relationship between the lead vampire and his lady friend, from the way he was acting in the movie. I hated the original ending, this one is wonderful!

emmeline on Mar 9, 2008

297

yea this ending's much nicer ! .. tho i sorta wish it was a combination of the two if u know what i mean? like him finding the cure at the same time that he realises the vampire was just after the lady vampire ... then again, that wld be a perfect ending for a perfect world (which we aren't part of btw) lol. but yea, theatrical ending def got me frustrated..

nash on Mar 9, 2008

298

So much better than the theatrical ending, which ruined an otherwise good movie.

Brad on Mar 9, 2008

299

much better than the theatrical ending. three thumbs up. change it.

cptmoney on Mar 9, 2008

300

Much, much better. I would have left the theater happy about spending my money, as opposed to the pathetic ending of the first version. This ending is worth at least a half star.

Devon Shaw on Mar 9, 2008

301

MUCH better than the original, unity of setting and all!

Elizabeth on Mar 9, 2008

302

I loved this ending. i also felt completely let down with the other ending. the trace of humanity shown was so moving. i prefer this ending above and beyond the one used

Eileen on Mar 9, 2008

303

I had not read the book and I did not get the same insight as other posters about the ending. I would have been puzzled by this ending had I seen in in a theater. That said, now that I understand the book and the "legend" better- this would have made a better ending. It would have required more... explanation in the movie though. When you read the book first, you don't realize how much more you can "get" in the movie than those who have not read it.

Heather on Mar 9, 2008

304

So, I've never read the book, and haven't seen the movie since opening day. It took me a minute to realize what i had watched, but after it all came together (and a little help with your explanation) I feel like this defiantly should have been the theatrical ending. I agree that the end in the theaters was quite abrupt, it felt like a cop-out. I invested 2 hours into this guy, only to have him clash with his vampire equivalent in a yin-yang style confrontation? I walked away wondering why any of the scenes in his lab were important at all. Why do we care that he's trying to cure them if he just ends up fighting them in the end? I wanted to see an epic movie that turned into every other action vampire blockbuster. Don't get me wrong, I still loved the movie, and now with this alternate ending, I think I will be watching this movie for years, instead of buying the dvd and watching it every once in a while. Thank you for pointing this out in advance, you have pushed this to a "buy upon release" title for me instead of "buy when I notice its finally out." WB should realize that we might actually understand an ending like this, or maybe it would raise conversations of people's interpretations. God forbid we leave a movie saying something other than "I liked it" or "I want my $10 back."

Kyle on Mar 9, 2008

305

Incredible. Like most others, I found the original ending terribly disappointing. This ending made much more sense, and really played out better than the "hey, let's just blow the joint up" ending.

Barry on Mar 9, 2008

306

"DIDN'T THEY BLOW UP THE BRIDGE THOUGH?!?!" Isn't there more than one bridge into Manhattan?

Doug on Mar 9, 2008

307

The ultimate ending was much better than the original, I don't know how WB messed up what could have been a decent movie. The fact that the infected show signs of intelligence earlier in the movie when they capture Neville's dog, suggests that at some point in the plot there will be some form of communication between Neville and the infected. But to no avail, WB instead of taking advantage of this critical element decided to instead do all the talking with a grenade. If I wanted sub par plots and explosions, I would have rented Rambo. I am banning WB for a while because of this, cause there is no way they will give me my money back or fix the ending that they ruined by selling it on a special edition DVD.

Andrew on Mar 9, 2008

308

In that last comment please replace the word "ultimate" with alternate....I am such an idiot, you think that I could at least use the right words if I am going to bitch.

Andrew on Mar 9, 2008

309

Color me underwhelmed by this ending. I don't care if it's more faithful to the book, it's very cheesy and schmaltzy.

Samir on Mar 9, 2008

310

Of the two endings, they both have their cheesy side but at the same time there is still a very deep meaning to both. In the first Neville sacrificed himself to allow Emma and Ethan to escape without being followed because at some level he had done what he wanted to do, fix the disease (problem), which he did or had atleast started to. This alternate ending allows the audience to understand even better than *spoiler* the trap idea near the end of the movie did, that the "vampires" as the author called them are not your mere zombies, they are still human, they still have a number of instincts and emotions that we do, the difference is the "disease" is all. Both endings are well done but I would have preferred to have seen this alternate ending in theaters rather than the theatrical one.

Josh H on Mar 9, 2008

311

This film is CRAP... no matter what ending it has.

JPV on Mar 9, 2008

312

I love the alternate ending. I was not happy with the original ending and was so frustrated I had to read something on the internet. I am glad I found this website and the alternate ending with explanation. It makes more sence on why the zombies where so smart and wanted him so bad.

Robert on Mar 9, 2008

313

I knew that the moment the creature jumped out into the sun light after Robert captured the female creature, that it had something to do with the leader caring for the captured creature (and even though when Robert was voice recording the behavior he said that all traces of humanity were gone. . . I was expecting him to say that he found it peculiar that the leader would jump out into sun light and risk death for one of their own and show signs of intelligence) This alternate ending makes much more sense but from reading the comments above, I guess there is even more hidden things in the book. That will be for sure one of my books to read very soon. Thanks for posting the alternate ending. I kinda seemed cheesy that they would just leave him alone in his basement after getting the female creature back, but at the same time i was expecting that the creature leader would speak some sort of cave-man English and show that they were intelligent. The actual ending is horrible IMHO because of the heroic antics and that she makes it to the supposed village of uninfected people. . . Great movie either way! Too bad Sam died *tear*.

Carlos A. Valle on Mar 9, 2008

314

i haven't read the book, but i thought the ending that was shown in theatres was not good at all... this ending was much better! as in the film i could see (or at least i thought i could see, which i see now i could see, (thats quite a sentence Bradley!)) that the lead vampire was somehow, wanting... to, well, do something other than just get in their and kill them. i was thinking perhaps he was understanding what Robert was saying about how he could help him/cure him - but now of course that he wanted his wife:P

Bradley on Mar 9, 2008

315

i really love this ending, but i see why they left it out. i think most moviegoers wouldn't have understood it. without really thinking about the ideas and the concepts the film and story are based on, which most people who go to see action movies, or movies of any kind, aren't going to do, it wouldn't have made sense. without a voiceover epxlaining what it means for that to happen, and for him to look at all the photos, i think it would have been confusing, because in movies the humans are always the good guys and the monsters are always the bad guys and anything else isn't going to fl unless explicitly explained. however, i do really love it and prefer it to the original.

Genevieve on Mar 9, 2008

316

Well I think this ending sucked, thank you for putting it out for us to see but if you think about it all it shows us is that these guys love and care for each other and they just wanna be left alone and that will smith is the bad guy, wellllll isn't that a little hyprocritical considering that they are the reason that the rest of the people who did survive died? So I think this ending sucked for that reason. It was cool how he came in contact with them like that but throughout the whole movie it focused on these monsters being so violent and so aggressive and now at the end they are all giving hugs and kisses and Ol will is the bad guy when he has been just trying to find a cure to bring these guys back to human form. I mean come on, the only guy in new york city and when he is done watching a dvd he returns it and rents another one how bad do you think he is?

code9d on Mar 9, 2008

317

This ending made so much more sense. The elaborate trap to kill Neville's dog, etc., all created a story arc that this "vampire" simply wanted his girl back (I mean, DUH). The fact that a brilliant scientist couldn't deduct it and believed them to have no semblance to human nature/communities was absurd. Had this ending been in the theatrical version, I might not have wanted my money back upon leaving the theater. There was such an opportunity to touch on the paradigms of Other (us vs. them), social constructs, etc. It just seemed as if the producers dumbed it down to the lowest common denominator. Which, of course, given the rampant idiocy out there, is probably why it was such a blockbuster. Thanks for providing this!

Demandra on Mar 9, 2008

318

This movie was complete and utter shit. I read the book 2 weeks before the movie came out because a friend of mine told me about the release of the movie, and let me tell you, the movie 'I am Legend' and the book have nothing to do with each other. Robert was a hard drinking, chain smokin, vampire killing, Badass. Sorry to spoil the ending of the book, but lets just say the women in the movie should have actually been a vampire, the end vampires should have kicked the shit out of Robert and he should have died a horrible tortured death as he realized he was the last man on the planet, a Legend if you will, to th rest of the beings on the planet. There wasn't even an explanation of how the vampires really worked; the significance of why a cross works against a "vampire," why sunlight kills them, why stakes work but not bullets. This movie should have been SO much more than it was. And seriously?...why Bob Marley throughout the entire film. I should have been on the edge of my seat throughout the whole damn thing, not relaxing thinking the world was going to be ok. This movie needed more grit. All the people that liked this movie are mindless idiots that probably think the "Da Vinci Code," was not only a good book but a great movie. Tip: if you really want to watch a good movie, watch Citizen Kane, the Bicycle Thief or the 10 Commandments (and not just cause its Easter or because you're in the NRA). Watch the movie, PAY ATTENTION to why the director/DP shoots scenes, and pull you heads out of your collective asses. FAIL.

Quinn on Mar 9, 2008

319

Brilliant ending. I really liked the movie up until the end. The alternate ending would have been more satisfying.

Loved It on Mar 9, 2008

320

Please, you people need to find a good science fiction film to adore, this film is utter nonsense, boring and unimaginative. Just watch Aftermath Population Zero now playing on the National Geographic channel if you want to know WHY I Am Legend is a bore. The world suddenly without man would be a nightmarish disaster but for this film, Neville's world was, well, kind of mellow, a few weeds, an occasional lion, come on, watch the Nat Geo show and you will see the amazing complexity and catastrophic consequences of a world without man. You people need to read the classics of science fiction and use your imagination, then you need to go to Hollywood and make significant cutting edge ORIGINAL films because this is not one. If you are 10 and you love this film, that's understandable, but if you are an adult, you need to grow up.

nick r on Mar 9, 2008

321

I don't understand. Why didn't they use this ending? It is so much better than the one they used? BTW didn't they blow all the bridges up? I only saw the movie once, so I could be wrong.

autumn on Mar 9, 2008

322

This ending is so much better. It makes me not feel robbed. I hated the ending of the movie so much. I think that the original ending of the movie caused so many contradictions in the rest of the plot that it made me hate its existence. This ending makes me love the movie all over again. Mainly because the whole time watching the final scene I was thinking "Just give them the girl!!!" Now it happened

Lindsay on Mar 9, 2008

323

Hey Scott (#11) why don't you tell us what you really think...

Yaya on Mar 9, 2008

324

I think this ending is better than the theatrical one, even though in general, I didn't think the movie was not very good. Great VFX, CGI, and acting (the vampires looked all the same). Also, I thought the movie was too short, I remember getting out of the movie theater wanting more of the story.

Yaya on Mar 9, 2008

325

I'm incredibly impressed by this. I thought I saw some promise when we saw the male freaking out early on, his reaching out for her and getting burned hinted at an ending like this. It was just left dangling with the theatrical release. This ending is so much better.

Kaira on Mar 10, 2008

326

I am one of the few that actually liked the theatrical ending more - maybe because I have never read the book and therefore am not watching the film with particular expectations. In the movie it was made clear that the "vampires" have un-evolved back to primitive beings. Therefore the alternate ending doesnt make sense because here is a vampire trying to get back their "loved one" where they can have a nice tender moment for all you bleeding hearts - it just doesn't gel with the rest of the film. The theatrical ending is more consistent with the theme that the vampires can't be reasoned with and therefore only something final like blowing them up will finish them off. Oh - plus I am sick to death of touchy feely endings where the hero always survives and lives happily ever after. Hollywood needs to kill off the hero more often!

Sirotilk on Mar 10, 2008

327

it's much better, when I watched the movie the first time I had this impression that the end looked so so bad! and the entire movie was short! I'm so sorry they didn't use this end, hopefully they will put this end on the dvd version!... we'll see ikkio

ikkio on Mar 10, 2008

328

to tell the truth i wouldn't liked this ending too much, i mean this is too rosy to be a legendary ending, the idea of the the film is not to see human side of the vampires, the idea is to see how great Dr. Neville really is fighting them, trying to stay alive, having a family with 2, 3 kids is not my idea of how this should end, mb it is just me, but i liked the other ending better. anyway, both ending is cook i guess and i would have liked it anyway.

Joy on Mar 10, 2008

329

This is the real ending, not the choosen one! Hoping in a director's cut version.

alessio on Mar 10, 2008

330

I absolutely agree - the theatrical ending was simply disappointing.

vincenzo on Mar 10, 2008

331

Personally I would not have minded, as comment 288 pointed out a mixed ending. I would have liked to see Neville give the woman the blood, and then bring the vampire woman out to the Alpha vampire, then when the vampires are gone he'd send the woman away, and we'd see her driving away broadcasting the message. Then it cuts back to Neville staring at the wall of pictures of vampires he killed, then he would shoot himself in the head and it would end.

Tucker on Mar 10, 2008

332

I complitely agree, this ending is much more better than the theatrical one. Especially because the theatrical one doesn't make me feel any emotions and hoping for the future and sensations of communication between the Nevillle and the lead vampire...and in my opinion the "men legend" must survive and establish a sort of respect between them...

Silvia on Mar 10, 2008

333

I would have liked to see vampire flashbacks. For instance, the vampire patient the Neville almost "cured" could have flashbacked as she was getting back to being human. She could have flashbacked to her illness and turning vampire, during which maybe she kills and eats her own baby. As she is being cured she remembers what she did, and dozens of other deprications, and begs Neville to kill her, or let her stay a vampire, rather than return to being human and tortured by memories of what she did.

Brendan on Mar 10, 2008

334

I think that both endings don't match Matheson's novel. However I prefer the theatrical ending. Patrizia, on Mar 10, 2008.

Patrizia on Mar 10, 2008

335

Loved the new endin! I found the theatrical one dry and it left you with a bad taste in ur mouth. The original one portrays vampires as capable of loving and feeling. This was truly amazing. It also portrays Neville as finally realising that he does not listen in more ways than one! A cruel reminder of how he perhaps should have listened to his wife years back. Great to see this version since I hated the ending of the theatrical one!

Lynsey on Mar 10, 2008

336

I have never read the book so this is my interpretation. They should used this ending. The other left me "Just There". Neville had a cure and nothing is permanent. I didn't like the fact that after all those years, the ending made Neville a "quitter". He could have device a plan to cure all of the mutants. [ a lease giving us a glimpse of hope] I had no clue why the lead vampire was so pissed off at Neville. I thought it was because Neville was the "last human" and he was hunting them. Who would have thought that this "PASSIONATE ANGER" was that he wanted to retrieve his love one. TWO THUMBS UP FOR THE ORIGINAL ENDING! and remember if a "NOVEL" is "GREAT" and someone decides to turn it into a "MOVIE", there is a 50/50 chance the movie will fall from grace.

Lacee621 on Mar 10, 2008

337

First off, great post. I'm a huge fan of the movie & I'm currently reading the book now. I do have to say that I disagree w/ you about the alternate ending being better though. In my opinion the version we saw in theaters was way better. Why, well for a few reasons. First. Not everything has to be like its original (In this case, why make it like the book. That story has been told why revisit it, I welcome a refreshing new look on things). Secondly, Will's character giving up the girl to the head Hive creature makes no sense if she has the cure in her. They'd (the Hive) reject her & possibly kill her once she's fully healed, not to mention her rejection/fear of them. Another thing that didn't make sense was when the head Hive stopped to wipe his hands on the glass (& paused), ......at what point was it established that these things weren't beasts anymore. Although I know they were once human I don't buy the sudden surge of emotional intelligence. That takes away from the fact that Neville was ALONE fearing for his life against a world of incoherent MONSTERS (it just seems less dangerous/adventurous all of a sudden,). This type of communication between Neville & the Hive is too much like spoon feeding the audience (why not accept that this man is in a lonely struggle but "is" working his way out via his lab studies, not that the he & the beast sympathizes for each other). Having the moment when the monster couple cuddled was too Hollywood typical. I'm a fan of love & all, but why must it be in everything (movie)...it didn't fit the format what so ever. Not having Neville die in the alternate ruined it for me (whether he did in the book or not....haven't gotten there yet) because it crushes his true legend. Living legends are good, but we all know dead legends are more glamorous. Again, I do want to say that this was a great post & I'm glad you still did like the theatrical release of the movie, but to me this alternate ending was just too....easy.

Tony Stark on Mar 10, 2008

338

Much much better ending. It was like the movie went through all the extra trouble to show you that the zombies had a civilized/intelligent side to them (even if Legend didn't see it) and then they just throw it all out to give an overly dramatized ending with Legend killing himself (which was totally unnecessary). The original ending is so much more effective at getting the point across that Legend is the "bad guy", not the necessarily the zombies (which seems to be the original intent of the whole plot). My wife and I excitedly went to see the movie and loved it, until it ended. We drove the whole way home cursing ourselves for wasting 20 bucks to see such a dumb movie. If this had been the ending we saw, that would've been frikkin awesome and we'd have recommended it to all our friends. Instead, we told them not to waste their money. Watch it on Redbox or better yet, wait till it comes to TV.

Christian on Mar 10, 2008

339

This was a slightly better ending. There should be a third variant. But since there isn't then back to the second. The second is missing some scenes. Between the scene where they cut from the underground lab to the above ground daytime shot there needs to be about 5-10 minutes of more footage to blend/smooth it out. There could actually be a real final climax in there as well but otherwise this ending is also lacking.

Cyborg264 on Mar 10, 2008

340

Like you, once his Dog died I thought the film suffered in quality. I haven't read the book, but I thought it was obvious the head vampire was concerned with his woman from the scene where he almost came out in sunlight, and I couldn't believe that Smith's character kept saying they were devoid of eeling considering what he had witnessed... I assumed he was going to realise they were there for the woman at the end - when it just descended into hollywood 'blow everything up' ending it was the last straw for me. While I still think the film needed more work from the point his dog died, this ending would have been much better than the one shown.

frankp on Mar 10, 2008

341

Sorry but no... I disagree. Robert Neville has to die at the end of this story, otherwise it should really have been called "I am living-legend". It's been a while since I read it, but, to me, the concept that Matheson was trying to get across is that we are so self-righteous that even if (in the case of Neville) there was only one human on the planet, his right to survive would superceed any other creature's (i.e. the infected). The execution of Neville in the book is key, and I would have loved to see something similar. I enjoyed the Lawrence adaptation, but always felt that the ending was a let down. I don't think this alternative is particularly enkeeping with the rest of the story though. The idea of absolute loss of human emotion is introduced during the story (by Neville); all that is left of the infected, is the necessity to survive. I agree with some previous posts that a mix-ending may have been best. In short, Neville must die, and preferably not by his own hand!

RJ on Mar 10, 2008

342

Thanks for sharing this mate, not seen the film and was really up for it until I heard it didn't follow the book. I saw the trailer when it was first out and prompted me to read the book. For such a short book I thought it was amazing and was really looking forward to seeing the film until I found out what the ending was. If I knew it was this ending then I would of went to see it and gladly given my money. I still prefere the book and would of been a die hard supporter if it followed it. This may of convinced me to buy the DVD.

Adamski on Mar 10, 2008

343

absolutely loved this alternative ending. so much better than the one shown in theaters :]

Katie on Mar 10, 2008

344

This ending was lame - HOW do those ravening beasts not kill him? It came out of nowhere. Theatrical ending was far better.

Matt on Mar 10, 2008

345

I think this endig makes more sense than the other one respect to the continuity of the movie (head monster braves the sun, neville comments about it but thinks they are still animals, they set him up thus showing they are intelligent...) and I was kinda expecting the love between monsters to come out at the end...but it's also true that this ending doesn't make sense because the monsters should tear him to pieces so I agree with comment 288..thx 4 the post btw

d on Mar 10, 2008

346

makes me want to reed the book now and makes me appreciate this movie more

corbin on Mar 10, 2008

347

Agreed. I prefer this ending. It suits the movie title.

Adrian on Mar 10, 2008

348

*comment removed due to offensive material*

I am Roberto on Mar 10, 2008

349

Hmmm, pretty good. But not very emotional for me. Indeed, I felt Neville's sacrifice was more emotional in the original ending. Personally, I don't care what the creatures percieve Neville as, because they no longer care. It's apparant that their only reason for living, is to feed. Neville should be a legend to the survivors, as it is his voice that leads Anna to him, and eventually saves the world(we are lead to assume.) This is a good substitute, but not as good as the original ending.

Joshua Cookingham on Mar 10, 2008

350

Profound is the word. The feeling I get with this ending, just says hey. No matter how different we may seem, even monsterous.....at the end of the day we all understand want Love. And we all not matter who or what we are will fight for it. That is the connetion, for all of us. This film should have had the alternate ending.....they blew an opportunity here....

Eric D on Mar 10, 2008

351

So, did a roomful of people watch both of these and unanimously choose the worst ending to put into the theaters? This alternate was a wonderful ending. The movie ending was awful. It was a borderline Rambo-style ending for the character.

Mike Kutha on Mar 10, 2008

352

much better ending, why kill off the one trying to save us all ot leaves a blank and bleak message about society and our expectations for survival in any situation that is challenging. thank you for showing me this.

anthony k on Mar 10, 2008

353

I love the book and I think this alternative ending is much, much better than the "original" one. I wish this was the version out in the theaters and not that crappy one...

KastaRules on Mar 10, 2008

354

I read and really liked the book and this should have been the ending they went with. This ending turns the movie from a good to great movie in my opinion.

ZacH Licht on Mar 10, 2008

355

That was great. When I saw this movie, I was disappointed that they did not even explain the whole concept of the book/movie title. The whole idea that he was a legend for finding the cure is totally off-tangent with the book that I read the book again just to feel better. This ending is better suited to the book, but Neville was supposed to die by the hands of the vampires for them to achieve their own justice.

Yurs on Mar 10, 2008

356

I wish they would have followed the book exactly. This ending was better than what was shown, but the movie was still...very lacking. On a side note: The bridge was blown up earlier, so how the hell did they drive away?

Cobra on Mar 10, 2008

357

I very much rather this ending than the one in the theatical version. First off for the simple fact that the theatrical version didnt keep up with the "connection" the lead vampire had with the female vampire. It showed a glimpse of how the lead vampire felt after Neville captured her, but didnt follow through enough to be sure of it. This ending showed the actual feelings of it all and how they felt towards Robert Neville. Its ironic that him trying to fix his mistake was a mistake all along. Crazy. The relationship with him and Sam was just all too real and amazing. I LOVED the fact that it wasnt one of those "hero falls in love with girl, live happily ever after" The love for the female actress in this movie was his best friend and companion sam. And believe me, i cried when he had to let her go.

Celeste on Mar 10, 2008

358

I prefer the theater ending... sorry.

Eduardo on Mar 10, 2008

359

Hoy crap! I never read the book, but that was an ENDING, not just an end to the movie, like they actually showed. This would have been SO much better.

Clay on Mar 10, 2008

360

it was way better then the cinema version.

som on Mar 11, 2008

361

OMG i loved this ending. i personally loved the movie, and would of preferred the ending. Rather than the dam film companines also made it taht he "found" the cure on the same date and time as september 11. also all the bridges were destroyed...... just thought you would like to know

WilSZN on Mar 11, 2008

362

A very good article Alex and thanks for sharing the alternate ending. I watched the theatrical version last night and even with no prior knowledge of Richard Matheson's book the ending did feel a bit like a cop out. The alternative seemed to 'fit' so much better. Watching the movie I did wonder about the idea of a zombie/vampire/whatever 'society' but the theatrical version obviously didn't go down that road. Thanks again.

Richard on Mar 11, 2008

363

LOL, the vampire zombies obviously rebuilt the bridge at night when Wiill Smith was sleeping (that was the sound you heard while he was sleeping in the tub) construction, not the soulless moan of the thousands of mutant vampire zombies... just to let you know

Kevin on Mar 11, 2008

364

Oh and this ending was WAY BETTER, I felt it gave much more feeling to the movie, and I LOVE that they didn't show some survivor colony surrounded by some 12 foot wall that the vampires just couldn't seem to climb/ was too cold to go out and find, which is crap because last February in Manhattan I freezed my ass of in 15 degree weather. Thanks for posting the clip!!!!!

Kevin on Mar 11, 2008

365

Still a real shit film, a total waste of time!!!

Billy on Mar 11, 2008

366

This ending makes this film strong and a story with a message i cant understand why WB thought their ending was better.

Brent on Mar 11, 2008

367

I have not read the novel, but the theatrical ending, looking at I am Legend from a zombie-like survival movie point of view, was a complete let down. When the movie started I was excited to see a new take on the genre, which usually follows an average person during the zombie/monster take-over. I am Legend shows what happens long after humans are nearly all gone, from the perspective of someone who knows how to survive. The original ending seems to fit much better, and it's interesting that he is still alive at the end. His survival implies that, at the end of an epidemic, those immune to whatever happened will proceed with their now-somewhat-different lives separate from those infected/affected. I'm not sure if that would be accurate, but it's interesting to think about.

Alexander D on Mar 11, 2008

368

I've read the book, and watched the movie. This ending is astonishing, the books ending is different. WB made a huge mistake by killing Robert

Ozan Keskin on Mar 11, 2008

369

It'd be cool if they used real people as zombies in the movie instead of the TERRIBLE CG atrocities that made the final cut (the effects studio responsible for these crimes should be ashamed of themselves). Actually, the fact that they didn't (use real people) is another reason on top of many as to why this was one of the biggest steaming piles of shit ever pushed out by Hollywood. See what happens when they get a good story? They dress it up with Will Smith in a Mustang (how the fuck was that car spotless) and proceed to shit all over any sort of artistic integrity the original author possessed.

Jake Tracker on Mar 11, 2008

370

Thank you so much for posting this. I enjoyed every moment of the movie up until the final ten minutes where I found myself disappointed. Having never read the book I never grasped the true meaning behind the 'legend' aspect of the title. I have felt uncomfortable with the released ending ever since I saw it but after watching this ending I am much more satisfied in having the the a chapter of the story be complete. WB chose the wrong ending.

Bryce Carter on Mar 11, 2008

371

I don't like the new ending...and I wasn't crazy about the original either. In this new one it's appears like, "Hey, the zombies aren't that bad, and Will Smith gets to live!" I've never read the book, and they appear to be zombies, and one glance at the wall by Will Smith doesn't make me understand..."Wait, Neville is the bad guy!" You have to understand from the point of view of a person who's never read the book that Will Smith has been built up as a good guy for 2 hours. If you expect a person to figure that out from one glance to the wall, when they're geared mentally towards an action flick, good luck with that. This alternate ending only makes sense if you've read the book and I would guess less than 10 percent of the people who saw the movie read the book. Of course, the original theatrical ending was crap too. I knew she was going to find the village. Can't send people out of the theater without a happy ending. Can't have a gray area for them to fill in the blanks. The book ending sounds pretty kick ass, but it would never happen in the modern cinema. Hell, I was shocked they killed off the main character in the theater ending...how will they get a sequel?

whitemale_98 on Mar 11, 2008

372

By the way, in my opinion, the only way to get people to understand a twist ending is to hit them in the face with all the subtlety of a frying pan to the face. To serve man...you don't understand...it's a cook book!

whitemale_98 on Mar 11, 2008

373

WOW. What a joke of an ending. Seeing how many people though prefer it to the original, I can see why they went with the original one instead. Sorry folks, but just because you have been fed sappy happy ending after happy ending for pretty much every movie put out by Hollywood doesn't mean that when they decide to actually kill off the protagonist is a mistake on part of the studio. Looking at this alternate one and watching Will Smith try to play all hurt and remorseful was like a kick in the nuts. What crap! Oh yeah, gotta laugh at the people who say "WB Made a mistake!!!!!". Yeah, as if you'd know, you peons.

AlexB on Mar 11, 2008

374

Alex, you are so true! I saw I AM LEGEND together with a friend and my brother, and at the ending we all had the same reaction: "Great movie; though being sort of a vampire-movie it was still very original, fantastic acting by Will Smith (as always), the right atmosphere, great psychological stuff in it (the way Neville is being shown as extremely lonely)... actually we thought this almost was a perfect movie. There was only one thing we just couldn't really get somehow. The ending simply didn't seem to feel right. It wasn't a bad ending or something, it was quite surprising actually. It was extreme also. So it wasn't bad after all. But like I said, somehow it just didn't feel right. Now I've seen the alternative ending... and the funny thing is: THIS was the kind of ending we all were expecting. In many cases, a movie IS great when the plot is so extremely surprising as the original ending was. But with I AM LEGEND, we were not only expecting the alternative ending. We were also hoping for it, and we all thought it would've been the better ending. Anyways, I think you'll get my point by now 😉 I completely agree with you! greetings, Bart Holwerda

Bart on Mar 11, 2008

375

WOW!!!! Great 🙂 I'd but this on Blueray 🙂 The original ending was kina week and a letdown Thanks for posting this Phillip.

Count0nz on Mar 11, 2008

376

Now that I've seen this true ending I am thoroughly disgusted with the change. It bothered me the first time that I saw it and this ending only solidifies that WB needs to wake up. It's not always about large bangs to complete the ending to a movie. Sometimes following the natural progression of a story line doesn't call for it. SHAME ON YOU WB!

alw101373 on Mar 11, 2008

377

1. these things shouldnt have feelings. 2. if he were to make it out alive, he wouldnt be a legend, he'd be a hero and eventually forgotten, then turned into a folk tale. therefore, even though the movie was shit, the ended was upgraded.

eincross on Mar 11, 2008

378

1. these things shouldnt have feelings. 2. if he were to make it out alive, he wouldnt be a legend, he'd be a hero and eventually forgotten, then turned into a folk tale. therefore, even though the movie was shit, the ended was upgraded. #2

eincross on Mar 11, 2008

379

I much prefer this ending.

Maureen Smith on Mar 11, 2008

380

I Loved this alternate ending

IcedNyior on Mar 11, 2008

381

This ending was better than the theatrical. I could stand to watch the whole movie again knowing this was coming rather than the putrid garbage at the end of the theatrical release. Its still nowhere near as good as the novels ending. I wish film makers and studios would start staying a bit more true to stories that have dark endings rather than making them "happy" so the mindless masses will pay the ticket price.

Daniel Hathaway on Mar 12, 2008

382

I'm sorry but I'm glad this ending wasn't used. Quite frankly, I think it's fuckin' retarded. All of a sudden this crazy, infected vampire is a caring human being that growls? Gimme a break. And in terms of being a "powerful ending," the theatrical wasn't THAT much of one, but this one is far less than even that. It's not powerful at all. It's a Hollywood happy ending that frankly makes less sense than the theatrical ending.

Tom on Mar 12, 2008

383

This ending is much better, this should have been the theatrical release's ending. Much more thought provoking then Neville simply blowing himself up. Although it does raise further questions for me as to how much humanity the other vampires have, do they also retain any shred of humanity left themselves for wanting to protect their loved ones (if they have any).. or if they are simply drones willing to throw themselves mindlessly in harms way under their leaders bidding, which was the way it seemed throughout the entire movie. This ending still wasn't perfect though as per usual Hollywood still cannot seem to offer any other alternate then endings then that which are 'happy'.

Random User on Mar 12, 2008

384

I must say you are correct in my eyes. I loved this movie, except the last 10 minutes. I couldn,t put my finger on what I didn't like other than it just didn't seem right. I got a version that was supposed to be the alternate and wasn't so this morning I decided to read about it when I found this blog "thank god!" I really enjoyed this ending and think that I can now say theres nothing I didn't like about this version. Thank you.

tshannon on Mar 12, 2008

385

I'd have prefered it if he'd shot the lead vamp then jumped in the garbage chute and blown the lab up , its what i'd have done!

Steven on Mar 12, 2008

386

superior ending, much more thought provoking. A films always successful when u are still thinking about it later, which I certainly wasn't with the original end though now with the factor of Smith being in the wrong, it was a whole lot more interesting

Nk on Mar 12, 2008

387

This ending sucked just like the movie....

Andy on Mar 12, 2008

388

IT's perfect

davide on Mar 12, 2008

389

I haven't read the book at all, though I may hunt it down now. My brother was the one that recommended the film to me, and he mentioned having some issues with the ending. I am pretty sure he was unaware of the alternate ending, just as I was. Having watched the original ending I have to agree that it would have made a much better end to the movie. I think it gave a little more explanation to why the vampire creatures had followed them back, and it just seemed to work so much better.

CatK on Mar 12, 2008

390

I much prefer the alternate ending to the theatrical one. I really don't believe that a character ought to die just for the sake of having a dramatic climax to a movie. The idea of Neville being a legend to the vampires is dramatic enough in itself. But then again people are so shallow nowadays. Tsk.

Andrea on Mar 12, 2008

391

Here's the facts the way I see it. I liked the alt ending better, it fit the movie well, but still wasn't as good as the novel. I read the book years before there was even mention of a movie. I loved it, and was just about sick when I discovered that a movie remake was being made with Will Smith of all people playin Neville. I like Smithie quite a lot, but he doesn't fit the character at all- there is nothing generic and ambiguous about him at all. Anyway, the film wasn't as bad as I expected, it had a few good ideas thrown in there and was quite entertaining- but the special effects destroyed half of it, and the ending was a joke. This alternate ending is certainly an improvement, it feels like much more of a conclusion- ending one conflict and leaving it open as to what happens next. Some who haven't read the book TOTALLY do not understand what it's all about, or what actually happens in the conclusion of the novel. Book spoilers here. The ending for those who want to read it, I'm doing this out of (controlled 😉 ) anger at the people who clearly think the book is based on the movie. Basically, Neville spots the first person he has seen in 5 years or somewhat. He grabs her an basically 'naps her, because he hasn't had human contact in quite a while. Then, a bit later, he grabs her wrist and some of her tan rubs off on him. He realises that she is in fact a Vampire, adapted to living in sunlight, with all this special chemical business. She is, in fact a Special Forces/ Secret Service member of some sort, a kind of spy who has been sent to infiltrate his household. In fact it turns out that a whole wee society of vampires has grown up elsewhere, totally civilised, and the legend of him killing hundreds of their numbers has been passed along, possibly cross-country- YES Vampires can actually talk, it's clear some people who haven't read the book do not understand this. After discovering the woman is a Vampire, a bunch of Vampires in SWAT gear burst in, killing a number of the other Vampires (who are like animals in their eyes) and nab Neville. In the conclusion, Neville is being held in a prison, waiting for execution- just like any death penalty in America or anywhere else- because he has killed so many (the alt ending seemed to get this right in the movie adaptation, but it was a bit more sentimental/ less deadly), and the woman he saw before comes along and gives him some pills so that he dies peacefully before they execute him. He realises the way perception of the legend has been twisted, and that he is now a Legend himself. The last line being: "I Am Legend."

The Shed on Mar 12, 2008

392

The fact that anyone could claim this is even close to the book makes my brain hurt. If you actually read it, you would be aware that Neville had no such understanding with the vampires after he freed one of them. Nor did he even come close to surviving. Not to mention that he was the last known human alive in the book. There was not a hidden colony in the forests of New Hampshire somewhere. The original theatrical ending at least kills Neville off, if in a somewhat more dramatic fashion. The whole idea of the colony does more to ruin the ending of that movie than anything else. This alternate ending is even worse.

White Shadow on Mar 12, 2008

393

99% of you have no place to debate the quality of the ending when you haven't read the book. Read it. The ending would have been better if it was done the same way as the book. They missed the boat on this one. Although I understand moving the story into a city rather than a suburb, the entire movie was inaccurate from start to finish. Both endings are awful. The author of this article isn't brilliant either. Rather than show support for an alternate ending, someone should let Warner Brothers know that this "interpretation" as Billington so cleverly put it, is barely even similar to the book because they literally rewrote the whole thing. The only constants I saw were that there was a guy still alive and killing vampires, vampires, and a dog. DIAF.

Esteban D on Mar 12, 2008

394

From day one I had a problem with the ending theatrical version of the movie. It did not seem complete, nor in tune with the whole movie itself. This alternate ending seem more plausible and in keeping with the whole tenor of the movie. I agree, it still does not do justice to the book, but, at least it put a better cap to the movie than the one in the screened version.

Locksley on Mar 12, 2008

395

Awesome. I wish that had been the original ending.

Damon on Mar 12, 2008

396

This alternate ending sucks. I liked the "unhollywood" way the main character dies. Although i think the original concept of the book is good, the way the vampires are portrayed in this movie makes the alternate ending very unbelieveble. Those bloodthursty vampires suddenly turning into a couple of lovebirds... Its just riridiculus. Sorry...

koen on Mar 12, 2008

397

This ending was much better. Thanks.

ed on Mar 12, 2008

398

Definitively a better ending!!!

RB on Mar 12, 2008

399

didn't like the ending in the theater, loved this ending... end of my story!

scotcho on Mar 12, 2008

400

I thought this was a way better ending to the film than the original. Actually this was probably the original and then the studios skrewed it up. This new ending brings a different light to Nevilles character and really brings out an aspect of the film that wasnt aluded to in the theatrical ending. The "Vampires" ,if you can really call them that, actually never lost their humanity it just eveolved as did their bodies to the virus. Neville was actually a causual factor in the whole mess and in this new ending turns out to be the antagonizer instead of the hero looking for the cure. He dose however find the cure. which brings up other interesting questions. When I saw thsi in theaters I was dissappointed by the last ten minutes only and thought to myself why did that women and the kid show up for no reason. I didnt make any since. This is a classic example of why Hollywood Studios get involved and ruin a movie by trying to appeal to to wide an audience. Look. This movie was well done it had good acting and I thought that Will Smiths acting was strong regardless of the lack of character development. This new ending was right on except for the happy ending. I know it goes against the books story and the film but I think Neville should have turned into a vampire in the end to show that just as the vampires had eveolved so did the virus. The women and kid should never have been involved in the first place. They were stale characters anyway and brought nothing to the story line in my opinion. Thanks for the new ending it really changed my opinion about the film and I may even buy the DVD now. It makes you wonder what other great stuff was left on the cutting room floor.

JayWok on Mar 12, 2008

401

I really don't understand why they didn't go with this ending. The one shown in the theaters wasn't really bad, but all of the build up with the main vampire being obviously "emotionally-attached" in some way to the girl doesn't pan out very well in the original ending. In my opinion, the alternate makes much more sense and actually challenges our view of what it means to be "life-deserving". I would not have purchased this movie with the theater ending...it's just lacking something.

BT on Mar 12, 2008

402

4 sure a better way to end this tale. Isometines think that movie makers are focusing too much on awesome computer generated graphics and forget to tell a good story. The theater version was good-but I much prefer this ending. As an added bonus the alternate ending could have sparked a sequil!!!

mrturdstirer on Mar 12, 2008

403

Well that truly was amazing it really did make me a bit upset! I think that should definately have been on the movie or even put on the DVD as an extra when it comes out. I am a HUGE Will Smith fan and i think that he has done very well in this film. But that ending was absolutley....well im just speechless. Thanks for showing it XD

Sophie on Mar 12, 2008

404

This ending by far topped the charts for me! The theatrical ending was thr ruining part of a movie that I was really lookng forward to see! If this ending was in I would have bought the gone to watch it again and recommended my friends.

Baden on Mar 12, 2008

405

this was the goods, however there is should be no lady and child, and freshprince should die at ends

anonymouse on Mar 12, 2008

406

A huge improvement! This ending leaves you with a feeling of hope. Considering it ties along closer to concepts in the book, i feel as though this is the ending that should be the one associated with the film. DON'T BE FOOLS Warner Bros! Seriously!

Zach on Mar 12, 2008

407

Never did like the ending in the theater and was confused because in previews you see neville and the head vamp face to face...this is THE ending, much more what I expected and it storylines the book better. I hated the act that there was some village and humans were slowly gathering back together. Takes the LEGEND part out of the whole story

Ryan on Mar 12, 2008

408

This was far better than the ending showed in cinemas! I would have been able to wholeheartedly recommend the film with an ending like this. As it was, the last few minutes overshadowed the rest of the film for me. I wish it had been shown with this scene instead.

Rachel on Mar 12, 2008

409

Wait, are you suggesting that Warner Brothers -- The WB, fer crying out loud! -- might have made a . . . mistake in going with the bang-up ending? P-shaw! These are EXPERTS! How dare you second guess them. Blah, blah, blah. WITH THAT ENDING, the movie swings, baby. Absolutely fantastic. AND it clears up a mystery: once upon a PR time, there was talk amongst the WB boffins of how they are looking to the the Disney / PotC thang with everything with their initials on it and spin Neville into a multi-part hero. Heck, with THAT set up (the no-see-um version, that is), it coulda gone James Bond-like. Or, uh, original Planet of the Apes-esque. Hmmm . . . Or . . . right! Genius! Gangway for Success! A Cavemen-like spin-off (http://imdb.com/title/tt0981216/) for TV: Dash Mihok & Joanna Numata in "The Honeymooners Redux." Or it just coulda been Ms. Numata siting around for a half-an-hour. That'd been pretty watchable, too.

E "Eddy"Edwards on Mar 12, 2008

410

Way way way better ending. Thanks for posting!

Jason on Mar 12, 2008

411

I really liked both endings. But I like the original ending better, because the good guy can't always win. But, I liked both endings.

JoeMama on Mar 12, 2008

412

I haven't read the book but I HATED the ending of the movie nonetheless. I think the emotions between the lead characters were portrayed well enough in the film to use the alternate ending. THIS ENDING IS SO MUCH BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!! It brings so much more to the movie...it is unbelievable.

Rachel on Mar 12, 2008

413

This was a real happy ending but I like the theatrical ending better. It makes you feel the sorrow and agony the hero had to experience all alone. This feeling would vanish it was a happy ending. Anyway, with either ending the movie was very good.

V on Mar 12, 2008

414

I did prefer this ending to the theatrical one much in the same way I would prefer a swift bullet to the head over a slow death by drowning. Bottom line: the means are easier to take but the final product still sucks. The movie completely missed the entire point of the book. I cannot emphasize this enough. The ENTIRE POINT of the book was obliterated by Hollywood. Imagine that. Basically, I say if any of you haven't seen this movie yet go rent it (because it is decent for the most part) but turn it off with 10 minutes to go. Better yet, save some money and borrow the book from the library. The last paragraph of that book is enough to blow your mind.

John on Mar 12, 2008

415

I love this ending so much more than the one the studio selected. The humanity of it is so touching. We need violence to feel satisfied.

kim on Mar 12, 2008

416

I am legend, the movie not the book, was to me a movie about a man and his dog. Nothing more. Therefore once the dog dies the movie should have ended. But it keeps going, and goes downhill fast. Atleast with this ending you relate the concept of his love for the dog with these two people though.

David on Mar 12, 2008

417

I liked this ending better overall, but Neville still should have died. The book's whole purpose was to show how Neville was the legend to the vampires, much like they are to us. When I first saw the movie, I thought Anna was going to be the evolved vampire and lure Neville into his capture. It was changed for this, fine. Perhaps Neville could have sent them away and he stayed behind to attempt more research, and that is when the vampires could execute him. This ending was closer to the fantastic ending of the book, but it still could have been better.

Steve on Mar 12, 2008

418

This ending shits all over the original. I loved the movie up until the chick saved him...... gay Then the end just absolutely killed the movie for me and i left the cinema very disappointed. It wasn't until a watched it for the second time that i began to appreciate the film, but this ending capped it off for me and would by far be preferred ending.

Aaron on Mar 12, 2008

419

both endings are horrible...

qtarantino on Mar 12, 2008

420

Man.. this alternate ending is SOOOO much better than the one they released! I also was one of the people that just loved the movie until the woman arrived. I mean it was still good, but it did feel too "hollywood"... especially how her char ended up being with the whole "you're not alone" sappy bullshit. I've never read the book so don't know how it's 'supposed' to actually be so my commenting is only about the movie.

LisaL on Mar 12, 2008

421

The sheer stupidity of the original article and most of the prior comments has driven me to post... For the record, there are about to be spoilers: I have seen only a few that got it right earlier in their comments. The whole point of the book was that in the end, Robert Neville was the "legend." The one that was now different, and no longer fit into the society. This is not addressed AT ALL by either ending. We have the one where he dies (which is at least right), but then there's an entire colony of people thriving, and fighting back. So far off I'm not even going there. Or, we can choose the ending that Neville survives in (WHAT!?) because the vampires that have been going after him the entire time decide that the love interest? of the main vampire is now more important than their animalistic instincts. Had the rest of the movie actually followed the book a little better this actually would have been tolerable. In the book the vampires were split into 2 distinct groups, the more pure ones, that were actually intelligent, and even talked to Neville (with words, not just growls and nasty looks), and the wild ones, that were even hunted by the first group. The intelligent (book) vampires might have been capable of such an act; allowing Neville to live in return for one their own back. But not the movie vampires. Not once did they show such intelligence. How anyone could say that the new ending is closer to the original is beyond me? They're both so far from the original that their difference in negligible. Now that I've gotten most of the rant out of my system (I could easily write a lot more about why both endings sucked in comparison to the book) I will say that the movie was enjoyable at points as just a stand alone movie, but not as "I Am Legend." And if anything I prefer the theatrical ending, because they do not suddenly change the dynamics of the vampires, and Neville still dies. It's rare to actually see a movie that allows the main protagonist to die in the end.

AndyLand on Mar 12, 2008

422

Wow. This is terrible. Not this ending, but rather how incredibly stupid the producers were to do this. When I saw the film, so much was pointing toward an ending like this. Then they change the ending, BUT leave in the things that point to this humanity in the creatures, wtf? Even worse, with Neville's comments on how, what is really an act of humanity, the venturing into the light for the girl, is an indication of a complete loss of humanity. It is just so stupid when they try to change one element at the end of production, and end up with a film that contradicts itself in so many ways. I woo loved the film up until the last 20-30 min. Largely because they all lead to the ending we saw. Were it to lead to an ending like this one, the film would have been so much better. Not just for a better ending, but because it keeps the rest of the film together within itself. This one change at the end that they made unravels so much already set up in the film. So much set up, and then just abandoned so they could do a different ending. If you're gonna change the ending like that, you can't abandon all else you put into it without changing it to be appropriate.

GDW on Mar 12, 2008

423

I've never read the book. But as I was watching the last few minutes, I was actually expecting something like the alternate ending. The theatrical ending was abrupt, unexpected. We want our heroes to live, and we want our legends to actually be legendary. The alternate ending provided both. Thanks!

Ramon Antonio on Mar 12, 2008

424

Much better ending. The theatrical ending was hollow, but this actually offers some emotion. Let the studio know they messed it up and the concept from the book, which is probably why they chose it in the first place, was right.

BC on Mar 12, 2008

425

I actually preferred the ending in the movie! @ Ramon how does the alternate ending make him legendary? In the movie ending he sacrifices himself for the good of humanity, in this ending he realises that his studies have been disproven and there is an element of humanity left in the dark seekers. This alternative ending leaves too many holes in my opinion. I'd rather see heroes go out in a blaze of glory any day than ride off into the sunset with the woman slung over his horse, maybe a spagetti western would suit better 🙂

Rossc007 on Mar 13, 2008

426

I want to know (without having read the book yet) why there had to be a mention of God and his plans? I enjoyed the film, right up until the woman and the boy entered it, with her message about god. Really, it felt unnecessary and to be honest kind of lame.

hannah22 on Mar 13, 2008

427

If you have a question and you haven't read the book, then you should read the book. It is really short, maybe 200 pages. Easy read.

Esteban D on Mar 13, 2008

428

Ramon Antonio: the original history, the book, not the stupid adaptation that they do, has no hero, no hope, and there´s no promising future for the "human" race. Because in the moment that Neville dies, he becomes the legend. If he not dies, is just another stupid human. Hannah22: go read the book, in the novel, Neville becomes a modern Jesuchrist, even, there´s more religious symbols, that the producer decides to replace with the Bob Marley speech...

qtarantino on Mar 13, 2008

429

This ending makes much more sense in the plot of the movie. You clearly see that the lead "Dark Seeker" has a grudge against Neville and with the ending shown in theaters you don't get a resolution as to why did he set him up, why did they pursue him now, considering he's been around for over three years. The concept of him being reversed from the vampire legend is great and I appreciate the movie so much more thinking this is the message that could be transmitted.

PhoenixP3K on Mar 13, 2008

430

I Haven't read the book but I reallt prefer this kind of ending....I think that the One we've seen in theaters was too Rude and n sad....after havin already seen the death of his Dog....Nice decision to put this ending in DVD's

Guido on Mar 13, 2008

431

Both endinds are good enough for me. I did not read the book yet, so I think this way, the director will always have the chance to sell director's cut movie... more money 😉

jjavier on Mar 13, 2008

432

When will Hollywood learn that audiences like endings to make sense, not just to blow up? Whoever chose the theatrical ending should be fired. This original ending is MUCH better.

Eoin on Mar 13, 2008

433

Wow. I don't think it directly addressed the theme of Mattheson's story exceptionally well, but it did acknowedge it at least, and it is many, many, times better than the theatrical version. Had this version been attached to the end of the theatrical release, I believe Will Smith may have received an Oscar nomination.

Roninspoon on Mar 13, 2008

434

What pissed me off about I am Legend was that they never seemed to acknowledge the culture that they demonstrated being built up by the vampires and that Smith's heman posturing was fulfilled at the end totally frustrated me as well. In this, the other is acknowledged. I love this ending.

pbp on Mar 13, 2008

435

This is SO much better..... oh wow.

Thomas Mannino on Mar 13, 2008

436

This ending is FANTASTIC.

Amurana on Mar 13, 2008

437

WOW!!!, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, BEAUTIFUL, EXCELLENT, this is the REAL end, i saw the film, and definitively, i prefer this end, is better, I LOVE IT!

Jack - Mexico on Mar 13, 2008

438

damn. that was a much better ending. i too loved the movie up untill the ending. I have yet to read the book myself, i have started it, but am only a few chapters into it. this ending makes me want to read it much more since i can see it is much deeper than i imagined. thats annoying when hollywood thinks people cant handle a nice ending that is actually deep and doesnt have alot of things exploding. sigh. and i like that you are making a big deal about it. hopefully some hollywood dudes are listening.

Rachael on Mar 13, 2008

439

Wow... When I saw the fim at the theater all I could think of was "I feel bad, I feel bad and I don't want to go to the cinema and end up in a bad mood... It's not my idea of entertainment..." I felt sad, because, although I hadn't read the book, as the film developed I was waiting for a real climax, and I hadn't ot it. I was expecting something that would show that the vampires were not just irrational monsters... Neville mentions somewhere in the film that they have no rules, no hierarchy, no bit of humanity at all... but a couple of times the film showed a primal hierarchy, with that vampire leader actually leading... So I was waiting for an ending that would reveal that fact, that the monsters were somehow contempt with their fate, that although they were not really humans, they thrived, that they were not just monsters but a new species... (now that I think of it, the fact that, with all their violence, they were able to live together without killing themselves was an obvious tip in that direction... they hunted only others, so they were self-conscious...) And here it comes and I get to see the very ending I was hoping for develop under my eyes.... just amazing!!!

Hanami on Mar 13, 2008

440

This ending was much better then the other one!

Stephanie on Mar 13, 2008

441

WOW, DOESNT MAKE SENSE NO WONDER THEY CHANGED THE ENDING

acceiz on Mar 13, 2008

442

Damn it I *knew* it. I knew there was a reason he was coming so hard, and it had to be for the girl. Why do they DO this to movies?

cavalaxis on Mar 13, 2008

443

from a visually artistic perspective, i am so glad that warner brothers decided to include this ending in the dvd. i worked on the visual effects on this movie and was so disappointed when we were told to redo the ending. our zombies looked amazing in this sequence. we never get to really see them up close until then. many, many hours and tons of sweat were spent getting them to look this good and then have the shots deleted was very disheartening. this happens all the time in our industry, but this one was a tough one to take. i hope everyone who sees this new ending will enjoy it as much as most of you have.

anonymous on Mar 13, 2008

444

Thanks for "making a bit deal" about this ending. I saw I am Legend in theaters several months back and was IMMENSELY disappointed with the ending. I agree with many others that the plot seem to consistently decline with the entrance of the female protagonist. While the film likely would not have had wide appeal had it stuck closely to the novel, the alternate ending provides a good degree of thoughtfulness to the film which, I think, people really enjoy. This ending was without question a botch-job. It makes enormous sense that it in fact WAS a cut and paste act, given that it felt like they ran out of money funding the big New York scenes and had to cut the film short because of bad planning. The trite, idealistic "he lives on in our hearts" ending was a slap in the face. It seemed very clearly to be a patch over a gaping hole. Though this ending is still a bit dissatisfying (they just didn't develop the plot well enough and focused too much on the protagonist's isolation), it is FAR more satisfying than the theatrical ending. I agree with some others that this is one of the worst film making mistakes I've ever witnessed (relative to the scope and budget of the film as a whole, and the weight and popularity of the novel/story). I suspect the main reason this feature did "well" in the box office (besides the lack of intellectual integrity in many an American mind) is that they packaged the previews quite well and made viewing the film look quite enticing. I imagine that, had they employed this ending, the box office results would have been much better. Unfortunately there's no clear fiscal indication of this film's failure to deliver, but such a mess up does deserve some measure of noticeable negative consequences so that such foolishness doesn't occur again. I'm glad they're at least offering the ORIGINAL ending on the DVD.

Andrew T. on Mar 13, 2008

445

I was really excited to hear this book had made it to screen....and with one of my favourite actors to boot. I loved the entire film until the end. The altruistic self-sacrifice is moving, and is also parallel to Matheson's final scene.....however the way it played out completely disregarded Matheson's entire concept. To become a legend, Man must die. The original ending was formulaic hollywod - cotton candy gratification that dissolves as quickly as you begin to taste it. It followed the formula of every zombie flick ever - man's last stand against the monster, and in the end, the last few stragglers drive off into the sunset, carrying nothing but hope. I love zombie flicks, and I love the formula. ....But in this case I think it was dishonest to brand the movie in Matheson's name and discard the humanity in the monsters. Those moviegoers who came because they loved the book were buying tickets to the wrong movie. This alternate ending, while still a drastic change from the book, finally does justice to the monsters, and the book's concept. It comes closer, and it is Much Better! Still, I would like to see Hollywood take a risk, and accept the finality in the Matheson ending. Let mankind die. It's just a movie after all.

Brigid on Mar 13, 2008

446

Look the biggest problem with the ending that was seen above is that first there where survivers and so that completely took away from the idea of him being a legend to the vampires. 2nd the lead vampire should have ordered his kill even though legend gave him back his girl. Its entirely unrealistic.

Haplo on Mar 13, 2008

447

I thanks you fo this ending. It's not like the book, but it shows why Ben keeps coming back. To the people who don't know who Ben is, he's the 'lead' vampire.

Jacob P. on Mar 13, 2008

448

So, it means that Robert Neville doesn't really found the cure for the "vampires"? Plus, the leader of the "vampires" set a trap on Robert because Robert caught the "girlfriend" of the leader of the "vampires"? this is so COOL..! thanks for sharing your blessing, man..! ^_^ WB only cares about only the money and the enjoyment of their audiences?! i pity them.

Ged on Mar 13, 2008

449

I liked this ending more than the theatrical ending simply because it ties the book and the rest of the movie together (somewhat). I think that Neville should have died in this ending though, although it may have been a bit too much for people who haven't read the book to process. I think by killing him it would have showed that the new species (I can't find myself calling them vampires after watching them onscreen) were a society and not simply mindless killers. This ending showed that they had a leader and, obviously, rules, since the other members of the group respected the wishes of the leader. By Neville being taken away and deliberating about what he has done before his execution it would have allowed the viewers to understand the concept behind the book without even reading it. Perhaps using a more direct method of showing the number of them he has killed in his drive to restore normality or what he considers normal than just having the shot of the test subjects at the end.

Donnie B on Mar 13, 2008

450

I would argue this ending is inconsistent with the actions of the "vampires" up until this point. I am a firm believer that they could have pulled off the proper ending that takes place in the book. All the characters are present. Why not just have Neville escape with the help of the sympathetic female character only to be captured once they make it to the stronghold and have it play out the same way as in the book. I was disgusted with the film's use of God and religion because the book handled it beautifully. Seeing the church towering on the other side of the giant doors in the last shot of the film destroyed the film's chance of being any kind of "horror" film.

Travis on Mar 13, 2008

451

I loved this ending more than what we saw in the theater, but I agree with Travis in that it should have played out more like the book (though I'm not certain I agree with Travis' statements on God and religion). Neville should have been captured and possibly killed. However, since I know they're already working on a sequel this ending - or an ending like the one Travis described where (like in Mark Protosevich's original script) Neville escapes - would have allowed Will Smith the chance to be in the next one. Moreover, the writers of part 2 would have had more freedom to pursue the story wherever it went, as this ending left the issue of the survivor colony somewhat ambiguous. (As it is, I don't see how they could continue this franchise with another film without having to star an entirely different cast of characters in an entirely different setting. I just hope the next film won't be about the "brave survivor colony struggling to cure mankind". That could only work if they pulled it off more like a traditional vampire/zombie film, with the Darkseekers attacking the colonists from all sides as in "Resident Evil: Extinction" or "28 Days Later".

Jerod C. Batte on Mar 13, 2008

452

Amazing. I feel this ending closes the movie better and that it companions the novel more. But the only thing that confuses me is, when theyre in the car going on the bridge, and we can hear the radio broadcast, she says she's "traveling with a man named Robert Neville and a boy named Ethan." If Ethan is supposedly her son, why doesnt she just say "my son Ethan?" Plot change made for ending perhaps?

Ian T on Mar 13, 2008

453

Wow... now that's an ending. I bet they redid the ending because screening audience didn't feel "positive" especially when in time of war, a more proper solution/resolution is needed. Simply leaving the city in search of others wasn't enough. They had to make it so there is HOPE. btw, the original book ending is amazing although that will NEVER make it into a hollywood film ending. too bad WB, you missed out and played safe. boo

Jacob on Mar 13, 2008

454

This movie is amazing, but when i saw it with the ending they put in theaters it made me almost hate the movie entirely because the last ten minutes were so horrible. This ending is much, much better. I feel like the other ending was a lazy way to end it. This ending is very touching because the monsters still manage to have human emotions.

Brianna on Mar 13, 2008

455

I haven't read the book. However, I enjoyed this ending much more. This ending ties a few things together that the theatrical version simply left alone. In the theatrical ending you only get to see briefly in Neville that he is noticing some form of human personality in the vampires. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but in this ending when the vampire leader tells everyone to leave, leaving Neville alive.. It reminded me of the part when the lion and family were eating the deer that Neville had been trying to hunt. He left them alone and ordered the dog to as well. So they were able to feel compassion too, apparently. :p

Angela on Mar 13, 2008

456

I like alternate ending however i think that the original ending was very great i loved it. I loved the movie. There are a lot of subliminal messages in that movie. I love it

dip on Mar 13, 2008

457

This ending is so much better than the original theatrical. My friends and I actually spent a good thirty minutes after seeing the movie complaining about how stupid the ending was. If this had happened I think we might have complained a little less.

Sam on Mar 13, 2008

458

Wow, this ending is great! While the theatrical ending was indeed good and fit the general direction of the final release, the dynamic presented with this alternate, original ending is astounding. I especially enjoyed the tense atmosphere created as the vampire-creatures exhibited restraint while the doctor worked. Excellent article and thanks for sharing this clip.

Dockwats on Mar 13, 2008

459

I definitely would have chose this ending rather than the theatrical version. This is actually the ending that I was dying for in the movie. This is probably the greatest ending to a movie I've ever seen.

Donny on Mar 13, 2008

460

The whole movie slowly built on the idea that there was more left of the vampire's humanity than Neville thought, only to see how the original ending did portray them as mindless. The original ending undid a lot of work the rest of the movie tried to do, and the new ending does finally get the point across. It is hard to distinguish anger and hurt from evil sometimes. But maybe the studio felt that if you'd apply this concept to real life, the movie could be seen as supporting terrorists and the like, which would have gotten Warner Bross. in heaps of trouble.

Aynen on Mar 13, 2008

461

This was a much better ending. Leave it to the hollywood machine to ruin a great movie based on an exceptional book. Way to go Hollywood!

ZOE on Mar 13, 2008

462

so... all the plot is around a man who takes the girl of the enemy, to test some acids, and the grudge that conduce to a war of epic proportions?

qtarantino on Mar 13, 2008

463

so i guess im the odd man out cause i loved the way the movie ended. the reason i say this is because it wouldnt make sense to the title if he lives. by dying to protect the cure to protect what he has worked so hard on made him a legend thus the title i am legend so if he didnt die and didnt find a cure the movie should just be title i am robert neville. and to those that say he is a legend in the vampire type creatures eyes i totally disagree for one big reasons they are mindless and did not kill him at the end for all the stuff that he had done to them. this is just what i think though i personally loved the movie it was one of my favorites that i had seen in the past 5 years. ps i never read the book i didnt konw there was one taht could have changed my opinion i dont know

chris on Mar 13, 2008

464

I think, had this been the original ending, this would be one of my favorite movies of all time. Nice job getting this redemption of the movie out there.

Zach on Mar 13, 2008

465

much better and didn't detract from the feeling of the movie... as a matter of fact i feel so much better after that ending. the original theatrical ending was weak.

tb on Mar 13, 2008

466

that was amazing. I felt so robbed after the theatrical ending. The book left me floored and i overflowed with excitement in the months leading up to the movie. This is DEFINITELY how it should've ended. Though if they could've ended it like the book i would've danced around the theatre. READ THE BOOK...its like 170 pages...just DO it

Adam on Mar 13, 2008

467

I have not read the book. I liked the movie until the female showed up and introduced the religeous theme, and I especially hated the ending. The film does set the mutated humans up to being more than what Will Smith's character thinks of them. The guy that thought he fell into his own trap is way off. The theatrical version where Nevile blows up does not fit, the alternate ending allows Nevile to see through his near madness and realize how his wall of experiments was viewed by the mutated humans. His character was too strong to have committed suicide and i could not accept that ending. The movie promos, which were many, voiced by Nevile declared that he was the last man alive, and i nearly walked out when two people showed up stating immunity and that there was a colony of survivors! In the alternate ending the lead mutate "paints" a butterfly on the lab's glass doors and Nevile hears his daughter's reference to the butterfly. He then remembers and checks for the tatto on the back of the female mutate and you can see the flood of realization flow through his face. This is what the movie was building to and we were robbed of. Regardless of the movie's rewrite of the book or a happy or unhappy ending the movies was wrong.

allen on Mar 13, 2008

468

it's a will smith movie people...wake up! who cares! remember..the fresh prince?? i didn't read the book though. there's only one vampire book anyway...interview

tom cruise on Mar 13, 2008

469

I thought this alt ending was great. It showed an understanding oh some kind. I like both endings, but this new one is great =) Thanks for sharing..

Terri on Mar 14, 2008

470

OMG, this was amazing... if only we had seen this at the cinema - it would have saved the movie. I loved it at the cinema, Will Smith was great but the ending was RUBBISH. I remember walking home talking about it saying... "why didn't we see more of the relationships between the vampires" "it was obviously his girlfriend" and they just didn't let you see. that ending was great...

Becky on Mar 14, 2008

471

Very emotional ending. To be honest I believe that the released ending is too close with the spirit of the movie, maybe far from the book but appropiate with the movie line. The legend died not survive!

Claudio on Mar 14, 2008

472

After watching the movie, I've thought, that is not how it should have ended. The female zombie and the zombie leader should be together. They should be human again. Neville's work should succeed. Now I see that I was right. I also hated that curch at the last minute. Why does red cross always help saving the human race? This is exact the same ending I've dreamed of. Thanx!!!

earluin on Mar 14, 2008

473

Wow! i have chills! I really enjoyed this movie, until the ending. I rate movies on a regular basis and I dropped the movie one whole star because of the ending. If the alternate would have been shown I would have given this 4 and a half or possibly 5 stars. So emotional and well written/acted.

Payner on Mar 14, 2008

474

Wow! This was great! Still could've been better, but it definitely worked better than what I saw in theaters. Hell, anything would be better. I can't think of a movie that had me more on the edge of my seat until the last 10 minutes of IAL, and I just felt like I had wasted it all. It went from one of my favorite movies ever to one I never wanted to see again almost immediately. THIS IS GREAT! This DVD ending is GREAT! It would've been better to leave out the cheesy kid and the chick though of course. At any rate, though, I would say this is definitely preferred. Also, if he would've found a cure and actualy saved the zombie chick and made peace of some sort, that would be good. I'm guessing he ended up kiling her, right? That's what I got but I could not tell 100 percent, it was a little vague.

Joshua on Mar 14, 2008

475

This version was absolutely amazing. I preffered it completely over the original as it was more interesting and left it with a better feeling overall. This version should have definitely been released in britains theaters

Chris Gray on Mar 14, 2008

476

i do believe this ending is spectacular...it also give more personification to the vampires...as you said we never really see robert neville and one close up...this ending gives them a more human-like quality that sends chills and adds an outstanding affect...this ending is amazing.

Tom on Mar 14, 2008

477

This is closer to ideal than the theater, but if you combine them, you get the ideal ending: 1) He sees that the zombies are going to break through and sends the girl and boy up the chimney or wherever they went 2) He then proceeds to set down the gun, disconnect the zombie girl's IV and open the door 3) He presents her to the lead zombie and he whispers in Smith's ear and then embraces her, pretty much as in the alternate ending 4) All the intimations about him being a serial killer are still made during the hostage exchange, but they are cemented with the final shot being of Smith looking at the wall of photos wondering in self-pity about what he has become FADE OUT If needed, the end credits could be shown over a sky shot of the woman's car driving north to Vermont with some interior shots of the woman and boy as in the theatrical.

Tom on Mar 14, 2008

478

I still thought this paled in comparison to the book. However compared to the version released in the theater, definitely far superior. Still, it was not really the same story. He is the new monster. He had to be killed just as Dracula had to be killed. If I never read Matheson's story, this might be a great ending.... but I did so it still fails.

todd x on Mar 14, 2008

479

That ending is WAY better. The theatrical ending sucked. my g/f and I loved the movie until the ending, which left a very bad taste in our mouths. It was a huge disappointment. Both his irrational suicide and the lameness of them finding that "survivors" town. This alternative ending you just showed was awesome. WB made a mistake by not using it. I completely agree with your feelings of the tension, especially when he made physical contact with the lead bad guy. Wow, what a breath-taker that was.

Tyler on Mar 14, 2008

480

This was a new way to look at it...as in, the vampires having emotions...although i believe that Robert Neville should have died, after such a devastating loss (Sam), he would have wanted to die. If they could have somehow combined the two maybe that would be my perfect ending.

Sushil on Mar 14, 2008

481

This ending is way better. I would support your initiative.

Andrei on Mar 14, 2008

482

Wow, I'm surprised they didn't use this. It's easily better than the theatrical ending...

Chris on Mar 14, 2008

483

This ending was so much better than the one that they showed in theater. It is more realistic. Such as at the very ending, it leaves it open instead of just stopping the story like when the lady and her kid show up at the town... This is an awesome ending!

Chris on Mar 14, 2008

484

This ending was so much better than the one shown in theaters...like for many people, the last ten minutes absolutely killed for me the entire atmosphere and tone of the film, and it was absolutely right for you to post it here and show it to us...it did move me to see this alternate and original ending. I am at a loss as to why WB chose the less realistic, true-to-the-film ending. Did they not believe that American audiences could handle a realistic ending, that they could only deal with the fairy-tale martyrdom?

Patsy on Mar 14, 2008

485

The movie is ok until the appeareance of Anna 's character then shher crap, apart from special effects , of course. It completeply betrays Richard Matheson's novel. Demagocical. rethorical and a plain spot for right wing propaganda . By the way in 1971 Charlton Heston played the same role ( Robert Neville ) Vampires c. They believe science and technology to be the cause of the war and their punishment, and Neville, as the last symbol of science, the old world, and a "user of the wheel", must die. Neville, using electricty, machinery, and science attempts to hold them at bay. Now the vampires seem to have taken power and starting producing these kind of film in syle " Science fuck s up everything but there's always some God with Plan B .

Flaiano on Mar 14, 2008

486

Sorry i forgot to add that the 1971 film title is " Omega Man ".

Flaiano on Mar 14, 2008

487

And further explanation : Omega is the last letter in Ancient Greek Alphabet , thus title meaning , in a more elegant way , The Last Man. Different times , different culture and , alas , different America..

Flaiano on Mar 14, 2008

488

I disagree with many of the people on this site. The theatrical version was way better, it just goes to show that there isn't always a happy ending. Braveheart is a good example of this, did everyone want William Wallace to survive? Of course they did, but it has so much more of an emotional impact on the audience when a character we have become attached to is gonzo. It was so epic when he went out with the grenade in his hand to save the cure, an ultimate sacrifice. I did not read the book, which is probably one of the main reasons why I liked the theatrical ending better, but all in all, the theatrical ending was WAYYYY better.

Head Vampire on Mar 14, 2008

489

This alternate ending had substance -- the theatrical version was fluff. I will buy the DVD, but only the extended version, because I will NOT watch the stupid theatrical disaster again. I LOVED the compassion shown in the alternate ending. WOW, Great!

Judy on Mar 14, 2008

490

Thank you so much for posting this alternate ending. I could not wait to see I am Legend. I loved the movie up until the end - by the time the last 10 minutes were over I was completely depressed and disturbed. I couldn't believe they killed him. This alternate ending has made me totally change my opinion of the movie. I only wish they had used this ending instead. Thank you!!

Lisa on Mar 14, 2008

491

I hated the original ending.... i thought it washed out the rest of the film that was brilliant.

Wolfbite on Mar 14, 2008

492

I never read the book, but I also thought that the movie was great until about the last ten minutes. The new ending is way better than the original theatrical ending. I don't know what it is with all of these crappy Hollywood endings!? Thanks for the info.

cognoscere on Mar 14, 2008

493

After a long awaited time and hearing about this "alternate ending," I finally found it and watched it. I really did not care for the one in theaters but like other movies, it's just they way "they" thought it would work out. I am very pleased by the alternate ending because it really shows that the "other humans" are not really bad and they still have that human side to them, whereas the Theatrical version just shows that they are non human and want to destroy the human race in some terms. I really think WB should have kept the alternate ending because it just ends on a good note with the doctor that started it all, fixing it.

Nic on Mar 14, 2008

494

This ending, well. What to say? It's fantastic. It pretty much completes the movie, there's so many hints throught the rest of the movie that the Alpha 'vampire' (and by extension the other ones) are far more intelligent than Dr Neville has given them credit for. The sheer frustration of the alpha male as he steps too far into the sunlight, the traps, the way he acts in the house. It's all there building up to an ending that's supposed to reveal that the 'vampires' are still, in their way, human. But the theatrical ending robs us of that. This ending doesn't, it rewards and completes the tale. Turning it on its head and letting Dr Neville understand that they see him as a monster, that they themselves are no worse than he and that both sides failed to understand the other. It is the ending the film deserves, and if they release a version of the film on DVD with that ending. I'll buy it. But I'm not ever watching it with the happy ending that they felt they had to use in the cinema. Yes, it was a happy hollywood cop out ending they went with in the end Dr. Neville sacrifices himself to stop the evil vampires, he cures the world and they all live happily in a magical little village on the hillside. Pfft.

Earth's Mightiest Yak on Mar 14, 2008

495

Putting aside any allegiance to the book and looking at I Am Legend as solely a movie, I think the theatrical ending is far superior and less Hollywood than the alternative. What's more smarmy than Will Smith driving over a suddenly "unbombed" bridge with sunlight on his face as a "message of hope" voiceover plays? They got it right the first time. And for the vast majority of people who have not read the book, the closing voiceover in the theatrical ending neatly ties up the "I am legend" title in a bow.

fgiant on Mar 14, 2008

496

Okay, I stopped reading the comments at 60 because I couldn't take it anymore. All of these people complaining about the book ending and then, Cesar's comment about the book story being able to work in a movie...I just got fed up. First off, Cesar...the book concept did work. You ever heard of a movie called "The Last Man on Earth" with Vincent Price? That was the first time "I Am Legend" was done to film. The movie was almost identical to the book. The only thing that was different was that Neville was just flat-out killed by the vampire hybrids. As for the people who commented that it didn't make sense that they would kill him after all of that, you guys have never seen what a mob can do, have you? Let's look at this again. Here you have a serial killer; a person who has murdered countless numbers of your people. What do you do when you finally get your hands on the bogey man? They were going to allow him to be killed and in grand fashion if for no other reason than to put their fears to rest; to let everyone see that the monster is a man and he is mortal. You have to realize that Neville would be to these people. He had become something that the next generation of vampire hybrid parents would use to frighten their children: "You had better be good or else Robert Neville may come and get you in the middle of the day!" When some of you people catch a clue about critical literary analysis, start talking about how stories and plots work.

Kragshot on Mar 14, 2008

497

This movie is far better than Charleton Heston's execrable 70's version (The Omega Man), but it's still a poor adaptation of the novel. The alternate ending did humanize the mutants somewhat (though can you really "humanize" poorly rendered CGI?), but it did it at the expense of a happy, cliched Hollywood ending where everyone gets to live and ride off into the sunset.

Jon on Mar 14, 2008

498

The theatrical movie definitely felt incomplete to me. But this one... wow! WB definitely made the wrong choice on this one. I may have to buy the DVD now, just to have this ending.

Mike Schreiber on Mar 14, 2008

499

I've never been one to compare literature to movies... never been a big reader. But I have a brief story as to why I think this alternate plot (middle through ending) would have been so much better... I watched this movie for the first time at home, alone, about two weeks after moving away from my family. That said, I felt an incredible connection to Neville through out the first half of the movie. I kept saying to myself "This is hands down the most engrossing film I have ever watched." Right up until another human showed up. No exaggeration, the feeling of captivation was entirely gone in an instant. Were the movie to have played out with Neville truly being the only human... I imagine I would have kept my feeling of wonderment to the ending credits. Film until Anna: 10/10 Film after Anna: 6/10

Eric on Mar 14, 2008

500

i think this ending is good for one reason:it ties up the main vampire and the girl and makes much more sense. now i know thats been said a hundred times but i just had to say it again. the only thing that doesnt fit is him living. although it sucks to see will smith die in a movie it made more sense for him to die to become a legend as another person said in an earlier comment. so all-in-all the alternate ending is good form the dvd. the theatrical ending was good for the theaters and the main film.

dane on Mar 14, 2008

501

the whole movie shouldve been longer.. I like the theatre version and then the idea of having a more hardcore cult following type alternate dvd ending. Gives you a reason to buy the dvd.. But the dvd alternate ending has to be good like this one.Alternate endings should always try to stay true to a book or original screen play etc etc.. Thanks for posting it. WOW!!!! There are always people that dont care about the book that was wriiten before the movie was made so let them have there theatrical version and the true movie buffs can have there alternate endings when the DVD comes out.. FAIR DEAL added not.. the 70;s version of omega man was amazing i thought the whole movie was gonna stay true to that and grow from there.. but whatever this is a good modern twist. they could have showed more of the people in the city getting infected and switching to these zombie / vampires.. infected whatever.. lol God i wish someone would ask me my ideas about these movies i would give you guys instant hits.. i know how to cater to the casual movie goers and the hardcore movie buffs.. 🙂 but i guess they ran out of money to make the movie alittle better 🙁

canadianguy on Mar 14, 2008

502

I am glad that i saw that ending because when i watched the other ending i was not satisfyed. i saw that ending happening as soon as they broke in, right then and there i was like, hes dying. this ending makes you think. so i agree this one is better.

Eddie on Mar 14, 2008

503

this is a much better ending than the one that was shown in theatres. when i saw it in theatres the only part of the movie that i thought lacked strength was the ending. now that ive seen this alternate ending the movie makes more sense and has a deeper meaning to me. i think WB should have published this ending in the theatrical movie. i would have been way happier with it, just like many other viewers would. i would have also reccomend it to many more of my friends. if i am any similar to the people in my age group, i think everyone else would have recccomended it to their friends, therefore making even more money for WB. they should have published this ending, no doubt about it.

Brian on Mar 14, 2008

504

Suits better for the book, but if we think the movie only, the alternative ending doesn't fit. The alternative ending doesn't exactly make Neville a legend. It would make it simply another hollywood flick among the rest of them.

Slayer on Mar 15, 2008

505

Honestly I like both endings. For the theatrical because it fit the theme of the movie, the alternate because it was the more powerful and filling ending. Though I think that both were not as strong as they could be, because they didn't go far enough. In the theatrical they really should have made his sacrifice more dramatic and mean more thematically and visually; for the alternate ending they should have had an other scene of screaming vamps putting him "on trial" and executing him. Have a voice over of Neville talking about justice and perspective. I have not read the book and I plan to at some time. My major complaint was the "vamps" look like ass.

Jakob on Mar 15, 2008

506

THE ALTERNATE ENDING SUCKED JUST ADMIT IT!!!!. from the responses i did read, the book ending would have been really good if they followed the book thru-out the whole movie but they didn't!!!. the whole movie would have to change, the chicks wouldn't show up an so much more. people that say it's not like the book, what did u expect it's hollyweird not us making it duh(thats why i wanna be a director). In conclusion the movie is better without the alternate ending. if i saw that ending in the movies i would have been left thinking these vamp/zombies were fucking pussy's! why did they leave him alive? do vamp/zombies have sex? where are the little vamp/zombie? so he didn't have to run home every night like cinderella because there pussy's

Eric on Mar 15, 2008

507

I haven't read the book yet. Though the theatrical ending completely ruined the film for me. I much prefer this one. I s'pose it gives the whole plot a very real twist, in that, although neville believed he was saving mankind, in turn he was the epitome of evil in the eyes of the "vampires".... I like. =)

Felicia on Mar 15, 2008

508

Richard on Mar 5, 2008: you gotta understand, just because something/someone is different to "us" doesn't mean they are BELOW us. =.="

Felicia on Mar 15, 2008

509

I hated this alternate ending. I think this is horrible. While I have never read the book before I feel like this is your typical cheesy ending. The idea of humans talking and becoming emotionally attached to vampires is just nuts. More so, how many times do you see a movie where the lead character makes it out alive and survives. It gets old and boring. I prefer the original ending much more. Because of that ending I became much more attached to Dr. Neviles character, and I am actually willing to watch the movie again. If this ending had been used, I would have felt like I wasted my time watching the movie only to see the same ending as every other movie. Personally I think WB chose right.

Tom on Mar 15, 2008

510

Simply....the theaters endig was a bullshit! This alternative ending, instead, is really WONDERFUL! I wonder why they decided the wrong one?! Maybe producers was afraid that medium americans would not understand?..Strange, becouse i thought Will Smith was a smart man! I wish we'll have this alternative ending on dvd/Blu-Ray!

criticofan on Mar 15, 2008

511

Have you watched "Omega Man" with Charlton Heston? I have several times in my younger years. I believe "I Am Legend" was a total remake of "Omega Man" and Hollywood was afraid to change the ending! What a shame. I was hoping for the alternate ending you have shared with us. Will Smith was as good as Charlton Heston in this part. Both actors are legends in my book! Do you think they will make a DVD with the alternate ending included? I would buy it!

Sharon Wheeler on Mar 15, 2008

512

I came out of the theaters thinking that this film did not deserve to have the same title as the novel, as almost NOTHING is the same about the two. This alternative ending is much better, in that it makes you stop and think, like the novel. However, no ending could repair the damage they did with the rest of the script. That being said, I thought the movie was wonderfully acted and directed, it just shouldn't have been connected with the novel.

Courtney on Mar 15, 2008

513

I would buy this film on DVD released with this ending. I will not buy it with the theatrical ending. Further, I would have told people that "I Am Legend" was a great film that they should go see. Instead, I told people that it was ok but they should wait for the dvd to get released to one of the chain dvd rental houses. I think Warner Brothers lost out making a lot more money on this film.

Daniel Jones on Mar 15, 2008

514

Oh my god, the ending really killed I am Legend for Me. I can't believe they shot and finished this ending which is so much better. Who made this change? Was it the studio that mandated it? Wow.

Jonah Lee Walker on Mar 15, 2008

515

This is such a better ending. It actually makes u want to think about what is going to happen next. Thx for revealing it!

John on Mar 15, 2008

516

wow! this ending was great.

Zach on Mar 15, 2008

517

I like this ending much better than the theatrical ending. I didn't read the book, but I like it because it seems to fit better with the behavior of the leader when he jumps into the sun and the added aggression.

Andrew on Mar 15, 2008

518

This ending was MUCH better than what was in the theater.

David on Mar 15, 2008

519

Well i havent actualy red all the comment 😛 just beacause its 3 am here and dont have the time to read them all but.. Like some people say that Neville shouldnt die.. and other say well he should die because you see him and the pictures of all the zombies (human experiments) he killed in the experiments. Well if you place your self in his position..3 years are an eternity when you are alone so humans lose track of being a person that thinks clearly and wouldnt kill somebody but Neville sees those experiments as a solution and with this ending shakes him awake of being the scientist but let him see the way he usually sees things and makes descions.

Shinger on Mar 15, 2008

520

I hope someone at WB see's this and at least adds this version on the DVD.

Roy on Mar 15, 2008

521

New ending rules just like green day!

Fredfred Burger on Mar 15, 2008

522

Absolutely amazing. I saw the movie three times as well in theaters. This alternate ending really brings out the true character of human nature, love, no matter how deformed the human has become. Astounding really that WB didn't release this ending instead. I really hope they ratify this. It is truly an amazing ending.

Jonathan on Mar 15, 2008

523

Why oh why didn't they use this ending?!?!!? It would given the movie so much more substance. The ending they used felt so traditional Hollywood it made me sick. "Lets kill the main character in order to induce sympathy from the audience." Wow. I can't wait to show this ending to everyone I know who has seen the movie. In my mind this will forever be the true ending.

Landon on Mar 15, 2008

524

I'm a huge Matheson fan, and this is much closer to the ending I expected to see. I knew the darkness and futility of the book's ending would be watered down, but to the creation of a survivor camp and Neville saving the world was rediculous. My wife had never read the book, and she was able to see the point where they started re-shooting to give everyone the warm and fuzzies. This is surely the ending I expected. Close enough I didn't feel lied to, not so dark that you left the theater depressed.

T-Roy on Mar 15, 2008

525

I didn't read the book but I think I would have walked away confused with the title and the contents of the movie. In order to understand the title "I am Legend" with the interpretation that you've made, you must have read the book. In order to understand the title in the movie, the ending had to be what was on the theatrical release because the movie itself did not do a good job portraying the man as a legend during the movie. I think its a case of not being able to make everyone happy. The people who read the book, and the people who have not. I did find that the title of the movie, and how the meaning came about in the last 1 minute of the movie quite usual, abrupt, and a bit odd. But it did make sense, but it left me thinking that I would have renamed the movie to something else. "Not Alone" would have made more sense for the movie.

Lucidmike78 on Mar 16, 2008

526

for those of us outside the USA, this film strikes a cord — a growing anxiety about the inevitable and observable decay of american culture ... sentimental debates about "endings" are hopelessly irrelevant, and symptomatic of the endgame.

virus99 on Mar 16, 2008

527

All I can say is, that was truely breath-taking

Matt P. on Mar 16, 2008

528

I enjoyed both endings but in all honesty i like the charater too much to see him die. I think the book would have been interesting if a group of vamps are telling the story of the day walker and as they tell the story of the beast that kills them he busts in and slaughters them. It would give much more sympathy to the vamps them then them killing him. I dont think a legend needs to die to be considered a legend there just needs to be something that sets you out from the rest.

bob k on Mar 16, 2008

529

Noo, don't you think this alternate ending, although VERY breathtaking indeed was a little bit too much? I say this because there really is no way that he could get into that close of contact with the infected without them attacking him &Anna &Ethan, (realistically). True, it would have been nice for a main character to come out alive but not that way. There is no way that (realistically) the infected would leave Neville to be alive after taking the infected girl &doing multiple experiments on her. Also, do you think that knowing he found a cure he would want to leave? If anything, it would cause a whole nother part 2 with how he would take the survivors back to NY to try to get the infected, treat them, etc. In a way, Neville went a little psycho because he did think he was alone, do you think he would change his sanity just like that? I don't think so. I do believe WB chose the right ending, even though it was SOO obvious that he, indeed "was a legend" they should have had Anna say something else. There are a few other things I would have changed like how Anna &Ethan got out alive &what happened after Neville blew everything up. but still, it was a lot better ending than that shiz ^. but nonetheless, the most amazing movie ever! It makes you think about the future, &what's going to happen when someone does find a cure for cancer? Are we gonna take it? haha

Bosssy on Mar 16, 2008

530

I didn't read the book, but I hate movies without ending. This is not an ending. Reaching the colony and giving them the treatment, the protagonist dying and becoming a legend, well ... thats an ending.

catalin on Mar 16, 2008

531

Both endings suck to be honest, this ending is relatively better, but they just arent satisfying! This ending is too happy happy for my liking, it is just too improbable for this to happen, its just lame to be honest! The best ending would be for the monsters to end it and kill Neville, I mean the whole love ending thing was cheesy, either way the audience would be disappointed! The biggest complaint with the last ending was that it was too unrealistic, this one would get the same complaints as well, so this ending wont make people happy, lawls!

Nolo King on Mar 16, 2008

532

i liked the ending in the theaters more, only reason being is because the original ending was way to long and the one in theaters made it much more dramatic. i think if they put in this ending the movie's actual rating would have more than lkely been lower.

michael grenon on Mar 16, 2008

533

I much prefer this ending to the one in theaters!! It gave me an entirely different view of the movie and actually made more sense to me. I was thinking all along that the girl 'zombie' that he had may have been the lead zombie's girlfriend or connected to him in some way, but we never actually got that from the movie....it was just a feeling I had. Thank you very much for posting this for all to see!

Patricia R on Mar 16, 2008

534

p.s. The 'relationship' between the girl and head zombies wasn't the only thing I liked about this ending.....It just seemed more 'right' that Neville should survive after years of trying to find the cure.......

Patricia R on Mar 16, 2008

535

This was a much better ending and I also think it should have been chosen for the theatrical version. I'm still not happy about Neville not being the last "human" left alive.

Shawn Strong on Mar 16, 2008

536

The theatrical ending made me want to puke. A nice and safe (oh and lets not forget covered with US flags) little outpost of humans in Vermont.....WHAT!? I was waiting for Martha Stewart to pop out HEY GUYS ITS A GOOD THING!! Having read the book I like this ending for the LONE fact they show that the "infected" are not the monsters they are made out to be through the whole movie. It harks back to the ending of the book. That the infected have evolved into a new, advanced and civilized society. However I do not like that Neville is left alive! Can we ever have a movie where humans do not come out the "winner"*warm sappy fuzz*!?

Knee on Mar 16, 2008

537

OMFG. It is clear that whoever wrote this article is not only an idiot sheep but has also never read the book. In the book there are not only vamps and humans but thinking half-breeds. At the end, the woman who Neville thought was a fellow human turns out to be a half-breed spy and she and her people execute him. This "original" is just more hollywood ending bullshit to make the viewer feel better than they do about the real ending. Admittedly, the theatrical ending and the movie in general had nothing to do with the book, but they went well together anyway and changing out the ending for one that frankly makes no sense is just another way of appeasing the overly sensitive douchebag bitches who cannot stand to see a main character die even if it adds to the message and makes the story more powerful.

Face on Mar 16, 2008

538

i think that to see him die after losing so much his family his dog every thing that in the end he pulled thro for what 9 years just to die at the end i think this version is much much better and leaves the person watching with a little hope knowing they found survivors it gives the same feal as the theatrical version just will smith lives

jimmi on Mar 16, 2008

539

Face, you are wrong. in the book they aren't "half-breeds", there are just differences between vampires who are dead humans come back to life, and just humans turned into vampires. the ones that are still alive are actually quite smart and thats how they have the girl infiltrate him. anyway, i like this ending much more. i loved the movie so much but the ending just wasnt what i was hoping for. this isnt exactly like the book either, but much cooler, i think. its weird that he lives in this one, i figured he would die like in the book (which, by the way, if they would have made the ending... and probably the entire movie more like the book, i think it woulda been cooler) but thatsjust my opinion. yep, awesome alternate ending, im gettin the special edition probably on tuesday. this movie owns all faces.

Chadsaw on Mar 16, 2008

540

this ending applied to the theme of the book more, but the ending shown in theaters was also a strong ending. the theatrical ending shows how after spending three years trying to find someone, he gives that idea up in favor of being able to protect the thing he was trying to find.

Swiss on Mar 16, 2008

541

A Much happier ending! One of our members posted this in our forum, and Im glad they did! Thanks for sharing!

Watch Movies Online on Mar 16, 2008

542

This should've been the ending. Sometimes bigger isn't always better. The ending used in the theatres went for a dramatic, but I think this ending, the more quiet one, actually made more noise. I don't think I took a breath during the entire viewing of this ending, which is much like I felt during the entire movie, up until the end. I was disappointed because it seemed that he died quickly, or hastily, almost as if they were running too long. The writing also made mistakes in that the film went back and forth between the mutants being able to think and not think. This ending made more sense in proving that they were still somewhat human, and not brainless killers. They were able to feel. I don't have an opinion as far as killing off Neville, but I think that it can work either way, depending on the writing. It seems that most people who have read the book are adamant about Neville dying, but we have to remember that this is an adaptation, not a remake. The two can be judged independantly. This would have been an even more amazing movie with this ending. If the ending used in the book occurred, it would have ruined the movie. We can compare the two all we want, but the fact is, the movie took the basic storyline and made a script around it. If there were never a book, I think people would love this movie even more. This is not in any way to take away from the Matheson book, as it was amazing also. The movie is an entity of its own and more people would enjoy it if they just watched instead of compared.

Catt on Mar 16, 2008

543

I remember when I watched this movie, I actually expected the ending to be something like this, I was actually disappointed when is wasn't.

Anonymous v2.0 on Mar 16, 2008

544

This is the problem: The theatrical release is popular generally because it builds up the action into an explosive climax. Afterwards it allows the audience to stew over Neville's sacrifice and leave the theater feeling good about the human race. It is a superficially "powerful" ending because the big name hero sacrifices himself on the verge of victory. In the process he becomes legend, immortalized. The alternate (original) ending is unpopular for those same reasons. The reason the alternate ending is so powerful is because Neville (and the audience) realizes that he is a legend to the Infected, he is a monster that stalks the darkness. He traps, experiments, and eventually kills their kind. He looks at the wall with all the pictures and realizes just how he must seem to them. Audiences don't want to think about things like this. They don't want to think about the consequences of their hero's actions. Good intentions (curing a disease, spreading democracy, etc) are all you need. They don't want to emphasize with the enemy. It's easier to kill someone when you deny them their humanity.

Mark on Mar 16, 2008

545

One must consider how they want to be remembered, the choices you make in life, to bring harm to others you are remembered in a bad way, people eventually will forget about you, and there is no honor in that, but doing something to help people and people know and see you for the good that you do, memories of you will be good ones in which you are honored and respected, you are seen in a good way for good reasons and remembered that way, people won't want to forget you then and those that remain as long as they remember you can see your legend. The movie was great until the end when the main charactor was killed off which was a huge turn off, I thought to myself "Another movie that kills off the main charactor just when the storyline was getting really good and made more sense what are they thinking?????", the scenary of the end itself was great, I'd like to see this version combined with the theatrical version in a way that shows this ending, and then transitions to the small village scene where the main charactor is still alive with the woman and child and takes the vile of blood which is the cure and enters the village leaving the original theatrical scenary intact with an updated narration and the music. Main charactor just playing hero and walking with grenade toward the monsters probably wouldn't have been enough to take them all out anyways and the monsters left would have probably seen and quickly followed or ambushed the woman and child before she'd gotten to the car outside, there's alot of inconsistancies to the theatrical version that just plain sucks ass, I mean sure, he dies and is known as a legend, but a charactor doesn't have to die like that to be a Legend, and he held a pretty good fight for a longtime throughout the movie and struck up enough interest in the charactor to just totally kill the charactor off. It's almost like someone else wrote the ending because it just does not feel right, he ending doesn't fit the rest of the movie's direction, because the theatrical ending is like another writer stepped in and finished the movie off at the last minute, that's how it felt, that or ending was rushed. And the monsters saw the woman and child ducking down into that hole, if the explosion was that strong and fire the fire probably would've brought smoke in where the woman and child were with heat with a massive house fire burning house down, they wouldn't have been able to stay in the smoke chemical filled area and probably would've died from smoke enhalation and the monsters outside would've got the woman and child once they got outside in unprotected area out in the open and all attention drawn to the housefire.

Kurt on Mar 16, 2008

546

Another thing is how the female monster was handled is a big issue as well, that part was cut way too short in the theatrical version. I really thought she was gonna turn around and he was gonna work with her more as she was still going on the table, I thought there'd be atleast 1 love scene with the other female as well, and the guy was alone so long losin his mind talkin to manicuns and all and they didn't do anything!!!!!!! The shrek part could've been left out and just set where the kid was watching it and leave it at that, the repeating shrek words back out too long and it was a bit awkward, by then his actions at the table where he lashed out and the female had the gun it was already apparent he had some psychological distress goin on. It would've been more interesting if he had said something funny like I really miss Cheerio's, or I really love Cheerio's, or said to the female it's good that you're hear cookin up bacon and all but did you happen to bring any Cheerio's, you know it's been awhile since I've had any? That would've been funny, much funnier than repeating every word on TV.

Kurt on Mar 16, 2008

547

Un,WOW! that's one hell of an ending! O_O I like it more then the book because it is more true that there would be SOME of us who cannot be infected. So now we have to make room for a whole new breed of human.

Krull on Mar 16, 2008

548

I don’t understand why everyone is complaining about how it deviates from the book. When you went to the theater you knew you were not going to read text on a screen, you were going to see a theatrical interpretation of the written word. When you go see a live play is it always EXACTLY like the original work? No. If you read a book and ten other people read a book do all of them agree on the same interpretation? No, that’s why there are book groups who discuss different points of view. Now I think the movie was fantastic, except for the original ending, because it showed just how fragile Robert’s mind was during this time. The only thing keeping him sane was his “work”, companion, and routine When he lost his companion you can see that he lost his sanity, which I felt was portrayed very well. You also see how he strives to hold onto the normality of life before the event when he constantly visits the video store and makes “friends” with the mannequins. However, I thought the original ending of the movie was complete crap and the writers simply needed to end the movie. What better way to simply end a movie than by killing all the main characters? (Robert and the alpha-male). This ending shows how Robert’s perception of the infected changed, as though he finally saw the light. He finally understood that HE was the villain and that the zombies were simply trying to live their lives. It was him that was invading their space, and not them invading his space. The alternate ending to this movie shows a much better view of how Robert’s attempts at a cure were to him an attempt to save humanity while in the infected’s point of view they were attempts at murder and destruction of their society.

Podunk on Mar 16, 2008

549

hey, thanks for this. This is amazing. I did a little write up about this article and link your site in my blog. http://jefframos.blogspot.com/ thanks again for this. i'll be book marking your site now. great stuff on here!

Jeff Ramos on Mar 17, 2008

550

Really bugs me how they reckon they made the right choice just because the movie made money. this ending is much better.

Brad Stilwell on Mar 17, 2008

551

Thanks a million.......... I loved it, loved it loved it. I enjoyed the movie a quite a bit and thought the ending was the weakest point and could have been a lot better but after watching this I have a whole different view of the picture. This ending made more sense over what we got. I hope WB is reading........... Thanks again

Millé-NEXT on Mar 17, 2008

552

I absolutely love the alternate ending. Soooo much better than the one WB used. The original ending was a let down to me. The whole movie you know that the lead vampire wants his woman back.

Adriana Jeffery on Mar 17, 2008

553

Some people are claiming this alternate ending is more "rosy" or a happier ending. Just because Neville survives hardly makes it more happy. Neville comes to realise he's a serial killer, that he has been experimenting on people. The theatrical ending fails as the whole film up to that point has been about the real hero Neville's nemeses trying to get the love of his life back after Neville kidnaps her for one of his experiments. It's just the story is shown from the perspective of the kidnapper not the victims. The whole film drops hints to this twist on the typical heroes tale all the way along, but then because of the dumb ending they gave it fails to deliver, leaving you wondering what the rest of the film was all about.

Dave on Mar 17, 2008

554

I don't get it. But then I haven't seen it yet. But I don't understand what you mean about the ending. Maybe I should go read the book?

Jenny on Mar 17, 2008

555

Just as human and humane as how all of them got into the situation in the first place. Makes sense. However, in today's culture, we only know how to demonize, dehumanize and embrace that 'other' is bad. Shame WB!

BKW on Mar 17, 2008

556

WOW, I really did not like the original ending, it really gave me what I thought Hollywood tries to do...shock us by killing off the hero. I do believe that this is a better ending, it leaves us more with some faith...the best faith is never proven. I have family in the business and I have seen the process...this can be rough with so many creative fingers in the pie...but thanks so much for showing me this...I was not going to buy the DVD, but probably will now. Oh, and by the way... I think WB knows they made a mistake...they are marketing this DVD based on the new ending...

Number 553 on Mar 17, 2008

557

i liked the film loads, and i thought the ending in the theater was great, yeah it sucke that he died and everything, but it wasnt predictable. i imagined that it would end exactly like this ending. so that fact that it didnt.. made it good. Im still glad i seen this version though, i think both endings were good, but i think that having the 'hero' sacrifice himself to save humanity seemed to work with the film... if that makes sence.

Stan on Mar 17, 2008

558

I never read the book. I'm not really sure if I would have prefered this ending, however. It would have been good if they did touch on the whole legend concept, but I guess I never really missed it that much because I never read the book. But this ending just seems kind of corny and stupid. It makes it seem like the monsters aren't all that bad, and it's actually all his fault (I mean, come on, they killed his dog). I just thought it was cool how he would sacrifice himself in the one in the theaters, because it makes him seem more of a secondary character to the main story of the others who make it to the survivors camp with the cure. However, if I were to have seen the alternate ending first, I might not have minded all that much. It was just too much of a happy ending instead of an ending where it's sad in that he dies, but there is hope for the future anyway, which is more complex in my opinion.

somebody on Mar 17, 2008

559

"I want a DVD copy of the movie with the alternate ending being used as the actual ending so I don't have to go to special features to watch it." I second this. I loved this movie despite the predictability because of Will Smith's acting up until the point where the female protagonist was brought in. If this had been the alternate ending, it's still "Hollywood" in that Will Smith lives, but it's far more true to the original book source than the theatrical ending which left me feeling like I wasted half my time at the movie. How do we go about petitioning WB for a two-version DVD?

Kirsin on Mar 17, 2008

560

I suppose (admittedly having never read the book) that if the "vampires" are represented in the book as being a new (superior? better than Neville?) race of humans, then there's a big hole in the story; namely, who's blood do they drink when there are no humans left?! Perhaps I'm misunderstanding and they really aren't vampires at all, just mutants created by the virus???

L on Mar 17, 2008

561

Far, far superior to the theatrical release. Much truer to the spirit of the book.

CAT on Mar 17, 2008

562

I highly prefered this ending, the theatrical ending was just well, was a little empty to me at least. I felt something watching this ending and I didn't as much while watching the theatrical version.

joel on Mar 17, 2008

563

The ending of this movie was so stupid! Thank goodness that they did not show this in the theaters! I am so sorry if i'm being harsh, but I never thought that it would end like this!!!

Shahna on Mar 17, 2008

564

I like the orignal ending better. I read I am legend and to me it sucked compared to the movie. The movie felt so much more real than the book did. Its just an opinon so dont freak out.

David on Mar 17, 2008

565

to be honest you all are losers and need to get a life hahaha!

hollie on Mar 17, 2008

566

Hated this ending. The ending they chose at least had 1 thing in common with the book (which was tremendously better than the movie) which is the fact that Neville actually dies. Why can't the film makers just realize that if a book is as good as it is to begin with...then why do they have to go through and change almost everything about the story? The movie was good, and the original ending was better, end of story. But for anyone who liked the movie - read the book, you'll like it a lot more.

Mike on Mar 17, 2008

567

i liked the second ending because it flows with the story line more and it reminds me of bobmarly because he spoke of marly as being a legend who broke down anger and hate. they are both simmilar because he hated the creatures for destroying his life but he gave them a chance and then the hate disappeared also it gives more of a closure unlike the first one which is just ment to make the main character look cool which was ok but at the same time made him look like a bum because he had a pretty shitty last 3 years of his life and i dont know anyone that would want to go through what he did also thanks for showing me the original ending it was sweet and i thought was allot better than the first ending thanks:Joe Joe

joe joe on Mar 17, 2008

568

Ah! I like this ending so much better! Of course, I haven't read the book, but I had heard about it and didn't like the original ending at all. Thanks for sharing! I'm happy now 🙂

Anna on Mar 17, 2008

569

I liked this much better. I read the book and watched the other theatrical version with Charlton Heston from the 70's "Omega Man" which I liked better than this movie (ending). I felt with the original ending that Hollywood 'hollywood'ed' it up and thought they were so much smarter than a brilliant legendary (ha) novelist and though, hey instead of something to think about let's just throw in some yelling and an explosion instead! cha-chng! We're so smart! I am glad to see that this ending was available, too bad it was not the theatrical ending.

Michael on Mar 17, 2008

570

Oh, and thank you so much for putting this on the site, I was so iritated by the original release I was not going to rent it to watch the new ending, even though now I see it would have been worth it.

Michael on Mar 17, 2008

571

I really liked this alternate ending. I think it definitely played along with the story line of the book a bit better, than the original theatrical ending. The book is pretty much a masterpiece within itself, I think it has a heart and mind to it that not many pieces of literature have anymore. It shows a very different side to these so called "vampires" or "monsters", than what we see in our usual novels. No matter what, I don't believe that a movie adaptation of I Am Legend really, in full, capture the essence, and the heart of the book. Whether it was "hollywooded" or not, the concept of the book would fly over most peoples heads, especially on just any friday night outing to the movies. As much as I loved seeing the humanity and the real, sort of love between the two "vampires" in this alternate ending, and seeing Nevelle really finding that he was in the wrong, as opposed to this whole other species of people, I truly find myself loving the theatrical ending better. I think that other reviewers 100% had a point in saying that the director and screen writer's vision of the ending being about Nevelle sacrificing himself for humanity, DOES get lost in the midst of "hope there are still others out there". It definitely does, but I found myself with chills, and in complete awe, that such a person WOULD die for people he believes have some kind of redeeming qualities left in them. "Hollywooded", or not, the original theatrical ending moved me a lot more than this alternate ending.

Lexie on Mar 17, 2008

572

The movie turns sour when the woman and the child shows up. By that time, I thought the theatrical ending was appropriate because then there was a need for them. But if they were going to use the alternate ending, there was no need to have the two extra characters in the film at all.

Jason Park on Mar 18, 2008

573

After reading many of these comments, I completely understand both sides! I read parts of the book (I hardly ever read an ENTIRE book, I skip around . . . I know -- awful -- but it's all I can find time for!) I really sought after this alternate ending! Now that I've seen it, both endings incorporate some parts of the book. In the theatrical, Neville dies (though it is a completely different death -- but still a death). In the alternate, it shows his regret for pursuing a cure so viciously and how the infected perceive his doings. The main reason I like the theatrical is due to the fact that there were 9% (I think. . . ) that were immune to the infection, HOWEVER, how long would it have taken someone to figure out that the infection cannot survive the cold? The people who are already living there? Wouldn't they then have no clue what was going on in the rest of the world then? And never the less (from a medical perspective) it could be open for interpretation because something could be dormant in a system in the "cold" as we saw when he had the girl who was infected. And another thing -- how the hell did the woman and child get on Manhattan? I live there. . . it really bothered me that the bridges were destroyed yet they seemed to do the impossible and drive on and off without any sort of way for transportation besides their car? They could of taken a ferry but it is nearly impossible to handle. . . I don't know! It boggles my mind! I feel that this would be one of those movies that should be remade to be in line with the book so that both are available! Either one would be intriguing. The latest theatrical one for hope and those who would rather hold on to concept that the humanity we know can be saved at all times -- and the one where those who haven't read the book would be in shock and leave with a twisted understanding. Ok, I've gone on long enough! I just really have always liked the book and enjoyed the movie! I was pursuing a career as a doctor then as a chemical biologist to create medication for the "good", but I have always written papers and stuff about how realistic this could be just because of the severe fight for a "cure" for everything that it endangers us because of the political aspects about the FDA! haha, it has always just been for fun and to get on my professor's nerves, but is still an interesting perspective!

Meggie on Mar 18, 2008

574

Gave you chills?! Breathtaking?! The alternate ending was interesting at best in that it changed the entire dynamic. Personally, still wasn't the right ending. Both were sub-par, just like the movie!

George on Mar 18, 2008

575

cool movie both were good but alternative is better cuz he had to survive for the cure. i like it as much as i robot most peolple think they were zombies even me until now. i found out they were vampires they never explained that in the movie well at least i didnt hear dat.

waz up on Mar 18, 2008

576

Awesome ending! It sucks that the industry is so concerned about whether their target audiences will understand what's happening. I felt the idea was perfectly coherent and had no trouble understanding. I hope they add a full sound track to this ending in the DVD.

Paul W on Mar 18, 2008

577

Wow. I would have come out of the theater grinning ear to ear had that been what I had seen, rather than what they sold us. Typical of movies of late - great movies ruined by horrible endings. I had been renting getting the DVD just to see this... now I think I will buy it for it.

Skout on Mar 18, 2008

578

I liked it but the ending is kinda ruined with the whole them going across the bring... I know it was probably said already but they destroyed the bridges at the beginning so where the hell did it come from

Tony on Mar 18, 2008

579

I agree that this ending is much better than the theatrical ending; but either way the movie failed to reach my expectations. SO much about the book would have appealed to modern audiences: The brutal killings of the vampires during the daytime (why weren't they paralyzed in the movie?), the part where the vamps blow up his generator, the female vamps making lude gestures at him and his struggle with his unfulfilled lust, his struggle with alcoholism, his wife and daughter dying (not in a random helicopter crash) and him bringing them to the massive funeral pyre, the betrayal of the one person he trusts in the entire book, the REAL story of the dog (he spends weeks trying to make this dog trust him and when he finally gets ahold of it it dies to the virus), the explanations for how the virus interacts with the human body and why vampires are afraid of garlic, his relationship to his old friend who is now a vampire that taunts him all night long, etc. The only good change from the book was HOW he got his immunity to the virus... in the book he gets bit by a vampire bat that's infected and builds up an immunity. Pretty ridiculous.

Brad W on Mar 18, 2008

580

I liked the theatrical ending for the fact it was more that Neville won, but with the alternate ending it just seems like he gives up and loses. And I notice people talking about the similarity to the novel with the ending, in the novel does it not just end with Neville standing on a balcony in front of the vampires and kind of left it open ending so who’s to say whether he lives or dies.

Derek on Mar 18, 2008

581

The alternate ending was better than the one released in the theaters. I read the book a few years back and I was suprised with how different the movie was from the book, however, the movie was good overall. The only real disappointment I think that I had was that the infected were changed so much. In the book, they could talk and communicate which made the dynamic so much better between Nevill and the infected. Also, I would have liked to see how they would incorporate the woman coming into his life like the book. Where the infected society was able to live as a society and infiltrate his life with an infected being able to be out in the sun and trying to live a normal life. Wouldn't that have been a great line for the story? Also, why do they always have to kill off the pets? Come on, if you are going to change so much of the story, why not let the dog live? The way the dog was introduced in the movie was so much different than the book. Couldn't you have just left it alone? I would have also liked to see more with the intelligence of the infected. Like how the leader used "Frank" to lure Neville to the lair. More of that kind of exchange I think would have shown more of the dynamic like what was in the book. Finally, I can understand the deer running through the streets, they are pretty fast, but you mean to tell me that the lions, with cubs no less, were able to survive the infected at night when there was a scarce food source? Not believable at all. Over all, this is a movie that I will own for myself. The movie was good in its own right.

Shannon on Mar 18, 2008

582

I like this end more than the theatrical one, because you can be a legend for trying to make things diferents and when you see this Dr. Neville with the cure and with the knowledge of how the humanity turn into this creature with some kind of order and feelings, you know for sure that he is going to produce the antidote.

LigiaMZ on Mar 18, 2008

583

"Although I had wished that the alternate ending was more true to the novel in which Anna is an evolved daylight vampire who helps capture Neville and brings him to the vampires. She then explains that the vampires are a new society amongst themselves and view Neville as a killer and ghostly legend. And then they execute him." Random thought. Scary too...with the popularization of the "alternate ending" through the DVD - they kinda leave an opening for a sequel...one in which the vampires come and take Neville, explain their society, and then execute him. Like perhaps doing it from the vampire's perspective. Or half through Neville's, then switching to the vampire's with some flashback...blah blah... Either way, I am hoping this doesn't happen. I did like the original ending (aka alternate that wasn't shown in theatres) - moreso than the theatrical ending. The theatre ending just felt too "American" - the "we always have to win/fix everything". (And I'm American, so I can say that!)

Amber on Mar 18, 2008

584

I think this alternate ending was more courageous of Robert Neville and it elicited more emotions from me as a viewer.

MovieBuff on Mar 18, 2008

585

I think that the alternate ending would have made a better ending. I say this because I am a BIG Will Smith fan and wasn't so happy to see him die on the movie's ending. I've never seen Will Smith die on any of his films. So I love this ending way better!

Ruth Anne on Mar 18, 2008

586

I REALLY did not like the original ending. I found this page totally by accident. This alternate ending has really changed my perspective and I have decided to watch the movie again on DVD just to get the movie experience as I think it should have been. I assume you can watch the movie all the way through with the alternate ending?

meshachw on Mar 18, 2008

587

all of it is the authors responsibility. if you sell your story with no oversight as to what they do to it then you deserve to have your work crapped on by a corporation.

kiitos on Mar 18, 2008

588

You know what book- to movie adaption didn't suck. Lord of the Rings. Peter Jackson should direct everything.

Steve on Mar 18, 2008

589

Oh my goodness, this made me weep with empathy. That aside: it's not quite as well executed as it could be, overall, but, damn, this is exactly the flavour of ending I was hoping to see. Over the course of the movie it became quite clear Neville was a bit damaged by his loneliness and a little crazy - it didn't take a huge leap of faith to think that maybe there's more to these creatures than he, himself thinks. I didn't read the book, but I found the actual released ending of the movie to have ruined it. There were other decisions made in the movie that upset me a little, like being spoon-fed the history of the city, but the acting and some of the details (the mannequin trap, for example!) were utterly awesome... only to be dunked into a vat of Lame right at the end, where I was wondering who the directors were catering to. So much of the movie screamed, "This is different than you average zombie/vampire apocalypse!", only to crash right back into the cliché at the end. I still enjoyed it, but it let me with that aftertaste of, "This could have been better." Now I know precisely in what way it could have been better. 😀 So I'd like to second the general responses here: this ending would have been so much better. 🙂

Neike Taika-Tessaro on Mar 18, 2008

590

Finally seeing this explains so much about the movie that seemed crap. I.e. in the theatrical version there is all this buildup around the lead vampire and implications that they are smart and more than just zombies. The theatrical version just dismisses all that and by the end you have no real reason for them trapping Neville. With this version you see that they too have emotions and intelligence and there was a reason behind the ruthless attacks on Neville. I still hate the girl and the overall feel good ending of the movie though, the books concept was way better. This new ending brings it close in line though which is good. I like the structure with the pictures of all his experiments in the background on the wall while hes looking ashamed.

Joe on Mar 18, 2008

591

Yes, I really like this alternate ending much better. The one in the movie is kind of illogical, he could have set and thrown the grenade, then hid in the wall along with the others.

Don on Mar 18, 2008

592

I was very disappointed with this movie as soon as the first CGI creature was shown. I love this alternative ending though as it reveals the humanity inside the monsters something I felt was missing. I think I could have forgiven the earlier "falseness" of the creatures if I had seen this ending in the theaters. i think you are correct that they made a huge mistake.

lancifer on Mar 18, 2008

593

It is definitely a more powerful ending in terms of emotion but then it leaves us a sense of where exacltly does the title come into play. Is he legend because he faced the monsters and lived or that he found a cure. Both endings are geared towards pleasin both sides of our society in which some wish that the hero dies while taking out the bad guy or lives to fight another day. No one looks at the fact that he cause this ailment or that he killed hundreds of people yes humans trying to find a cure. Halfway through the movie he finally comes to the conclusiopn that they have no more human traits but his wall of death showed that he tested this theory on victims in the masses before reaching that diagnosis. All in all I prefer the book they obviously formed there own society scouring for food at night and here comes this man dragging them out one by one and dispatching them as if they were deer or some other type of game, not thinking that they were once his neighbors so in any polite society he was tried found wanting and executed accordingly .

v on Mar 18, 2008

594

yeah wow, rally the cause behind an alternate ending.. it's still the worst movie to come out of hollywood in years.. i've seen better computer graphics on a playstation, and the ridiculous pacing was a far bigger problem than the ending.. the original wasn't much, but it was a damn sight better than this piece of trash..

George on Mar 18, 2008

595

this was a much better ending. i hadn't read the book and was enjoying the movie quite a lot until this last scene when i felt the tone completely changed for the worst. I thought it become really cheesy. WB ruined the movie by doing this.

jimbot on Mar 18, 2008

596

Much better ending!!! I was quite disappointed with the original (theatre version). I had looked the story up on wikipedia prior to watching it and was sad to have ruined such a great story for myself. Then to get to the theatre and see the ending I was shocked. I am glad to know that there was a much better ending out there, and that it was created, even if not shown. I agree with what you said about the paradox of him being the legend. Great stuff.

Kelli on Mar 18, 2008

597

I knew it! Well.. sort of. I had the alternate ending played out in my head before I even left the theater! My ending went kind of like this: the head vampire is trying to get in the room (as in the movie) and when Neville sees the burn on the side of his head, he realizes that the female he took is actually the leader's girlfriend - which was clearly evidenced by the leader's change in behavior when she was captured. Neville shows the leader that he has cured her and the leader allows Neville to inject him with the cure as well. The others follow the leader and are all injected.. Happy ending for all 🙂 The real alternate ending kind of leaves me wondering what happened to the zombies. I mean.. They just leave and that's it?

Shawnda on Mar 18, 2008

598

that was great i love i am legend so much its all i'v talked about for the last 18 days

reed on Mar 18, 2008

599

Thanks for that loved it so much better than original ending

Jordan on Mar 18, 2008

600

I really liked the movie in general and I think I would have liked it better with the original ending.

Loren on Mar 18, 2008

601

Just watched the alt ending on DVD.... for those who were asking for a version where the alt ending is part of the movie and not just a special feature tack-on, you're in luck. The second disc is the entire movie with the alt ending seamlessly integrated. Bravo!

Jim on Mar 18, 2008

602

You are all geeks. Go polish your enterprise model and watch Trekkies.

Mark on Mar 18, 2008

603

The ending in the theaters ruined the movie for me. I would have much preferred to see this alternate ending in the original movie. But this movie is still one of the best of the decade!!

Cali on Mar 18, 2008

604

Well I tend to like both endings. I never read the book so I'm not able to make a comparison between the two. But what may be missing here is the viewing audience expectations. Those that did not read the book went because of Will Smith. Those that had read the book went to see it come to life on the big screen. Lets face it, Hollywood almost never holds true to the real essence of any book. Primarily, as I see it, most books, regardless of popularity, are only read by 2-3 million people. While a blockbuster movie is seen by 10's of millions. Most of whom have never heard of let alone read the book. Judging by the comments here and those morbid cartoons on the DVD, the fans of this book seem to have no hope for themselves. I guest that's why so many want to see the vampires humanized. I belive the real diappointment was not in Will Smith dying, but in the Vampires being killed. Eveything bad is good kind of mindset. Regardless, $300 million based on a "bad" ending, they'll never change. Neither would I.

james on Mar 18, 2008

605

Although I haven't read the book, I really think this ending is much better. When I saw it in theaters, I thought what I saw just now was gonna happen, but I was wrong.

Isaac on Mar 18, 2008

606

Sorry. This was a really cool ending and all, and I'm glad that he lived in this one. But the original one made me cry in the movie theatre and this one kinda confused me. All in all they were both good, but I still prefer the original.

EJ on Mar 18, 2008

607

Scott in #11: Thanks for your post; I'll make sure to avoid taking any advice from an insulting nut job like yourself. Now please chuck your PC out the window so you can stop polluting the internet with your crass and self-important nonsense.

Thomas on Mar 18, 2008

608

heh when i first saw this at the first movie i ever went to (yes i know im strange) it shocked me, this movie is completely realistic, with the advances we make in medical sceince everyday, this type of thing is possible. i love the alternate ending... should have been the main ending in the book... kinda makes you want to know about the other side of it, you know... the infected people.. you know..

IronLone on Mar 18, 2008

609

I LOVED the movie and I hated the theater ending. Seeing the alternate ending was much better, I feel like it is complete now. It just feels right. greatest movie I've seen all year!!

Jenn on Mar 18, 2008

610

See now as I watched the movie and the creature first showed itself I sorta knew that it was really just evolving and that it probably was just pissed that wil smiths character had taken someone that it possibly cared about or bonded with. Then when it set the trap for him i was sure there was more to it. Now i realize I was right. Thanks, Great Alternate ending. Much better than original..

Scott on Mar 18, 2008

611

how did they drive away!!!!!

jim on Mar 18, 2008

612

the alternate ending is okay, i just don't see the point of the vampires (i guess that's what we agreed to call the CGI creatures now) not killing Neville after what he did, being the legendary serial killer for the vamps. and yeah they've destroyed the bridge..

cumi on Mar 18, 2008

613

The ending was changed because it encourages people to find peaceful, non-violent ways of resolving their conflicts. We can't have people thinking THAT, can we? Think what it would do to the economy!

Asmodeus on Mar 18, 2008

614

For a person that works in a movie theatre... i heard and saw the dissapointments about the ending of this movie.. THe concept of Legend that they tried to push with the theatrical ending didnt fit that well.. this alternate however fits together the puzzle peices that were given through out the begining.. like the going out into the sun, to chase after his wife/gf.. the butterfly thing with his kid.. and the playing god concept... in the end when it shows him looking at all the victims that he killed.. I undoubtedly would choose this ending over the theatrical one.

Jullian on Mar 18, 2008

615

I haven't read the book but the movie ending was a shock and a disappointment and an insult. This ending is touching, intelligent and ties everything in a meaningful way. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING! This was so much the same depressing end like Last Man on Earth and Omega Man at the movies, give it a special place as being the only way an event like this could make sense.

Linda on Mar 19, 2008

616

you're right when you say WB did it for money. but is it realy so much better? I have to watch the complete movie with the alternative end to give the answer, but the end is surly more emotional as the final one. What's sure better is that there's no church and jesus conspiracy like in the theatrical end.

szenen on Mar 19, 2008

617

I rented the movie last night. I couldnt figure out why i hated the movie until i found this website this morning.. Like most of the people i was enjoying the movie up until the woman and kid arrive. (also hated the part about the german sheppard dying, even though you knew from typical movies that is was going to happen. Any after they arrived the movie became boring and i feel both endings sorta sucked. If i had to choose id go with the alt ending. I do like the idea that he is considered a legend among the vampire as a serial killer. I havent read the book but from what i have read on the post it seemed like a much better ending then the movie. They never really said how the infection started. I know they kept saying it is man related. But in the very opening the doctor is on tv saying they found a cure for cancer. I thought that the cure they were using started the infection. Im going to assume that since they found the cure for cancer this was a new and more poweful disease that could whipe out man kind. But the question i had was that they never went into detailed how the disease stared or where it came from. I thought they should have related it in with the cure for cancer, as like a side affect a year later that transformed into into this KG disease. Again the movie wasnt bad until the end.

Mike F on Mar 19, 2008

618

I think they should have used this ending. The theatrical ending leaves you so disappointed that you don't even care about the safe area in Vermont. We already had to watch our hero dog die so why kill the hero legend as well.

mb on Mar 19, 2008

619

Oh wow...this ending gave me chills. I like this SO much better than the original. In the original, I really really wanted the "monsters" to finally show their human side...Robert mentioned that one of them came out into the sun for a brief moment, and it was because they were becoming so savage they didn't even think of their own welfare anymore, when really it was because the monster wanted to save his mate so badly, he almost died for her. Then they set the same exact trap that Robert set for them. Clearly they weren't as savage as he thought, and this ending gets that point across MUCH more clearly. God, I love this movie.

ACK on Mar 19, 2008

620

You are an idiot, this ending is nothing like the ending of the book and it doesn't even make it a point to say the incredible final lines of the novel. Without this the story is nothing, and means nothing. It is incredibly funny to me to hear you and others talk about how amazing this trite and incredibly poorly written, directed, and acted film was. The movie should have never been given the honor of using the actual name of the story by Richard Matheson since it had absolutely nothing to do with the story. The entire point of Matheson's work is tossed out the window by those who made this movie and I find it incredibly depressing. This little 170 page novella is one of the greatest works of fiction or science-fiction/horror to ever be produced and it sickens me to see it get shit on for a third time on the big screen. Did you happen to notice in the credits where it says that this garbage film was based on a SCREENPLAY that was BASED ON the book? Wow, what a way to write a movie. Don't read the book, read a terrible screenplay that was meant for Arnold Schwarzenegger and write up a script that does no justice to the points made in the original. The support you idiots give to this movie is incredible, and I still have a hard time believing that people actually like this crap. Then I remember how the intelligence of the average person is apparently dropping day by day and I am no longer surprised. Maybe if you read the book you too would agree that they did an awful job of turning it into a film for the third time, and I wouldn't see these retarded reviews claiming that the film was "incredible". It was poorly directed, the CG monsters looked like shit (as always), and Will Smith's idea of a lonely man driven to near insanity is talking to mannequins. Wow, what an amazing actor (sarcasm). This film was shit, your opinion is shit, and this alternate ending does in no way make the point that the book does. I'm glad that writing for a film news website makes you feel that you are a critic worthy of writing insightful commentary on movies, but you have instead proven that you know next to nothing about good writing, direction, and acting. The people in charge of making this movie did everything they could to dumb it down for the morons who pay $10 a pop for tickets, and you fell for it. Congratulations. The American film industry is going down the tubes and idiots like you are wadding up your money in the pipes so it will never be plunged from the depths of the cesspool that it currently resides in. I beg you, be like the classic comedy show from years ago, and GET FUCKING SMART!

Slick Rick on Mar 19, 2008

621

i totally prefer the alternate ending... it makes the movie so much better..

mr. spaulding on Mar 19, 2008

622

I really want to thank you for showing us that ending. I have seen the movie and I loved it but the one thing that I was not crazy about was the ending. My whole family agreed that the ending should have been different and now that I have seen this ending I believe that this is the one that they should have put in the final cut for theaters. That was the kind of ending that we felt was better then what was there. Thank you so much for showing us that.

shanna on Mar 19, 2008

623

Much much better, though the movie still had lots of issues. Still, I would've been more inclined to overlook those issues had this been the ending... Thanks for showing us! And btw, there a new Director's Cut out now (at least online) that fixes this and a few other things...

Chris on Mar 19, 2008

624

I think this version is much better but it still had problems too. I admit the scene with them all driving away was a bit too "sunshine and flowers" for me. They should have replaced that with a small montage of how Neville's cure was being used by the survivors to turn the infected back to normal. Everything else in this ending really tied it together. The alpha male showing that shred of humanity he has left by his emotion over his female is what makes Neville see that somewhere along the line HE has turned into the vampire/monster/legend or whatever you want to call it. The movie was really good up until the dark seekers showed themselves. I mean come on...CG PEOPLE??? What is so wrong these days with having real actors in makeup. Think how much more freaky the movie would have been if they were real actors portraying the dark seekers. The animation was about as obvious as bugs bunny in space jam. A message to all movie makers, CG animation belongs in children's films and should stay there (well ok, Beowulf is an exception). Unless you can do a spotless job of making it look perfectly real you shouldn't mess with it at all. Oh yeah...and don't trust focus groups, they messed up your movie.

L. on Mar 19, 2008

625

Hi Mike F, They infer that the infection is a mutation of the virus they modify to attack cancer. So their amazing, resiliant cure, becomes a death sentence for most of the world. As for the ending, I prefer the 'alternate' one, up until the driving and voiceover by the girl. Personally I'd still vote for some form of hybrid ending perhaps, or do something (rapid scene flashbacks) to emphasize his realization that he is the monster, at least to the 'vampires'. It might have been fitting to have the girl 'vampire' kill him just as/after he has this epiphany. Then the escape of the girl and the boy to the 'safe town' could have cemented the 'Legend' for both old humanity, and new mutated humanity. Anyway, just my collection of disjointed thoughts.

Chad O on Mar 19, 2008

626

I thought The Omega Man was a much better film. I also think the alternate ending was much more in-deph and thought provoking than the theatrical.

Charlton Heston on Mar 19, 2008

627

Oh yeah, and I think alot of you out there can get your point across without calling people names please. This whole "If you don't like exactly what I like, you're a retard." attitude has got to go also. The fact is, this isn't the book, it's a movie. And try to keep in mind that 75% of the audience probably hasn't read the book. So please get off your high horses and be nice.

L. on Mar 19, 2008

628

Thanks Chad for clearing that up.. I was sorta thinking that was the reason but wasnt 100% sure.

Mike F on Mar 19, 2008

629

You're welcome Mike. And I agree with 'L.' that a bit more civility would be great. I haven't read the book, but can understand that it would be awesome to see that ending. But portraying it without making the movie overly long would be the challenge. You could easily get rid of the girl and little boy mind you, if that was the slant they were taking. Now, I don't think anyone has mentioned it, but would it be trite, or ironic, if Neville died of cancer after reaching the town?

Chad O on Mar 19, 2008

630

Trite. Very trite, and totally not in keeping with the story.

SandwichBoy on Mar 19, 2008

631

I'm so incredibly exited right now its crazy, and at the same time so very upset. The alternate ending was amazing, I loved it. WB has to know the ending they chose sucked as reviews for the movie are great, except everyone had same same issues. The ending. I honestly dont even know a single person who saw the movie that didnt say something about not liking the way it ended. Theatrical ending was horrid. I just want to thank you for posting the other ending so myself and others can replace the excruciating ending with an ending much more fit.

Tom T. on Mar 19, 2008

632

Slick Rick, you are stressing too hard about how people feel about this movie. Keep in mind, just because a book was a genius book, does not mean movies based on the book but altered can't also be enjoyable. People are not idiots if they choose to like the creativity of someone who was inspired by another artist to recreate their work. It happens all of the time in the food industry and sometimes leads to much better products. After reading the first Jurassic Park book, I am actually glad that the movie didn't completely follow all of it's story lines. I even thought the book that the first Rambo was based on (in which Rambo was killed), did better by being changed. Now, I can argue that for someone to want to see Rambo live is in poor taste because it is not true to the book, but that is all opinion and not foolishness. I'd venture a guess that most people never heard of the book until this movie came out. Therefore, they are liking this movie based on the creativity that was within it, and not based on the creativity of the original author. They are not dumb, but simply experiencing something from a different view than one who've seen the true source.

Yus John on Mar 19, 2008

633

Loved the movie. I also prefer this ending over the theatrical one, but can someone explain to me the butterfly concept of this movie, especially when the main vampire drew a butterfly on the glass and the female had a butterfly tattoo? I dont get it.

Ric P on Mar 19, 2008

634

WOW. that was so much better that the one that was used in the theaters.

Sean on Mar 19, 2008

635

Thanks a lot for breaking the rule... The orignal left me with an odd feeling that the movie ended in a compromise. With this version the movie finally made sense!

Jesper B on Mar 19, 2008

636

THEY BLEW UP ALL THE BRIDGES... and this ending was weak

Guy on Mar 19, 2008

637

I am very grateful to have found this. I loved the movie, but the ending felt very false given some events leading up to it. I have not read the book, but I had imagined an ending similar to this 'original' one. I see it like this: Theatrical ending: mindless, violent, destructive, desperate, loose-loose, yet still managing to put a single (flawed) man on pedestal as a fake 'hero' to try and spin something positive from the disaster. Original ending: as said: profound and emotional, overcoming fear and prejudice and being willing to listen and negotiate, resulting in a win-win. Unfortunately I see an attitude in the US, especially regarding foreign policy, to have disturbing similarities to the mindset of the 'theatrical trailer'. Maybe this factored in to the decision to use this ending - on the assumption that viewers would prefer to see a show of power and big explosion with heroes held high, since this has proven to be such a successful technique in convincing the public that US foreign policy is doing the right thing. Hopefully, this strong show of support for the original ending can also help some people realise that a compassionate mindset can produce better results, and would be warmly accepted by the public.

Eric Woods on Mar 19, 2008

638

Ric P (comment 632). From what I figure, the female vampire had a butterfly tattoo. Simple. The lead vampire wanted her back, and wanted to communicate the fact that he had a personal connection to her (otherwise his actions would be interpreted as "I want to kill everyone in the glass cage"). So he drew a butterfly on the glass. Neville's daughter talking about butterflies was supposed to be prophetic to help Neville 'listen', and not just react to violence with violence.

Eric Woods on Mar 19, 2008

639

I definitely prefer this ending over the theatrical one. For one thing, much of the movie seemed to move towards this conclusion. The alpha male's anger when his wife/girlfriend was taken from him, the trap the infected set for Neville, and the complex, distraught expression on the alpha male's face as he was hitting the glass near the end all hinted at the idea that the infected were more human than Neville seemed willing to believe. The appearance of the family of lions at the end is also poignant. In the beginning of the movie, Neville decided not to shoot a lioness, despite the fact that it killed the deer he was hunting, because he saw that it had a family. This mirrors the situation with the infected and emphasizes the sanctity of all life, all families, regardless of what kind. The only small weakness I found with this ending was that there was still a bridge left standing. I can imagine that maybe not all of the bridges had been destroyed (the infected did spread, after all), but the fact that this wasn't explicitly stated makes the presence of a working bridge seem like a mistake (even if it wasn't).

Phillip Seo on Mar 19, 2008

640

The original ending was good, but that alternate ending would've been better. They just started to dig into the fact that those things were social with each other and this would've helped me understand better where that was headed. Many times when I see a movie and I felt like something could've been better explained I would see it in the deleted scenes. That ending shouldn't have been deleted, in my opinion.

Danirae on Mar 19, 2008

641

The theater version started off well, it evolved more or less evenly along the way and then it just ... nothing, Neville just decided to give up and kill himself ... , not very good for a squeal in my opinion, very bad ending. Know the original (alternate) ending, that's what I call a decent ending, at least it didn't kill the story.

Luis Farinha on Mar 19, 2008

642

I really like the alternate ending. Theatre one was good but I didn't like Rober Neville dies at end.

Just Fan on Mar 19, 2008

643

Liked the alternate left an opening for a sequel.

A. Giasone on Mar 19, 2008

644

I gave I Am Legend a rating of 2/5 on Netflix. I absolutely hated the movie. I enjoyed all of it til the end, and the ending I thought was so poorly forced together that I couldn't even enjoy the good parts I had seen. In the movie, all of the hints and insights they build into the main Vampire just get completely dropped and kicked out of the way in the last 10 minutes, it drove me nuts. The Vampires start showing intelligence, and seem particularly angry about the one female vampire being taken, so the entire movie you expect something to develop with that plot line. For them to drop it so dismissively was a huge insult to me as a viewer. I wrote a few opinions on how bad I felt the movie was...that is, until I saw the alternate ending. It actually finishes the movie, instead of treating us like children with short attention spans. We get to see Will and the main Vampire's relationship come to fruition, and Will finally gain the insight he seems to be searching for the entire movie. With the alternate ending, I would give the movie 4 stars. With the ending as it is currently, it will remain at 2. Currently I Am Legend gets mediocre reviews (only 3/5 general rating on Netflix). With this alt ending, it would have easily been at the top of the lists instead of left behind. Warner needs to stop considering their first week as a judgment of their success. I Am Legend was going to get an audience no matter what happened (as it did). To /maintain/ a following, to get respect for a movie, you need to actually do something good. You can't rely on cliche and a well cut trailer to get you through everything.

E on Mar 19, 2008

645

If you look at the entire movie then the theatrical ending is more in line with what was shown before. If you've read the book and have an appreciation of it then you'll like the alternate ending more because it touches upon some of the concepts the book uses. The alternate ending comes out of left field if you watch the entirety of the movie and doesn't work at all. In the book there is a progression to show the blurring of good and evil, in the movie there was absolutely no blurring of those two concepts. Through the entire movie the vampire-esque creatures are 'evil', and Neville is undeniably good, in the book they blur the line between the infected and Neville. The alternate ending would have made no sense at all when considering the movie only, and even if they had changed earlier scenes it would not have made much of a difference. The alternate ending was an attempt to bring concepts from the book into the movie, so putting it into the movie would have required extensive changes both to the earlier scenes and even the alternate ending as well since they had no backstory to explain the infected's actions.

Sam on Mar 19, 2008

646

First of all anyone who thinks the original ending was better is a moron, and should go apply for a job at Warner Brothers right now! Second, most (if not all) of you are missing the point of the title. The title is "I" am Legend. It's a pun. Smith's character is calling himself a legend - a true legend would never say that "I am a Legend!" This fully supports this alternate ending. The point of the film is to show that he is more evil than the vampires. Which is also the very reason they don't kill him. If they kill Smith, than the vampires would be no better than he is. The point is to show that they do have humanity, If they killed Smith, they would be just as savage. The ending is a revelation in Smith's character, that he sees "oh fuck, maybe I'm not a Legend!" The title is a complete pun and play on words. Even to the point that Smith thinks he is the last man on earth, when he isn't! He isn't a legend - and that is the point of the movie! In many ways this ending and idea are better than the book - in the book, we find out she is one of them, and takes them to their lair and they kill him. Making them savage, him the last man on earth and a "legend!" But the film is the opposite, it shows that they are humane, that he isn't the last man, and that he isn't a legend - BRILLIANT! The book was a classic, but the film took a different, and perhaps better approach to the story. If anything certainly a more realistic approach - think about it, is it really conceivable that he is the last man on earth!

Bryan on Mar 19, 2008

647

I loved the alternate ending so much better than the original. Most of all because Will Smith still lived at the end. It made perfect sense to me because it shows that all the creatures wanted was the woman back. They never really bothered him until he took one of the infected. I would most definitely vote for the alternate ending.

Michelle Owens on Mar 19, 2008

648

I prefer the alt ending. It shows that love exists in the creatures. THEIR IS SOME HUMANITY LEFT IN THEM!!! We are always afraid of the unknown, albeit here there is GOOD REASON to fear them. The THEATRICAL ending seemed too hokey - sugar-coated at the VERY END IMO

Roger on Mar 19, 2008

649

I truly enjoyed the alternate ending, and so did my 11-year-old daughter. (My wife wasn't so sure!) We thought it did a pretty good job of walking the line between the "Hollywood ending" and the darker book ending. There was still definitely a compromise of sorts, but in this version of the ending the compromise worked beautifully. I would've been very happy with it in the theaters. The photographs on the walls and the vampire "hero" walking off with the damsel strongly alluded to the book's point, and that would've gotten a lot of people thinking. In a lot of ways it reminded me of the DVD of "28 Days Later", where they showed alternate endings which included killing off one of the main characters. But for that one they made the right choice in theaters — the alternates simply didn't work as well. With "I Am Legend" the alternate is (IMHO) the definitive version of the movie.

Drew Thaler on Mar 19, 2008

650

Honestly I think both endings have pros and cons. It was better to see the humanity in the zombies because they had already shown that they were able to replicate and learn the trap Neville set and using "Frank" (obviously marking them as not mindless zombies) the alt ending also stays true to the book by showing the evolution of mankind and making neville into a legend. At the same time I dont know how i feel about keeping him alive. If they wanted a sequel, maybe...

jess on Mar 19, 2008

651

Wow! I prefer the movie 28 Days later as I felt the two movies were pretty much the same but that ending was superior to the original in every way. The original cinema ending absolutely destroyed any credibility that the movie had. I agree that this one should have been used. Too late for me now because I seen the crap ending & therefore I am Legend was just another mediocre movie that dragged at times & was ruined. Thank God there's no sequel. Well all I know is I wouldn't be going if there was anyway! The CGI was below average for me so that was another negative point. I'm getting away from the subject now. Sorry! WB, you guys got this wrong. This was the better ending that would definitely have gone down better with audiences. Where do you get your test audience from????

Barry Murphy on Mar 19, 2008

652

it's funny... this ending brings lots of closure, and explains a lot in the movie... that scene where the main 'zombie' exposes himself to the light... everything. it was the perfect ending. I had no knowledge of what would happen at the end, and the entire time I was thinking "it's because of that zombie chick in the basement".

ben on Mar 20, 2008

653

Wow! lmao! I haven't heard a rant like that in sometime, but I agree with ya there! A little bit off topic I suppose but oh well. Thanks for the comic relief though amongst everything else.

Ken on Mar 20, 2008

654

For me, this alternate ending is simply horrible 🙂 Whole movie is full of weak spots, but including such a cheap pathetic ending would be even worse. I respect everyone's opinion, but I simply couldn't come up with more cheesy cliched ending. Original ending is pathetic but comparing to this it looks like actual movie.

Jack on Mar 20, 2008

655

I never read the book, though it was obvious for me the original ending did not fit the story. Now I see this, it explains all. Thanks for showing this!

Savage on Mar 20, 2008

656

I really enjoy this alternate ending, not just because Will Smith is alive but because it is more true to the original story. I like movies that are true to the books and games. Thanks for showing!

misstyeye on Mar 20, 2008

657

I think that ending kicks ass over the other one... it opens up more onto the themes and really shows that Neville was wrong when he assumed that the others were not evolved at all.. because how would they set traps or have a hierarchy...

M on Mar 20, 2008

658

THIS ENDING SUCKS I have no idea how anyone could prefer this ending to the original theatrical release. This was a movie, it was loosely based on the book, but not a direct copy. I hate this ending.

Matt on Mar 20, 2008

659

wow what a hell of an ending ive seen the movie four times but i never actually got wut the ending meant but now that i hav seen that ending i have one question..............IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN DOWLOAD THIS VID SO I CAN PUT IT ON MY PSP?!?!?!?!?!?!?

daniel on Mar 20, 2008

660

i think they put the theatrical ending in so that people would want to see the real ending and to do that they would have to buy the dvd. So i think they did that so they would make more money by selling lots of dvds cause people wanted to see the alternative ending

david on Mar 20, 2008

661

This was a much better ending. Very reminisent of the book. Not in that he lived, but in that he realized that the vampires had a society, and that he was a killer to them.

flash over on Mar 20, 2008

662

In my opinion, only one post seems to have the "I am Legend" angle right - Neville is a relic of what he believes to be an all but extinct race and society, and therefore is a legend regardelss of whether he as alive or dead, and regardless of whether or not he is remembered by the "new society"as some kind of serial killer or moster; it is a foregone conclusion that the human race as he knew it is gone forever, and in that respect he remains a legend in either ending, as would the woman and the kid. For me, the survining humanity of the infected was already apparent before seeing the alternate ending. It was obvious in the leader's willingness to expose himself to sunlight, in his ingenuity in trapping Neville, and in his determination to recover to the female infected. I can't believe other posters could not see this just because they didn't get to see the embrace between the two infected lovers that was included in the alternate ending, or simply because Neville makes a note to himself that the intellect of the infected must have somehow degraded. It was quite aparent to me that he had missed the point that the infected had indeed retained some humanity and intellect, and this because he was in denial - he had been since the trauma of the original outbreak and losing his wife and child. He demonstrated this by telling the woman survivor almost the exact thing he told his wife on the eve of the evacuation..."I can stil fix this.." It was as if he was stuck in the past. Neville's solitude was already putting him on the verge if going crazy, so it wasn't some wierd connection wit the manequin that made him fall for the trap. He was actually questioning whether the manequin was perhaps real, so it was a real mind trip for him to see it out there... Finally, I feel that the only thing that the theatrical ending lacks is some sort of realization and dismay on Neville's part that he was perceived by the infected as being the monster for abducting and killing so many of their own. This could still have been achieved, I think, with the same glance at the wall of photos, and his resignation to the reality that the infected would not stop till he was dead, but that he had to still save them by saving the woman and the boy who had the cure in their possession. The only way he could do this was to blow himself up with as many of the infected that were in te house...

Rex on Mar 20, 2008

663

Having never read the book and having generally enjoyed the movie, I thought that the ending was somehow wrong and missing one important element. My daughter and I discussed it at length after seeing the film and we both felt that there should have been an alternative ending that somehow acknowleged the residual humanity of the infected people. This was actually alluded to earlier in the film where the male was prepared to rsik coming into the light to protect his mate. This was very important to the storyline and was completely lost in the ending that made it to the cinemas, but is clearly present in the original ending. Someone should tell American filmakers that resolving a storyline with explosions doesn't really resolve anything - it's just a cheap way of giving an audience some kind of cathartic relief from the stress of the story and is used way too much in Hollywood (Explosions to offer cathartic relief are used way too much in American foreign policy as well... Eg: Iraq: Shock and awe response to 9/11, etc. ) - Allan (Australia)

Allan W on Mar 20, 2008

664

Firstly, I have I am Legend, both BOOK and MOVIE. Now that I used caps somewhere in this paragraph, lets begin. I didn't like the ending of the book, I'm sorry but it wasn't well written, poorly executed, and is only hailed as "epic" by sentimental retards who can't let go of their first experience with it. (WHAT? WHAT?) I guess for pseudo literacy critics its a work of masterpiece, how "Nevelle" is his own evil when viewed by the vampires, the next step of evolution. but to be perfectly blunt "two sides of the same coin, there is no good, there is no evil" has been a concept implored in works since... A little before the dawn of f***ing time and a minute hand after Homer wrote his epic involving Troy, somewhere in there. Hell, it was even in the Matrix, what a brilliant movie, right? Stop calling the book's view "unique", for the last time, must EVERY DEFENSE for a book to movie remind us how "ITS NOT THE SAME". Again, if you want a page by page conversion, ...read the book, otherwise, don't bring "unique" into the argument. Oh, you wanted a more faithful version? Yes you say? Use your imagination, read the f***ing book.

GodDamn Batman on Mar 20, 2008

665

Yes, Warner Bros. made a lot of $$$ with the theatrical ending, but shot themself in the foot with respect to future earnings via a Will Smith franchise and a better story. The story and Smith's character needed more than one movie to do the book justice. Those of you who argue that the creatures were devoid of all humanity, and that the alternate ending is too soft, missed one obvious detail....They still wore clothes ! They were not completely animals, as their intelligence in replicating Neville's snare-trap also revealed. I thought the movie was too short, and ended just as it finally got going. The book was great in it's time, but did need a bit of updating. I would have liked to have seen his wife survive the helicopter crash and later be discovered among the infected. Perhaps he could have even not recognized her and mistakenly killed her in his rampage after the loss of his dog, ( use the tattoo reference as a means to identify HER,) and show that in seeing these "things" as just guinea pigs in his quest to save humanity, that he had lost his own, and that he had become the monster. Hindsight is always 20/20, and it is far easier to criticize than to create, but Hollywwod could have used a bit more foresight, and insight, on this one. - Sam

Cinema Sam on Mar 20, 2008

666

I like this better than what was in the movie, and yet, I think this could have been improved, too.

Michael Lambert on Mar 20, 2008

667

Yeah, I prefer this ending to the theatrical one. However, I can see why they would go with the theatrical one, as it gives closure (although quickly and not that convincingly), more so then this one does. Oh, and I don't think they intended to follow the book beyond the basic concept. I mean, isn't that Hollywood's way?

Kaitin on Mar 20, 2008

668

Why hasn't anybody mentioned the fact that they drove across a BRIDGE to leave, when earlier a big point of the story was that all the bridges were destroyed. This lapse in storyline continuity probably had EVERYTHING to do with them dropping this ending, than anything else. (Although lets face it, they already botched that the moment she waltzed into town from Maryland). THE ISLAND WAS CUT OFF!!!!!!

Just me on Mar 20, 2008

669

This movie failed on so many levels. Will Smith was brilliant, the deserted city was well realised, and the first half really left you sharing his isolation. Then the "vampires" came. The special effects, up until this point, had ranged form brilliant - New York, empty and overgrown - to computer game - the entry of the mustang - to somewhere in between - the animals. However the entrance of the "vampires" managed to hit a new low in major motion picture effects. When I first saw these I though I was watching an animatic. They are truly terribly realised and unconvincing in every way. The we get the obligatory woman and child, and the inevitable hopeful ending. I was gutted, because I had high hopes for this, and with the exception of some dodgy effects work early on, it had been going well. There were also some glaring continuity problems, where plot directions had been obviously set up, then simply ignored for the rest of the film. The ending didn't surprise me though. I knew an alternate, stronger ending had been show to test audiences (read : Americans) who had hated it, forcing a new ending to be shot. It does not surprise me in the least that this ending was rejected by an American audience. If there is one thing the majority of American film goers hate, it is to be challenged. Good must triumph. There must be hope. Who cares if the real world isn't like that. This ending does tie up some of the plot lines that were left to dangle, and is, on the most part, and much better choice for the movie itself (audience testing be damned), however it does not rescue the movie from director, who is a second rate hack, and the "vampire" effects, which are simple shoddy, substandard and 'safe' Maybe the next person to film it will get it right.

Outsider on Mar 20, 2008

670

First off, I was dissappointed by the fact of its deviation from the actual story. It's my opinion that it shouldn't have been called I Am Legend. It should have been some other title like Last Man on Earth and The Omega Man were. I understand why they didn't just make the movie exactly like the book and that is because all of us who have read the book have already seen the best movie adaption and that is the movie we see in our minds while reading the book. That's the reason why the book will almost always be better than the movie. I say almost simply because it is possible for a filmmaker to come up with a better story than the original. Taking that into account lets proceed. I think the original ending fit better with the feel of how the movie was progressing. When Neville kidnapped the female to find a cure and the male came to the doorway you could clearly see that he was her mate. It annoyed me that when Neville was doing his video diary that he stated they had lost their humanity when clearly they hadn't. It was also annoying that he didn't acknowledge this when he was trapped using the exact snare that he used to capture the female. Last I knew animals don't go around trapping humans in snares, but it could simply be that they cover up their tracks to well. Think about it, how many of us going missing never to be heard of again. I liked the original because it finally dawned on him instead of him still being ignorant and sacrificing himself for no reason. Third, the woman. When I first saw her I was excited because I thought that they were following the book and that she was the spy, but of course no, though I held out hope for quite awhile. All it did was end up making me dislike her. Fourth, taking into the account of the original and the theatrical endings I think that they could have done a better job with the change to the theatrical seeing how they left elements that lead up to the original ending still in. What they need to do is make two actual versions of the film. Overall, taking into account my first point and considering it lightly based on the book I give the movie a 7. Note: I did not read all the 660 odd comments already posted so my whole comment could be just rehash but hey that's how I feel so for any of those out there who ended up just rereading the same points, I'm sorry I wasted your time, but then again, I must not have wasted any precious time of yours seeing how you went and read over 660 comments.

Mixed Feelings on Mar 20, 2008

671

Wow, I really appreciate you helping us see the real ending of the movie. I did not like the theatrical ending at all. I felt like the movie was hurried at the end, up to the time when he met the girl everything was on pace and the rythm of the movie was perfect, after that I felt like the rythm changed for the worse and they hurried the ending without closure. The alternate ending however is much better and gives a reasonable motive to the "vampires" agressive quest to get Neville...it is not about him it is about the girl...wow, carnivorous monsters who preserved the ethics of love, that's pretty amazing concept... Thank you

Bannous on Mar 20, 2008

672

OK LET ME SAY THIS AGAIN: !!!! They drove across a bridge to leave, when the bridges had already been destroyed!!!! There was no way on or off the Island! Which makes the woman showing up in the first place, CRAP, but makes the 2nd ending even MORE inconstant---which I am sure is why they left this off. You can't have them driving across A BRIDGE when there were NONE!

Just Me AGAIN on Mar 20, 2008

673

That's really true. This ending is so much better than the original one. The original ending was the worst of the movie. The original ending made the whole movie suck.

PL on Mar 20, 2008

674

@#671 Is that even the George Washington bridge we see get destroyed in the movie? I don't think it is. There are several bridges off the island, and nowhere did they say every brdige was destroyed. In fact it would make sense to leave at least one bridge intact, and concentrate your forces at that one choke point to make sure no one gets off the island, but preserve a rout in if you need it. And the first ending has the same issue... in the first one she mysteriously drove her car out of the city (and in), giving absolutly no explination. At least in this ending they do show them crossing a still intact bridge which I really do think to be a diffrent bridge they we see get destroyed.

Stakex on Mar 20, 2008

675

I still prefer the theatrical ending, for once studio executives got it right. Will Smith's character's sacrifice and handing the cure to the lady is more fitting. His legacy is rightly served. It also leaves everyone with a much more greater sadness seeing Will Smith's death but that also adds that extra sense of closeness with the character. So no i would say the studio version is more suitable.

iftekhar hossain on Mar 21, 2008

676

i think the theater ending leaves to much of an empty feeling like he just wasent ment to die, i really like the alt

blake on Mar 21, 2008

677

id just like to say they should of merged the endings but after reading a comment by that guy scott i noticed he gets enjoyment out of cutting down people on message boards and has no real life

matt on Mar 21, 2008

678

A far superior ending, the original ending always left me wanting more. It's not the fact that this was a happier ending that makes it more appealing, it's that it feels like a true end to the movie. Not so short and abrupt. I hope 'WB' listens and takes note; This ending is a great way to finish off a great movie (instead of using the alternate.)

Aidan K on Mar 21, 2008

679

this ending is way better seriosuly. i liked the show but the ending was really bad, i would say the intended version would have made me much more satisfied. to think they believed otherwise, seriously.

me on Mar 21, 2008

680

Elvis D, I knew I was getting into spoilers for I am Legend but didn't realize I'd have SEVEN spoiled for me. Thanks buddy.

Greg on Mar 21, 2008

681

Theres a reason the book is a classic and in my opinion the film should have been as close to the book as possible but in a modern setting but hey the studios are always dumbing down movies thinking audiences can't take a darker more thought provoking film. I mean people are still talking about se7en, do you think we'll be talking about i am legend in 13 years time???? Doubt it!

Craigf14 on Mar 21, 2008

682

I personally liked the alternate ending much better. I went to see the movie in theaters with my boyfriend (who, of course, found it awesome that he sacrificed himself at the end) and my best friend. None of us have read the book (but I probably will have to now). I thought it was extremely annoying at the end of the theatrical version. How is one vial of antidote going to help? Good luck remaking it using only that! Anyway... I was completely taken by the alternate ending (which I did not find "controversial" at all... whatev...). I felt my heart start to beat so hard, and I couldn't help thinking "Is this guy completely lost it?" The look on the male vampire's face and how he got all of them to just back down just pulled the whole movie together for me. I had been trying to tell my boyfriend that the only reason the male came into the sunlight the first time (when Robert first takes the female) was because the female was his mate (because they were digressing to animal instinct), but he wouldn't believe me. It made me really mad when none of that was concluded in the end. I can understand why they would make the awesome gripping ending for the theaters. It's always fun to see people throw themselves into the line of fire with a grenade and kill as many of the enemy as they can. I found the alternate one much more gripping, though. Just my opinion, Ayu

Ayu on Mar 21, 2008

683

On the original ending that they showed in the movie, he could have easily tied a long string to the grenade and tied it to the pin and then went into the tunnel opening that both the child and woman went into and then he could have given the string enough lead and then when they were all at a safer distance he could have just pulled the pin and blew those bad boys up !!!

Carl on Mar 21, 2008

684

Also, the movie company that had put the "so-called" depressing ending in there KNEW that people out there would BUY the DVD in order to watch the alternate ending because so many people DID NOT LIKE the original ending. The great thing is that you provided that for us so we wouldn't have to BUY IT !!! SO YOU DA MAN for doing that for us. Thanks for putting them in their place. Now I don't need to buy the DVD. I wouldn't have anyway...

Carl on Mar 21, 2008

685

I liked the one in theaters a whole lot better. The one in theaters says why he is the legend. Not the one you people used!

Alexa Lingg on Mar 21, 2008

686

Actually, this movie i thought is the continuation of the 28 weeks later. Im looking for the ending of that same story, i thought this one, just my comment is how Smith end them up, is just like that, he let the state on that situation. Anyway, theatrical ending and this one is both great but i think the best on this is on the part 2 which need to be see on how this end up.

Arnel on Mar 21, 2008

687

While the death of Robert Neville was one thing they got right in the original, there were too many loose ends to the original ending. It never specified a relationship between the lead "vampire" and the young girl "vampire" in Neville's basement, and it left me wanting for more when I left the theater. I majored in English in college and still love to come away with something of my own and piece together the puzzle myself after I read a good book, but I've never enjoyed it in movies. For your average viewer, and this includes me, the alternate ending would've made the movie great instead of somewhat forgettable. The movie drug too much not to tie everything together in the end, and though tying everything together may not be the direction that Hollywood is headed (see some of the Academy Award Winners this year), it's still the preferred style among mainstream America... which I group myself into. Kudos to you for pointing out this ending and then explaining it in a way that makes it more true to the original book. I, for one, would've actually bought the DVD if this would've been the ending they showed in theaters.

Russell on Mar 21, 2008

688

I agree with Carl. That's a really good point because I payed twice the amount to get the special edition and I have a friend who bought the normal version and got mad because it didn't have the alternate ending. Now, he's going to buy the special edition, too because he can't return it! Very good point, Carl, Ayu

Ayu on Mar 21, 2008

689

I liked the theatrical ending better too. The religious overtones, and the 'butterfly' analogy, actually brought tears to my eyes -- even though I am very agnostic. This alternate ending is cool too, and I understand the points being made here, but in all actuality the movie totally doesnt follow the original book anyways. In the book there are *two* kinds of sick humans: the monsters - which are actual 'undead', and people who are still alive but who live with the affliction, and who are very much like vampires. In the book (in which he also dies at the end) the reason he is a 'legend' is because the human population has been replaced by the new mutant one - and as such he goes down in history as 'the legend of the horrible monster who dragged mutants out into the sunlight to kill them'. In the original movie ending, he is a legend because he found the cure and sacrificed himself. They are just completely different stories - to the point that the movie probably should of used a different title. I can see why you say that this alternative ending brings up the point of the book, by its vague because so much of the story is so different. Another blemish on this alternative ending, is that the monsters dont hurt Neville. This completely goes against what you've seen from them for the entire rest of the movie, and takes away from it. By combining the 'undead' and 'vampire' types of afflicted humans into this one 'monster' type, you lost the ability to give them the capacity for higher emotion, and trying to give them this character in the final 15 minutes of the movie, undermines the effort to make them terrifying throughout the rest of the film. If you wanted to convey this type of message, you should of been truer to the book. IMO, the theatrical ending is perfect for this version of the story, and makes much more sense.

Netmonger on Mar 21, 2008

690

I was very impressed with this ending. To tell the truth, I was very impressed with the movie as a whole. It was the introduction of the other human characters to the story that threw me and made me want a longer time period in the film, where Neville and his dog act as a team and explore/hunt together. To me, that particular dynamic was far more inspired and entertaining than anything else in the movie. This new ending, in my opinion, is far better than the one given to theatre-goers and Warner Brothers definitely over-estimated the audience acceptance of violence over intellect. To address some of the nay-sayers, the fact that there is one "monster" that acts as the leader to the horde of infected humans and his interaction with Robert Neville seems to reflect the respect that Neville showed earlier in the scene with the lions and the deer. It's possible that I am reading too much into symbolism, or taking something completely different to mean what I interpreted, but it should be considered. The lion could have killed Neville as easily as the infected could have, but chose not to, because Neville showed them respect. Thank you for presenting this new ending for us and I intend to purchase the DVD and, more than likely, never watch the original ending again.

Eric on Mar 21, 2008

691

Scott, I looked up "mindless fucktard" in the dictionary and it said "someone who insults others because they have different opinions". Sleep well fucktard.

Drew on Mar 21, 2008

692

THE MANS DOG DIED!! I would have killed myself to kill those bastards too... poor dog, i liked both endings though

kyle on Mar 21, 2008

693

i like both endings, but i like the alternate better since Robert has to go out in a stupid way in the theater version. I would of liked the theater version better if, instead of kamakazi, Robert pulled out 2 M249 SAW Light Machine Guns and blown all the vampire things away, that would have been an awesome ending.

bob on Mar 21, 2008

694

I dunno... this ending didnt make any sense. Here we have these beings that have taken over the whole world, killing people left and right and that are supposedly vampires who feed on blood(?) and for some reason they just left nevill alone here, why wouldnt they have torn him to shreads and eaten him when they got the chance like they did with all the others? Why just leave him be? I dont think this ending got any closer to the real ending... with this ending we got the feeling that the creatures are pretty nice folks that didnt really wanna quarrel with anyone.

Niclas on Mar 21, 2008

695

wow, that WAS breathtaking... so much better ! Thank you for showing it to me (us).

Willem on Mar 21, 2008

696

I think we can all just decide as a group that the movie wasn't as far from the book as Eragon's was. The end. (I did like the cut ending more, though. The survivor camp was lame)

Kyle on Mar 21, 2008

697

I never read the book and I was hugely disappointed in the original ending of the movie. It just seemed like it was leading up to something the whole time and then it never got there. this ending make so much more sense and fits in with the rest of the movie. Plus Hollywood never gives its audience enough credit - this ending makes me think and I like that more than the mind numbing explosions and trite answers they so typically force feed us.

Kar on Mar 21, 2008

698

I think if they went with this ending the movie would've been a big failure the real ending is great but this one is not realistic at all , I loved the real ending much more

HYDRO on Mar 21, 2008

699

I just finished watching the alternate ending and it is now going to be the only one I watch. Granted, I loved the original, until the ending. The original ending was so un-like the rest of the movie and out-of-place with Will's character. It was unbelievable that he would have a grenade and safe in his lab, and the way they got to the colony on the year of 2012 (special to the Mayan Calander) was so corny, I almost lost appreciation for the movie. But the alternate version was beautiful, leaving you thinking and made the movie beautiful and a must-see. I must point out though that they added a few scenes (where he is describing how the dark seekers could not have rigged up the snare and where Ethan is swimming in the pond and he gets his idea to use ice), I thought these scenes pulled away from the flow of the movie. They were great in character development and plot development, but were not very necessary. Anyway, that's beside the point. It was a poor choice to release the original ending in theatres and they should have gone with the alternate version hands down.

Mike on Mar 21, 2008

700

After watching this ending, I really don't understand why it wasn't kept as the original. Sure the one they ended up using was sad because, oh look, poor Will Smith, he died, not like we didn't see that coming, oh well great movie. But this ending really gave the entire thing a point. I was so confused at the end of the movie because the way the lead vampire risked light to try and save the girl was a dead give away to some connection, and the fact that there was a "lead" vampire just set the ending up to be something big. Something epic. But then it really let me down. I am in complete support of the original ending, and i know had a few of my friends seen this ending rather than the other, they would have liked the movie, instead of hated it. I guess that's why WB is releasing it. To try and get people to buy it. Oh, and I agree that the arrival of the women and child really ruined the movie. I was so amazing, acting wise how Smith was caring the entire show with only the aid of flash backs and a dog to provide any form of verbal interactions. It's hard to make such a successful movie when only 15% of the composition consists of actual dialogue. But this movie really pulled it off on the emotional scale. So yah, ditch the theatrical end and take out the women and her son and you've got an all out AMAZING movie.

Emma on Mar 21, 2008

701

I just seen the alternate ending today, and will watch I am Legend for the second time around because this movie is excellent from the very beginning to the now alternate end.

phil on Mar 21, 2008

702

i have never read the book, but I did feel myself a little disappointed in the ending. After seeing this, I believe it adds so much deeper meaning to the story. What a great twist that the protagonist is actually the antagonist whom everyone else sees as a killer. I would have much preferred this ending than the theatrical one. I also agree whole-heartedly with the opinion that I would have put this movie on my top ten list... until the woman showed up. The flow of the movie changed and it wasn't nearly as intense.

becky on Mar 21, 2008

703

I really like the movie in theaters. I love and hate scary/suspense movies at the same time, and this was the perfect fit for me. After watching this theatrical ending, i realized that the lack of closure i felt with the original ending was evaporated with this new one, as well as that last little 2 minutes of an even higher climax to the end of the movie. WB please atleast recognize that the people like both, but prefer the alternate!

Jeff Westphal on Mar 21, 2008

704

This ending was much better, I was most definitely disappointed at the ending the chose for the theatrical release. It was unfortunate because the whole movie was great, and the ending just ruined it. They definitely should have used this ending.

Kady on Mar 21, 2008

705

I do agree much better ending I was kind of irritated by the ending on the final cut but seeing this one made the movie better for me. GJ WB >.>

Will Brown on Mar 21, 2008

706

I have read the book. I think that the plot of the movie deviated far too much to even really compare them anymore except for the few plot points they left in (one man, alone, vampire-type creatures... etc.). Honestly, I much prefer the original ending. This ending seems way to cobbled together to me, for a variety of reasons. The main one being how, in one scene, he looks up at the wall of photographs and realizes something along the lines of: "Oh my Lord, I have killed hundreds(?) of semi-sentient beings. They weren't senseless brutes after all, I am something very near a murderer!!!!" next scene: "Man, I sure did forget all those moral implications really quick. Now I'm driving down the suspiciously clear road (on a bridge that was blown up... because they all, supposedly, were) with my new love interest! Awesome how this all ties together, isn't it!?" ^ Just didn't do it for me, I vastly preferred him dieing and taking the alpha male with him in the theatrical version to whatever that was supposed to be. But, if they had put this ending together (the unused one, I mean) it could have been a much better ending for me. Everyone I talked to at the end of the movie was in varying states of misunderstanding about most of it and a large amount of movie-goers were confused (there was a multi-page argument about its implication on my site's forums). If they had striven more for this ending with a less nonsensical, more cohesive scene order I would probably prefer it to the theatrical one.

John on Mar 21, 2008

707

I was so excited to see this movie. I loved the concept, and when I got into the theater I could grinning as I waited for the movie to start.... And the ending... Well, I wouldn't say that the ending killed the movie for me, but it sure came close! When I watched this alternate ending all I can think is, "who in their right mind would pick the theatrical version over this???" It actually let him see the humanity in his enemy that he was trying to save, and a chance to attone for the "ends justify the means" existance that he had been living. The driving away scene was kind of dumb, but overall, the alternate was much preferable!

Michael on Mar 21, 2008

708

I'm sorry to defer...but the alternative ending is quite gay. Which is different from the theatrical version only in that that one was trite. So we have trite on the one hand...and gay on the other. 28 Days Later...and then 28 Weeks Later....far better films.....FAR better.

Lunthulbort on Mar 21, 2008

709

I've never read the book, but I was extremely disappointed by the ending shown in Theaters. They kept hinting that there was something more "human" about the infected than the protagonist knew; that there was hope for humanity, but in a different way - the plague had set humans back and onto a different evolutionary track, but it was still there and would survive. That the ending suddenly veered away from that theme and I felt a bit cheated. This ending addressed those issues and gave me a feeling of resolution of the film's themes. If they were to release a DVD version with this ending-or at least the option to switch endings when watching the entire film, I would buy it, but I won't buy it as an extra.

Geoff on Mar 21, 2008

710

I did not like this film and felt it should have been renamed.....this was not I am Legend. 3rd try and the furthest from the sorce in my opinion. I'll take Last Man on Earth or The Omega Man any day.

Clint on Mar 21, 2008

711

The alternate ending was not better. I went to a showing about 2 months before it went to theaters. THey showed us both endings and had a poll where people voted on the better ending. Obviously more people liked the theater ending.

joey on Mar 21, 2008

712

Bravo! This alternate ending was fascienating to watch. Will smith has certainly crafted and evolved into a brilliant artist. This alternate ending in my opinion should have been chosen.

Randy Savage on Mar 22, 2008

713

This ending makes the reality of the situation click. My friend and I kept saying "if they are so wild then why isn't the city destroyed?" It just didn't make sense. To see that Will's character was actually the monster in the scope of things was brilliant. They were simply trying to survive the hand that was delt to them. And he kept killing them off. Plucking them one by one. The final moment in the lab with the lead dark seeker is so well crafted. He was pissed. And was not going to take it any longer. I loved that they let Neville remain on his own. I really don't think there should have been other characters. He should have remained the last man on earth at the finish. I would change only one thing... Sam should not have died. I loved Sam. Great stuff here. Thanks for having this online. I missed it on the rental. All is right with the world and I can sleep soundly now. Cheers!

Toni on Mar 22, 2008

714

Not bad but still not as good as the book. I'll take the book over both endings any day, honestly the book kicked the movies ass. Too bad too, it could have been a great movie and not just an okay movie. ...i

Ira on Mar 22, 2008

715

Am I the only one who thinks that the theater version sounds like a scientology liberation plan for the world? With all the discussion around Will Smith being sucked into the sect, that's the impression I got when I saw this - apart from the ending - good movie.

thomas on Mar 22, 2008

716

This ending could have seal the deal for the movie watchers and WB. The ending in the movie they released was like "thats it?" they made me so curious from the start and then in the final minute of the movie it made me feel like they could have ended the film way better. For me its like the war of the worlds.

Jay Yu on Mar 22, 2008

717

I liked the alternate ending MUCH better. The original ending was a real let-down and very abrupt in nature. The alternate ending actually opened it up for a sequel that has the opportunity to have Will Smith as a lead - I absolutely love his work!

Lisa on Mar 22, 2008

718

I saw the movie soon after its release. When the credits rolled I heard two things from the theater. First "That's bullshit" and second "You must be fucking kidding me". This was the sentiment reflected by almost everyone as they filed out into the lobby. Had this alternate been shown instead, I feel that the crowd would have left the theater pleased, rather than disappointed. Thanks for showing this to me, as it's confirmed my original belief that this was going to be a movie worth watching.

Wyatt on Mar 22, 2008

719

I saw the movie at the theater. I hadn't read the book at that time, but the ending still felt tacked on, inappropriate and it left me rather disappointed in the film. The ending that you've shown us here should have been the actual ending. I'll probably get the DVD now so I can watch the movie as it was meant to be, this "alternate" end was very much better then what they used.

Margaret on Mar 22, 2008

720

WOW! I saw the movie, didn't read the book. I thought the movie was great, but the only bit of it that didn't make any sense to me was exactly this - the ending. I mean, Will Smith never dies, right? 🙂 Just, kidding. This version really wrapps it up into a great story. I really don't understand those guys from WB... THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS! (please excuse my bad english 🙂 )

Davor on Mar 22, 2008

721

I would have loved it if this was the theatrical ending. I'm tired or companies thinking American audiences are too stupid to enjoy anything but a "happy" ending like the one shown in theaters. This alternate ending should have been used because it really drives the point home that the vampires weren't mindless beasts. They had a society, and deep relationships with one another.

Jazz on Mar 22, 2008

722

This was the ending I anticipated throughout the movie. When Will Smith speaks into his camera after capturing the woman vampire thing, he says that desocialization is complete... that these monsters have no human instinct left. It's foreshadowing that he's wrong-- the man exposed himself to sunlight because Will Smith took his woman. And moving the manequinn was a set up, designed by the monster-vampire-man, to capture Will Smith to repay him for kidnapping his woman. The original ending never touches on what was foreshadowed but this ending speaks to all of that. If this isn't the "right" ending, why are the other pieces in the movie?!

Sassy on Mar 22, 2008

723

Wow... That ending really felt right. As the audience, I felt more connected with the movie. It's better when everyone doesn't die in the end; that's so cliche'. But then when you have Neville and crew make it out to all go to the retreat together....it just makes more sense. Just a thought though...now what? Those "vampire/cannibal" things are left all alone, to finish corrupting the world...what about them? It definetely needs to be continued; with the exception of the original ending.

Cam on Mar 22, 2008

724

With the exception of alternate ending...

Cam on Mar 22, 2008

725

I think the original ending was best because it left that emotional and powerful feeling. The alternate ending was too cliche. Also, it seemed confusing since these are suppose to be creatures that show no signs of human behavior yet they seem to have sympathy and seem to understand Neville in the final moments.

Tom on Mar 22, 2008

726

the stupid movie sucked. what a waste of time. no alternate ending can fix it.

Marius on Mar 22, 2008

727

I agree, this ending should have been the one in the movie...wow that was awesome.

Matt on Mar 22, 2008

728

I preferred this ending to the theatrical ending. This ending makes more sense in terms of the film leading up to that point. It still feels like 20 minutes or so was cut from the moments preceding, but it's a better ending.

Jo on Mar 22, 2008

729

That was way better! The final moments of the theater version left me wanting more from it. This version actually much more thought provoking by showing the vampires to still have some remnents of human characteristcs. As for the WB execs... this ending provides an opening for a sequel.... HELLO?!?!

Chris on Mar 22, 2008

730

They did this because they wanted to sell more DVDs. They sold plenty of tickets in theatres and now because of the new ending, even more money will be made on the DVD. It is actually a very good idea !

Jamie Crawford on Mar 22, 2008

731

Flawed, but a better. Much better.

Paul Harrison-Davies on Mar 22, 2008

732

Wow this ending makes the movie so much better. I mean come on the theatrical version left so many unanswered questions that it ruined a great film. In the theatrical version you don't ever really understand why the main zombie thing is doing so much to try and kill will smith. So this clears that up and just makes for a better ending.

DawgsFan117 on Mar 22, 2008

733

This ending was much, much better. Although WB will come around to liking this ending as it will make them more money to. But this one was more emotional. There is more of a human element to these creatures than what we saw in the first ending. You see the head vampire truly loves his wife or girlfriend.

Michael Hickmott on Mar 22, 2008

734

this ending was ten times better. i though it was a lot more emotional and made you think more than the actual ending from the movie. this endings better hands down!

andy on Mar 22, 2008

735

Like most, I loved the first half of the movie. So much that after seeing the movie I read the book, which tells a much more honest story than the film does. The movie pusses out the moment the other human characters are introduced. A world without survivors, a world with intelligent vampire esque monsters, is much more frightening than the hollywood apocalypse. This ending is better, but still not good enough. Why is it so hard to give Robert Neville a William Wallace death? If the world has stopped appreciating irony, than intelligent art is dead, and all thats left are brain tickling films like epic movie and meet the spartans.

adeadcrow on Mar 22, 2008

736

This ending is not great, but it's better. The original ending disgusted me. The whole film plays into the idea that this is a pyschological sci-fi movie, and at the end all it has to say is that god will show you the way? Where the hell did that come from? Out of no where we're told god will give us a sign? This idea fits in no where with the rest of the film. It's as if a hollywood executive walked onto set that day and told the director the film didn't appeal to the Christian demographic, so science fiction was dropped, and christian fiction was used to replace it. It's kind of like someone gave you a pop sickle that tastes really great, but then at the end they tell you it's made of frozen shit. Why? Why'd you freeze shit and then sign will smith to give the best performance of his life only to lie to us at the end? It's as if we're staring at a beautiful model, who opens her mouth and and theres no teeth. That is this movie. We're watching something done so well to a very specific point, then they just let go, and let the idiocy of cliche american pop culture take control. This is the ending my mother would have written. She's 61 years old and the most insane person know. It just doens't make sense. It contradicts the nature of the character, and makes the movie completely unbelievable. This could have been a good movie. Instead it's mediocre. Half assed to the point that it's unforgivable.

adeadcrow on Mar 22, 2008

737

This ending fit the movie better. For instance, it would have better explained why the alpha male exposed himself to the sun when his wife was being caught in the trap. Not because human behavior no longer exists, like Neville states, but because they actually DO still have souls. The alternate ending also shows that Neville finally learns somewhat of a lesson in screwing around with nature. The background of all the pictures shows all the people he experimented on and killed to try and find a cure for the virus. In the theatrical version, by not even acknowledging that he was remorseful for screwing around with nature is disappointing. Basically what you got was "oh I made a boo-boo, but i fixed it..now make me a legend"

Nina on Mar 22, 2008

738

I liked the origional non-theatrical ending so much better! Thanks for bringing this to light. I thought I loved the movie before, but this made it even better.

Sarah on Mar 23, 2008

739

This ending is infinately better than the theatrical release. It gives the story so much more heart than the original. It is a better point of closure for the film because it is a more definitive ending, showing that not only do the creatures still have a piece of humanity left in them that CAN be saved, but also closure in the knowledge we now have that they WILL be saved. I would've paid to see the film again if it ended like this.

Chris on Mar 23, 2008

740

Does the CGI really matter that much? who cares? But seriously, I enjoyed the alternate ending and all; however, I feel the theatrical one is stronger and works better for the film. I understand why people get pissy it wasn't like the book, but get in the complaint line honestly, there are so many stories hollywood does that to when making them into movies. I thought Will Smith did a good job, the story could have been better, alternate ending doesn't work, how the fuck cares if CGI isn't great, if you don't like it, don't watch it!

Eric on Mar 23, 2008

741

i think that the dramatic final was better than this because.... this one ends like all the others movies... it's taken for granted, the dramatic final comes as a surprise 😉

Ovidiu on Mar 23, 2008

742

I personally thought it was a great film, and both endings worked for me, although I prefer the alternate slightly. Although I havn't read the book, i don't think people should judge the film as a comparison to the book. Books have the freedom to discuss ideas freely in the third person, film don't have this option, unless some kind of narration is used (not suitable for this movie). Therefore the book will be able to cover more issues (for example the percetion of neville being a legend amongst the monsters), and there will be consequently discrepancies between the book and the film. That is why the credits say "based on the novel by" as a opposed to "this is a novel by". I fail to see how a slight difference between a film and the story it is loosely based on automatically makes the movie a disgrace- it was a great movie

Steve on Mar 23, 2008

743

Wow. THIS is the ending that should have been released. I was extremely disappointed with the way it ended "originally"... abrupt. Filmmakers nowadays tend to kill off characters way too easily as if it were a niche (the self sacrifice thing is getting old). Now that I see the alternate, I can take solace knowing that in "my" mind, the other ending doesn't exist. :o)

Carlos on Mar 23, 2008

744

This proves that the theatrical ending was clearly just tacked on at the end, because the alternative ending connects all the links. Now we understand how the dark dwellers set up traps, moved mannequins, etc etc, not to mention the whole "I am Legend" concept. Although I still believed Smith should have died and that the woman and child were unnecessary, this ending, as so many have said, justifies the whole movie. I think we'll find a whole tonne of deleted scenes on the dvd of other scenes that would have complimented the alternative ending, but were scrapped in order to play to Hollywood. This has definitely made me want to read the book and I don't even mind knowing the twist which comes at the end. Thanks for sharing, definitely, one hundred percent worth it.

DiJoBla on Mar 23, 2008

745

The alternate ending worked far better for me. It actually changed the way I felt about the entire film, specifically the dark seekers. When I saw the film the first time during it's theatrical release, I viewed the dark seekers as villans, but with the alt ending, you see they still have souls. Then you have Neville, whos been systimatically kidnapping and killing them - of course they are pissed off and want to wreak havoc.

martin on Mar 23, 2008

746

I was very disapointed in the way the DVD ended I much preferred the ending shown above

wheel on Mar 23, 2008

747

i think this movie was disapointing all together!! i understand how it could have been seen as awesome to other people but there just wasn't much to it at all. yeah that alternate ending was better but i still expected more from the whole movie. maybe the whole dog part killed it for me. but you seen one zombie movie you seen them all. im sure the book was way better but it doesn't seem like they got in touch with what it was suppose to be about. the alternate ending was the best part of the movie.

leah on Mar 23, 2008

748

When I saw the preview for the movie, I ran out and bought(and read) the novel. The book was so good, that it built my expectations for the movie even more. Sadly, the movie pales in comparison. This is the third time a movie has been based on this book; and still it is distorted into an unrecognizable movie. The alternate ending is better than the theatrical, but the movie was just disappointing. the only good thing about it was Will Smith's acting. I just wish someone out there would make a movie that actually follows the script. I also hated how this some how became a zombie movie. It is supposed to be about vampires. All in all, I am glad the release of this film lead me to read the novel (which I highly recommend), but leaves me bitter to think a great actor was wasted on a terrible distortion of the story. Oh, I would like to know who they got to advise them on the virus scenario. I am finishing my second year of medical school in Fort Worth, and all I know is viruses don't work that way. Cancer sadly is caused by hundreds of mutations in the genome, a mutated measles virus is not going to go in and fix all the different problems for each of the hundreds of variants of cancers out there. That was jsut stupid.

kimball on Mar 23, 2008

749

I would have liked a hybrid of the 2 endings. Most of the alternate with the more complext interaction between Neville and Mr. Hardhead but also at the end instead of leaving after the radio show the colony. I know it doesn't follow the book but I think that would be a sweet end.

Dave on Mar 23, 2008

750

i loved this, becuase in the movie you realized Dr. Nevelle is wrong, this shows that he realized his mistake. i hated the ending of the movie in theatres i would have loved this. i also was unsure why they added more people. i thought it was suppose to be just him. the LAST man

Asha on Mar 23, 2008

751

love this movie

michael on Mar 23, 2008

752

Omg... i love this version so much bbetter. When i saw the ending in the thertre it pissed me off.... I think i might just go pick the book up and i usually dont like to read

Daenan on Mar 23, 2008

753

I had no idea that this was based off of a book. Even so, I thought that the ending that WB wound up with was 'off'. Throughout the whole movie, I was noticing the subtleties such as the fact that the lead vampire-thing exposed himself to sunlight after Neville captured the female, the fact that the same lead vampire-thing showed up later, after setting a trap for Neville, and so on. Before the ending came about I found myself thinking "Oh, maybe they are sentient" and "What's Neville going to do after figuring out they're still aware of the world?" The released ending was abrupt and disconnected from the rest of the storyline, and really detracted from the overall feel of the movie. The original/alternate ending 'fits'. It ties the whole storyline together, from the repetition of Neville's daughter's butterflies, to the the lead vampire displaying an advanced sentience, and the subtle formation of a culture amongst the vampires.

J.E.M on Mar 23, 2008

754

This alternate ending distinguishes I Am Legend from all the other apocalyptic scifi viral/zombie/vampire movies out these days. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this alternate ending as it really does bring the movie to a fuller conclusion. Movies make for great storytelling but I think I should have just read the book on this one.

Bri on Mar 23, 2008

755

This ending made so much more sense. It tied together several loose ends. First, why else would the Alpha-male "dark seeker" risk coming outside into the light, except that he had just witnessed his "best girl" being kidnapped. He was that upset. Neville himself noted this unlikely behavior of the Alpha-male risking endangerment later in his findings but had the wrong explanation. Second, in the theatre version, when Neville heard the small voice whispering, butterfly, I could not relate it to anything (except Anna's neck). In this version the butterfly voice/symbol established significant communication between Neville and the Alpha-male. It also brought to light the humanity that still existed between the Alpha-male and the Alpha-female. This ending also broadened the relational dynamics between the "infected" and Neville. The infected were no longer minions of Satan, so to speak, but were infected humanity. The reason Neville was there in the first place.

Joe on Mar 23, 2008

756

The original was much better, it showed that being selfless, can create a hope for the world. Neville giving his life gives hope to humanity, not some rise to evil -watchamacallits-things-as the "new race." The "evolution theme" to the alternate ending is what made it the inferior of the two.

Andrew on Mar 23, 2008

757

you are completly right this endind is much better then the one seen in theaters(even thogh that one was amazingly great)!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE I AM LEGEND!!!

Alice on Mar 23, 2008

758

This was still stupid, really stupid. I honestly think they should make a movie about "I am Legend" Anyone who understands the profoundness of Richard Mathenons story would agree with me. This is an alternate ending to a movie - not the Original ending like everyone may be thinking. *Spoilers* below ROBERT DIES!!!! this is the POINT.. otherwise it would've been called "I am History" not "I am Legend" That women and her boy DO NOT exist! why would they add pointless characters. Where was Ben Cortman and Ruth? Ben was a big window into what little history we know of Robert. His wife and kid weren't killed in a helicopter accident in the book.. Robert wasn't even in the Military .. All we knew is that he worked at a Plant.. his daughter died and that his wife had died and turned to one of the "Vampires". His wife is a huge struggle for him and should've been included the correct way. OH! this will get'cha.. he doesn't have a DOG! there is a dog in the book, shortly. And it dies abruptly. The "Vampires" feared Robert. As this ending tried to show, he was a mass murderer of a New Society of creatures. He killed during their Night (our day). At the end of the book, Robert finally realizes this as he awaits execution. The reason I write "Vampires" is because they weren't even really vampires.. read the book, think about it and you'll get it.. Hint* Some don't respond to things like a crucifix. They could've made a movie off the book.. sure it would've been a lot of us watching a struggle within Robert. It wouldn't have been accepted by the masses as much.. but it would've been right.. and real.

Ryan Daugherty on Mar 23, 2008

759

Did anyone else think the alternate ending was a bit too preachy? Nothing like having religion forced down your throat. There certainly WAS an undertone to the last words of the film.

Z on Mar 23, 2008

760

Yes, this ending was much better, and added depth, especially considering how little the movie had to begin with, but really, putting a nice tophat on a big Hollywood cliche is still a big Hollywood cliche. Movies like this selling well is the reason far worse movies like Jumper and 10,000 BC exist.

Chris on Mar 23, 2008

761

I just saw this at the $1 movies with my dad, and that ending in the show made both of us feel we paid one dollar too many. The ending never really connected why the alpha male was so intent on getting back that one particular member of his group, and the whole butterfly deal was just way too cheesy the way the ending played out on the movie. This one really gave the same tone as the book, and seemed to fit better with the concept that the infected weren't going through devolution, but evolution as a new species on earth, one that still had their humanity intact, just on a more animalistic level, and robert was truly alone because he could never cope with what he felt he created, rather than the process that nature takes. All in all, good alternate ending, but that girl's voiceover has got to go. I would have preferred a summation of what Robert realized in that final sequence.

jesse salazar on Mar 23, 2008

762

yeah i like the alternate ending better I loved the movie I am legend but it did annoy me when he had taken the female vampire and the male came out pissed off clearly and he said that they no long have any human tendencies whch didnt make sense at all. then i saw this ending and it proved that they did have somewhat of human qualities, why else try and trap him and use the same techniques as he did to catch the female.

Amber on Mar 23, 2008

763

Oh, my God. That ending is so much better. Closer to the book, but with its own twist. When he looks at his wall of "failures" and realizes that he has actually "murdered" these "people"...that is amazing. Says so much about our own prejudices.

Claire on Mar 23, 2008

764

First of all, this ending would've made I Am Legend the best movie of 2007, and, yes, I think even better than No Country for Old Men and Juno. It speaks so clearly against prejudice, even against what we think are the most justified forms of prejudice.

Mark K. on Mar 23, 2008

765

So much better but it still will never be as good as the book. It is so much more realistic and reflective of what it was supposed to be about.

George on Mar 23, 2008

766

The ending in theaters couldn't of gotten much worse. The whole movie started going down hill after the dog dies, this alternate ending is a lot better then the one you see in theaters. If the movie lasted a little longer they could have made a better ending because the beginning was great but the ending was a let down.

Ryan on Mar 23, 2008

767

The theatrical release ending really only had one thing wrong with it -- Anna should have been shown driving up to the wall, the gate should have opened up, and an armed man should have emerged and told her that she had to leave because she was an illegal alien. Or maybe that she could stay, but would have to clean everyone's house. That would have been much more realistic. BTW, as far as the bridges go, the ones shown blown up in the movie are the East River bridges, if I remember correctly the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges (maybe the Williamsburgh). The one shown in the alt ending is the George Washington Bridge, which leads out of NYC over the Hudson.

Brett Wolfe on Mar 23, 2008

768

dont you think the reason why they didnt use the alternate ending is because in a press conference in Tokyo Will Smith accidentaly spoiled the ending. So they might have thought that even though they told the people not to leak out the information someone might have, ruining the chance of making more money so they had to make the theatrical version.

..... on Mar 23, 2008

769

i like the original ending better but the movie came out better that he didnt make it... because come on u cant make it alive and call yourself a legend.. well u can: but legends are so much better when they died for the cause and are just remebered. -Mario

Mario on Mar 23, 2008

770

He's not a legend because of whether he dies or not. He's a legend because to the dark seekers he only appears to some of them and to those he appears to always end up dying. That's what makes him the legend. Just the same as vampires are to us. They are myths that some people believe in but no one can prove. He's the legend to the vampires, being that he's the last man on earth (well supposed to be anyways) the movie is great but it's in it's own category. One can hardly compare it to the book because both are so different. Book: Happens in california, he's a army veteran dumb as a board (at the beginning of the book) with a drinking problem and he talks to the dark seekers that come out to his house every night calling out his name "come out, neville" Movie: Happens in Manhattan, he's an army doctor with a very healthy lifestyle and the dark seekers don't know where he lives till the end. With that said, one has to keep in mind that the book is told one way and it's amazing. If you haven't read it you should. Only 158 pages long. However the movie with either of the endings caters to a world wide "average joe" appetite which, truth be told, is what the movie was made for in order to make money Now Both endings have its pros and cons. I would've like it better if in the alternate ending Anna was the evolved vampire that aides to his capture like in the book which he's eventually executed for his crimes (although that kinda still didn't make 100% sense in the book either). But that wouldn't make any sense the way movie was headed. Bottom line: The book is great and the movie (with either ending) was great but they are hardly comparable.

Carlos A. Valle on Mar 24, 2008

771

To me, I found the theatrical ending to be formulaic and just like every other blockbuster movie. There are good guys and bad guys. Good guys kill the bad guys and win in the end. His death had no emotional impact for me since it was almost stupid on his part. It wasn't necessary since he could have gotten in the escape tunnel and thrown the grenade as he slammed the door shut. So his death came across as silly because he could have helped protect Anna and her son escape and therefore ensure the cure would be safe. So to me, it made the entire point of him being a legend have less impact. This alternate ending at least puts a twist on the cliched 'good guys' and 'bad guys'. It says something and makes you think about that entire concept. I'm left thinking about the whole situation and seeing things from different perspectives. I just find it more poignant.

Curtis on Mar 24, 2008

772

I first saw "I am legend" with a friend who had downloaded a poor quality screener version. Because the original ending sucked so much I was utterly convinced that the version we saw must have been a test showing and that when the movie actually came out it would have a different ending. So sure was I of this that I later joined a friend to watch on the big screen. I was of course totally shocked when I realised that was not the case....

Palle on Mar 24, 2008

773

I could never understand why anyone in this day and age would want to compare a book with a movie "based" on a book. They are never the same. Book lovers should not see movies and vice versa, period. The theatrical ending was just fine except that we all noticed that the head dark seeker was pissed about the female being captured. The new movie is more based on the older movie "The Omega Man". Although still concepted from the book, it more resembles that film than anything else.

Film Fan on Mar 24, 2008

774

Just because someone dies does not mean that Hollywood is making the ballsy or anti-Hollywood choice. This alternate ending shows SOOOOO much more guts on the part of the film makers. Tons of movies now a days try and establish their nonconformist cred by killing off the main protagonist. This ending turned him into the antagonist, something that I don't think of ANY other movie has done (that I can remember). He is not a tragic hero, he is a villain. This ending was leaps and bounds better than the original. It single handedly transformed this film from an ok Action flick into one of the best movies of 2007 for me. If only the kid and Alice had died and Nevil drove off into the unknown alone, it would have been perfect.

Forrest J on Mar 24, 2008

775

i loved "i am legend" but like many other people was a little disappointed with the ending. i can't believe that an ending so satisfying as the alternate that is posted here exists!! i wish i could get a dvd where the alternate is the main ending, cause now i REALLY don't like the main ending haha!! thank you so much for posting it!!

auds on Mar 24, 2008

776

I know nobody will read this seeing as it's the 775th post on here and nobody would read that far down, but I just wanted my word in this. The alternate ending was not as good for these reasons: - Robert didn't die: In pretty much all movies, there is a happy ending. It can't always be good. Cloverfield is another favorite of mine... SPOILER START and a lot because I didn't predict that EVERYONE would die in the end. SPOILER END -It didn't have the 'Legend' in it: There is a reason why it's titled "I AM LEGEND" and it's because Robert is a legend. Now I didn't read the book, but I pretty much know the differences and... SPOILER START Being that they weren't true to the book and left out that he was THE ONLY non-infected person and that he was a legend TO THE INFECTED PEOPLE, the original ending was better because it at least had something in it about a legend. I would have liked it better had they been true to the book and was hoping that, since it said "Alternate VERSION" not "Alternate ENDING", that they would have changed the story line completely by having just a few scenes that redirected it's story, but the Alternate Version was basically just the ending and it veered away from anything to do with a "Legend" The original was better because at least it followed up to ANYTHING to do with it's title SPOILER END Also, everybody wants to know about the bridge in the end and how it was destroyed. In order for Anna to get to Robert, she had to also cross. Now I guess nobody takes into consideration that there are other ways to get across a body of water than a car over a bridge. She probably drove there and then used a boat or raft to get to the other side. Same way back. They used a boat to get across and then got back in her car and we saw them over a different bridge. Another alternative if you didn't like this one would be that you only see the military shoot down 2 of the bridges. I don't live in NYC, but I am almost positive that there are more than 2 bridges to get across. One more thing that people aren't making sense of is the trap that the Infected set for Robert. You all thought he was stupid by just going up and not realizing it was a trap, but he's going mad, people, he has been alone, except for his dog, for three years. He has been living in fear every night for three years. He is going a little crazy. I know this was long to read if you finished, but I hope all of this makes sense.

Andrew on Mar 24, 2008

777

I did read yours Andrew. 🙂 What I didn't like was that the movie had so many gaps in it, and you bring up a lot of points. The way I see the "legend" point of view of the alternate version is that he is a legend to the infected because he looks like a serial killer with all the pictures of his victoms on the wall. The whole bridge problem baffles me because if the whole island was quarenteened, they'd need to block off ALL the bridges, otherwise, the whole separating the "clear" from the "not clear" would be pointless. If they didn't block them all off, then the "not clear" could just run and cross that bridge! I really don't get it. Well, in the alternate version, Robert looks over the trap and says that they were his snares and materials. I agree with you. He would be really confused and he's just hoping and praying that there's someone else out there like him. He's so hopeful that he wants to believe that "Fred" is real or that the person that moved him was real. ALSO, something that made me mad in the theatrical version is that they cut out Ethan's only line!!! "It's cold". lol. Just a thought, Ayu

Ayu on Mar 24, 2008

778

I watched I AM LEDGEND on DVD this weekend but didnt watch any special scenes or endings b/c the DVD was acting up and I havnt read the book. Since i watched the movie i just kept running things through my head b/c i knew there was something deeper or something I was missing. The obvious thing missing was the up-close and personal incounter w/the creatures and Nevel (this was what drove me to find alternate endings/missing scenes.) I also never put it together that the 'infected' were vampires. Granted they reacted to sunlight but nothing else lead me to conclude they were anything but 'zombies.' The animation on the infected could have been better also. there were too many 'repeated' and i understand they probobly are all supposed to look alike... but common... also if one of them is chewing on a carcas wouldnt they're face be a little bloody? I also wondered about the bridge, I understand there could have been other ways off the island but if the military was going to seal it off i doubt they would have missed any road ways. I suppose a fairy boat or something is HALF way believable... After all that babbling I really did like this movie in spite of its flaws. i'm now going to find the book and dive into it! cheers!

Heather on Mar 24, 2008

779

Everyone have a sit. . . this is quite long. I apologize. I just have a lot of time in my hands and a lot to talk about #612 - Asmodeus Good point. . . hmmm imagine that. There's an alternative to violence? wow #619 - Slick Rick I agree that they shouldn't have called it I Am Legend, however if they hadn't I wouldn't have read the book so maybe its a good thing. #631 - Yus John that's a good point. Kinda reminds me of spider man and how disappointed I was at first of how they changed it but now I don't mind it much because times have changed. And people are trying to keep the fire of these stories alive still and to do that they have no other choice but to change it up. #638 - Phillip Seo good point with the Lioness and the family in relation to neville and anna. I didn't look at that earlier. #662 - Allan without jumping too much into politics I think that they don't have any imagination as to how else they could fix problems thus "just nuke them" right? #663 - GadDamn Batman I agree with you. The ending of it was kinda hasty and poorly done. I think it would've been better if he was legend because after being captured to keep him from killing the creatures he was forced to help kill off the undead and/or creat a cure since he got so smart throughout the book by reading so much #667 - Just me Anna says 'we came from maryland' not ' drove in from maryland'. . . they could've swam, boated, flew, etc to manhattan island. #693 - Niclas think of it this way. According to the info from robert the virus had a 99% infection rate. Then whoever was left of the population was feeded on by the dark seekers because at the time there was nothing left. Then three years later Neville is still around and now there are other things available for the dark seekers (deer) so they don't have to hunt humans anymore and also the leader vampire emerges after awhile and when neville shows compassion and kindness by giving the girl back, the leader forgives him for his actions and leaves him. But still that shouldn't be. It could be "I'll let you slide this time, but next time I see you I'll rip you apart myself". I actually think he should've said something like that in some broken english type as he left neville and called his minions off. Either that or Neville can't live with his disgraced self and commits suicide #698 - Mike what do you mean by the year 2010 special to the mayan calendar? And what about ethan swimming and what not? #735 - adeadcrow that's true. When Anna walks into his life saing that god has a plan. . . that was completely unnecessary. I didn't like that part of the movie. And in the beginning when he's driving the shelby and you see the butterfly on the wall and it says "god still loves us" or something like that. Yeah not necessary. Specially how he portrays his faith in the book. #736 - Nina that's a good point. That's why I still think in the alternate ending they should've sacrificed Neville after they got the woman-creature back. After he realized that he was a serial killer-like character to them he should've been captured and exectuded #739 - Chris the idea that they can be saved in the end is ideal, however the point trying to be made is that they don't want to be saved (made stronger in the book). When I read that in the book it lost me for a bit but after thinking for awhile I got why the book ends like that. #747 Kimball - You have a good point. Although I say you should've read the book AFTER watching the movie. Anyways about the virus comment. You know that since you're in school for it, however remember they didn't have in mind a medical school audience. So not everyone is expected to know what it's supposed to be thus making it the way it was. It's just what's better and easier to understand to most people #754 Joe - In the theatrical version the butterfly showes up in the glass as it's being cracked by the leader of the dark seekers. Watch for that next time you watch it. #757 - Ryan Daugherty Robert was in the military. Remember how he got a cross tatued on his chest in nicaragua and where he was bit and almost died from a vampire bat which led him to theorize that's the reason he didn't fall to the bacteria? Now to all saying that the woman and child should've never come into the picture. How were they supposed to end the movie? That's the ticket to the dark seekers finding his hideout. I think that instead of rolling his SUV, if neville barely makes out of the pier alive and goes home far ahead of the dark seekers but by the time he gets in they're not far behind him and then tie into the attack at his house would've been much better for the ending. One thing that bothers me is that they never touch why neville is invulnerable to the dark seekers. And also did anyone else notice that when he gets captured only the dogs attack him and sam? Another point to show that the leader is somewhat forgiving by giving him a chance knowing that he could probably make it out alive? or just a loose string set by poor editing? I don't think they should've used CG whatsoever. . . well except MAYBE for the animals. . . maybe. But the dark seekers. . for sure no.

Carlos A. Valle on Mar 24, 2008

780

I can't understand the decision to put this ending on the shelf and used the original. It was more intensed and dramatic - after maintaining his existence in mankind its only right to let him drive off in the sunset.

Keith on Mar 24, 2008

781

I STRONGLY prefer this ending over the theatrical one. The ending in theaters was terrible and every single person I know who has seen the movie says they hated the ending. It was just so, "okay... the movies over now" and everyone gets up and leaves feeling unfulfilled. This ending makes everything just stop (much like the scene where Fred was moved), and forces me to the edge of my seat and I can do nothing but focus all of my attention towards the movie. WB is out of their minds to not use this ending in the final cut of the movie. Honestly, if it weren't for the bad theatrical ending, this would be one of my favorite movies ever.

Matt Milburn on Mar 24, 2008

782

yea ten times better !1 the endings these days are always terriable , what ever happened to live happily ever after

lee on Mar 24, 2008

783

I think WB severely underestimated their viewing audience's capacity to understand what was going on. We would have loved it in the theater that way. I agree with the person who said we need a DVD that uses that ending, rather than just having it in special features.

Sherry on Mar 24, 2008

784

for this ending i think it matches the story greatly. i rather have the legend and myth living then dieing it matches the story line best because of being the last human alive this should be the ending in the theaters 2 thumbs up and i stole this from my teacher if i had more thumbs they would be up

shane on Mar 24, 2008

785

BOTH ENDINGS WERE TOTALLY RUBBISH a great movie was made mediocre with the ending, enjoyed it up until the last 10mins

THE_BUDWEISER on Mar 24, 2008

786

I think the movie was pretty cool. I liked both of the endings. Even if the a.e was better I think seeing the end in the theathers might make u wanna go buy the dvd just to see the a.e. But they were both pretty cool. I got the dvd!!!!!!!!!

Victoria on Mar 24, 2008

787

This ending.. Wow. I remember telling people that I thought the movie was pretty good, all things considered, if you were to leave the theatre after the woman and child show up. This ending fixes most of what was wrong with the movie. I agree that Neville should still die, but I forgive that considering how hard it would be to get the average audience to go with that. At least this version holds on to a truer feel to what the original story had. I especially like how they subtly pan across the wall of head shots of his experiments as he slumps to the floor.

Ivan on Mar 24, 2008

788

This alternative ending is a bit better. However, it does not really bring a conclusion since there was not cure presented in it. So they both to me leave something to be desired.

Arvell on Mar 24, 2008

789

This ending was much better. I really enjoyed the film but would have enjoyed it MUCH more and left the cinema much happier had this been the ending. It's amazing, more tense, more exciting and just better at gathering the loose ends. Awesome!

Lauren on Mar 24, 2008

790

gewd moovie y'all.

tb on Mar 24, 2008

791

I really liked the movie and haven't read the book but am planing on it. I have only read the first 10 or so coments and just want to say that the movie was clearly a variation of the book. In the movie, if they put in this alternate ending it would leave too many questions and not show the audience that Neville was a 'legend'. In the movie the 'dark seekers' are not vampires. The movie doesn't depicte him as hunting them and killing them or the 'dark seekers' trying to find him. In fact, the dark seekers don't even know he exists. The movie shows him as more of trying to find a cure. The movie depicts the 'dark seekers' as not organized, not intelegent, and not having a hierarchy system in place. This is obviously diferent from the book. It sounds like the book describles the 'vampires' as a new race; as a substitution for humanity. The vampires are not stupid or just animals acting on instinct. In the movie they are. The dark seekers in the movie evolved to become organized (one reason that the ending sequence was more scary then the dark seekers just comming to get them). They had no concept of Neville until he traped that one female. So, I feel that if the movie was more closely tied to the book then yes, this alternate ending would have been much better. But because it wasen't, the ending that was used was better.

Andrew on Mar 24, 2008

792

Oh my gosh... This ending... WHY HAVE WE NOT SEEN THIS??? It made SO MUCH MORE SENSE than the other did. I mean I saw the movie and when they made it to the colony and was like "Everything is ok" I was like WHAT THE HELL THAT WAS CRAP, but then... this... I sont know why we didnt see it, but it definately blows the other one out of the water. I dont know if it's because today we feel that the main character in ever story must be killed to make it memorable and "Legendary" but I feel that in the movie, Neville's death was a bit futile, I mean honestly, why did they need to kill hiim off? SUPERB, I really hope that they will like Re-Release the movie or Put out a DVD with the full length film and the Original ending weaved into it INSTEAD of the "It's over, and cured, and we are safe" nonsense ending.

Stephen Adams on Mar 24, 2008

793

i like this ending better because it show the ego of humans .why are they wrong? why do they have to change?

jac on Mar 24, 2008

794

I don't know, while I get what people are saying about the emotion and showing that Neville may have been the monster I think him living was wrong. It's just too american. I think the bold choice is to kill him because it makes sense. He had no reason to live anymore. I am thinking that the alternative ending starts after he discovers that the infected woman he captured is cured so with that still being true does he have much to live for? He lost his family, he lost his dog and he saw a cure through. I think if he also came to a conclusion of a revelation that he was a monster for what he did would have destroyed him. Emotionally he was done, throughout the movie he continued on because he thought he was going to save humanity. This ending destroyed that thought. Why have a happy ending?

Kevin on Mar 24, 2008

795

I really liked the alternate ending and honestly I feel as both ending would have done great in the box office. The alternate ending is a lot more emotionally charged which is pointed out above but Neville's sacrifice in the original ending appeals to me as well. At the end of the day I do prefer the alternate ending because it just makes more sense with the storyline. Why would the lead "darkseeker" be following Neville trying to capture him if it wasn't for the fact the Neville took something dear to the "darkseeker." Alternate ending was superior than the original but WB probably wanted to keep the distinction between good and evil(Robert Neville and Company vs Vampires).

Tito on Mar 24, 2008

796

this was an infinitely better ending! i didn't particularly like i am legend precisely for the reason that i thought the ending sucked. this ending made a lot more sense, considering the storyline. and really, do we have to be so literal? to kill off robert neville to tie up the "i am legend" concept... how boring and unimaginative. anyway, i think that WB would have gotten better results at the box office if they had used this ending instead.

alanna estrada on Mar 24, 2008

797

Ok the alternate ending was 100 times better than theatrical one. When Anna came about and ended up at the camp I thought to myself wow this is a real shitty ending to a pretty good movie. The way Anna was portrayed really ruined the movie for me although i still thought it was good. But i think that the movie could have gone a lot more in depth. Not just the interview with the Dr. with a cure and then NYC 3 years later could have gone a little deeper. Most of the time im a person that hates long drawn out movies but this was definitely one that could have been drawn out. The theatrical ending is what everyone expects its just like wow same shit every time. So yes WB should have put out this ending. Just thought id add that from the first 20 comments...Scott you just a total duesch just because you didn't like the movie doesn't mean you have the right to say stupid ass shit. You're one of those stupid viewers that everyone hates to listen to their bullshit. The movie could have been better but it was still could and more people liked it than people that didn't.

Alex on Mar 24, 2008

798

Now I doubt any one will read this post as it is nearly 800 in a list of very interesting opinions, but I just wanted to say that I loved the alternate ending. When I saw the theatrical release I was hoping that Anna would be a figment of Neville's (Smiths) imagination, a departure of his humanity, or some sort of psychological deviation due to the loss of his best friend and confidant. I thought it would have been a great twist that would have kept in line with the book as Neville really and truly being the last man on Earth, with a monologue at the end of Smith showing his complete departure into insanity as he claims to be the "legend". The original ending was a disappointment to an otherwise phenomenal movie. I'm a huge fan of Will Smiths and thought he brought a depth to the quintessential hero. Anyway, hind sight is 20/20. But I recommend getting this DVD!!!

fresh on Mar 24, 2008

799

i thought this ending was so much better. the theatrical ending really pissed me off. when i rented the movie i watched the whole thing once and then the next 3 times skipped the ending. plus who wants a hottie like will smith die?

brittany on Mar 24, 2008

800

WOW! This is just amazing! This is the type of ending that I've been looking formward when I first watched the movie. Despite the intensity of the face-to-face scene of the lead vampire and Robert, the emotional made the conclusion and realization of what had really happend. I think every story must have a conclusion and the alternative ending did show the conclusion and realization of the story. Thanks for uploading! 🙂

jhency on Mar 24, 2008

801

This ending is far better than the theatrical version.

Fred on Mar 24, 2008

802

That ending was so much better than the theatrical version. With that ending I would say that I am Legend is my favorite movie. The theatrical version left me wanting.

Jesse on Mar 24, 2008

803

I was completely excited to see the movie when it hit the theaters in Dec. The movie was intense! The originally released ending was terrible! I left feeling like something was missing. The alpha male had some sort of bond with the female that the original ending never answered. The next business day, we discused the movie at the office. We all agreed that no one should promote this movie to anyone else. The commercials had been misleading. We also had issues with the ending. You never saw the infected actually killed anything!! The walls of the village were barely protected, and just a lot of little details that didn't complete the story. All in all, the new ending made it more enjoyable, they just should have been walking out of New York rather than driving. The movie probably would have done better from word of mouth if they went with the second ending. Jaybyrd

Time line on Mar 24, 2008

804

I own "Last Man on Earth" with Vincent Price, "Omega Man", and now this. The ONLY thing that rings true with this latest adaptation of Richard Matheson's original work, which by the way is pure genius, is its title. If Hollywood REALLY wanted to appease the die-hard fans of this novel, they should have a look at the 1991 graphic novel put out by Eclipse books. It was adapted bySteve Niles and illustrated by Elman Brown. They could have even used it is the storyboards. While a big fan of all three of these movies for different reasons, I am still waiting for a TRUE version of this to be committed to film

Trey H on Mar 25, 2008

805

Umm... i dont see the self-sacrificing part. Thats what RUINED the movie for me. There was no clear reason as to why Will Smith had to die at all. If he wanted to kill all the vampires, he could easily have chunked the grenade through the hole created by the vampire/monster when he was smashing his head against the plexiglass. I mean you didnt have to be Michael Jordan to make that shot, plus most hand grenades have a 3,5, and even a delayed fuse of 10 seconds, thats why he pulled the pin and held the grenade for a while, so he could have easily lobbed the grenade and jumped into the coal chute after the boy and the girl and closed the door. It made NO sense at all that he died. And i like that other point someone made, how did they get out of new york, the bridges were most definitely destroyed.

Moe on Mar 25, 2008

806

The Idea of the movie was awesome. If you could go around and do whatever you wanted and drive sweet cars and teach yourself to fly planes and drive tanks I'd be set. But for real the theatrical ending didn't offer even a tenth of the closure that the alternate ending did. I was extremely impressed with Will Smith's acting in this film, along with the C.G work. The expressions on the K.V infected humans was very realistic, and I'd venture to say better than the C.G in Beowulf. I work at Movie Gallery in Maine and I watch a lot of movies as a part of my job. Had the alternate ending been used in the theatrical version I would say that this is one of the top 20 film's I have ever seen, and I'd say I've watched about 700+ movies in my life. As I've heard but not yet read (Thats a HIGH priority on my list) the novel has the infected as vampires. I think that would have made for an even more specular film because vampires are night creatures, so you don't have to make up bogus reasons for why the monsters can't come into the sunlight. ************* *9.7 out of 10* *************

Dan Doody on Mar 25, 2008

807

Just finished watching the original on DVD. Now I can kick myself for not spending the extra 6 dollars and getting the two-disk special edition with the alternate ending. I have seen three movies in the last 2 weeks. 3:10 to Yuma, No Country for Old Men, and this movie. All three had poor to mediocre endings. Even the alternate ending could have been better, but it was definitely better than the original. The original movie gives little hints along the way as to the relationship between Neville, the vampire girl, and the vampire leader, but the original ending doesn't fit. Also, I'm glad to see that the guy Scott from post #11 has cowered away. Perhaps he went back to surfing porn or playing World of Warcraft!

Tom on Mar 25, 2008

808

Kevin #793 (just discussing, not being snarky 😉 ) - Maybe Neville after realizing he was the monster and he was working for the wrong cause (as in fixing and putting things back to 'normal') he could stop living in the past and move forward and accept what had happened and delt with it. You cant change the past, you must play the cards delt. Anyway do you think the 'vamps' could have gone back to 'normal'? I doubt it. Even if the cure stayed their hunger for flesh and allowed them to be in the sunlight there are just too many other changes... Also i've never heard of a breathing vamp let a lone a hyper-breathing one LOL Sorry love my vamps, and those things are not even close but i suppose they needed a reason they couldnt be active in the day... just like they killed Neville in the theatrical ending just so he could be a legened, what a waste.

Heather on Mar 25, 2008

809

I liked the one NOT in theatrical release better. It addresses what I thought was a central theme in the movie, which was whether there was anything “left” to save in the zombies (or vampires). This end summed up it rather nicely with limited dialogue and powerful acting. I have to say though I have heard a lot of people say they hated the theatrical ending… it ruined the movie etc. I would not go as far as to say that. I was disappointed that it left so many questions unanswered. The thing I did like about the theatrical release was that it was not the typical hero saving the day and riding off to the sunset. It was an atypical Hollywood ending. Kind of a Hemingway hero thing at the end ( http://faculty.millikin.edu/~mdwiggins/code_hero.htm ).

Jay on Mar 25, 2008

810

i think the alernate ending was better than the movie version. yeah the movie version is hot cause we went out like a warrior for the human race . but this 1 would have made the same amount for money for them it was great

citi on Mar 25, 2008

811

I like this ending far better, the person or persons who said to use the other are asses, how many Virologist do they think survived the outbreak! You would need someone who had his notes and the samples to cure the population in the end and that would take many more years because you would have to weaponize the cure in order to insure that everyone one received the Cure! I even wrote an alternate ending myself, I told others that it would take from three to five sec for the grenade to go off, but they said I was stupid for saying how it had ending wrong. Also remember that we all saw those guys standing around him in the trailers so there had to be a better ending! I also explained who in part two how the virus was continuing to change the infected and that their abilities were increasing, and that they were becoming more like the vampires of legend! Dr. Neville had gone out on a search for more gin pigs to test how well the cure would work , because they could not afford to wait three or four day for it to work, he was developing a faster process to assimilate the cure into the infected! But during their search they encounter a new type of infected and they are running out of time the infected are have more trouble find food in the cities which provide them protection from the day light so they are having to expand their search for food outside the cities which in time have them come toward and humans that are left in the would in camps, this only protection right now is that they are far from any protection for the infected , but as their powers has expanded so has their range of movement throughout the country. So if Neville dose not complete his cure soon their will be now one left, because they will be food for the infected.

P on Mar 25, 2008

812

hey, but in the theatrical ending, he got the cure by taking a vial of the alpha female's blood. so if he didn't take the vial from the female in the alternative, how was he supposed to find the cure when he drove up to Vermont? (the syringe he injected into her brought her to consciousness and did not draw blood)

Frank on Mar 25, 2008

813

I like this ending far better, the person or persons who said to use the other are asses, how many Virologist do they think survived the outbreak! You would need someone who had his notes and the samples to cure the population in the end and that would take many more years because you would have to weaponize the cure in order to insure that everyone one received the Cure! I even wrote an alternate ending myself, I told others that it would take from three to five sec for the grenade to go off, but they said I was stupid for saying how it had ending wrong. Also remember that we all saw those guys standing around him in the trailers so there had to be a better ending! I also explained who in part two how the virus was continuing to change the infected and that their abilities were increasing, and that they were becoming more like the vampires of legend! Dr. Neville had gone out on a search for more gin pigs to test how well the cure would work , because they could not afford to wait three or four day for it to work, he was developing a faster process to assimilate the cure into the infected! But during their search they encounter a new type of infected and they are running out of time the infected are have more trouble find food in the cities which provide them protection from the day light so they are having to expand their search for food outside the cities which in time have them come toward and humans that are left in the would in camps, this only protection right now is that they are far from any protection for the infected , but as their powers has expanded so has their range of movement throughout the country. So if Neville dose not complete his cure soon their will be now one left, because they will be food for the infected. In the book the legend is mankind they no longer rule the world the new society of vampire would , but you have to ask yourself how would they survive they eat everything in cite, once their food is gone they are gone , then there is the possibility that the virus is not done changing them, in the book they found a way to maintain some of their humanity , but we know viruses do two thing really good they change and they multiply very fast to take over an organisms, how would the new society survive if they didn't find a new way to maintain themselves as human-hybrids. In my visions they are still doom if you look at the book! In the book they were stone cold killers too so don’t look too harshly on Neville for killing them at least he was trying to solve the problem of the virus.

P on Mar 25, 2008

814

He has his notes from his research and he is a Virologist after all he can rebuild his research very fast, that cure is ineffective as it is it takes at least three days to work and cold too so he has to perfect the process and he is the best person to do it , and I say again how many virologist do you think survived their aren’t that many in the world now, their can't be more then to other if everything went well with the government’s plan for the camps for survivors!

P on Mar 25, 2008

815

a raft can be built and thye could tranfer thir gaer to the other vehicle

P on Mar 25, 2008

816

You forgot about the Lincon Tunnel dud!

P on Mar 25, 2008

817

Much better ending. The one released in cinemas was blatantly tacked on, and tacky. This one had some credibility. We could have left the cinema feeling like we'd seen something, and it would have stayed with us, instead of feeling like we'd been sold nothing more than the opportunity to eat popcorn

F on Mar 25, 2008

818

This is the Adam and Eve ending, think guys if you had been alone for three years you know you would be trying to get at Alice, what guy does not want sex! I would have been all over that girl and you would have too unless you like guys. LOL!

P on Mar 25, 2008

819

are the bridges the only way to get out or are thier tunnels?

P on Mar 25, 2008

820

I have never been to New York but i have heard of tunnels!

P on Mar 25, 2008

821

there are ferries too!

P on Mar 25, 2008

822

Both endings differ a bit from the book. Speaking of the book, can someone explain to me why, in the book, the "new age" vampires kill the other vampires outside of his house? Also, what is the difference between a "living" vampire and a "dead" one?

Steve on Mar 25, 2008

823

Elvis #3 Perhaps the bad guy dying seems easier and less "neat" than everything working out for him in the end, and usually that would be a more daring choice because the audience gets attached to the main characters. In this case, however, I think is is impossible to ignore that the theatrical ending leaves the vampire like creatures as simple "monsters" with a typical heroic sacrifice at the end. There is nothing profound there. The true genius of the original story is to see how the hero is actually a "monster" to this new society of species, he is the freak that comes while they are sleeping and terrorizes them. And they retain some level of humanity, too, with the love story that was never really revealed with the theatrical ending either. When Will Smith's character looks at the wall where he has photographed and catalogued the hundreds of them he has captured and killed in the name of finding a cure, he sees everything differently, and the audience gets to think. This is what makes great endings, not mere spectacles.

Kristie on Mar 25, 2008

824

I have read the book, and it does differ from the movie quite considerably. When i saw the movie, i enjoyed it thoroughly, especially the cinematics. But in terms of actual plot, i was quickly reminded of other disease zombie apocalypse movies (such as RE and 28 days later)and i was disappointed. The theatrical ending was easy to predict, and at the end i was left with a lacking. If this had been the ending, it would have completely changed my opinion. I prefer this one many folds over.

Chris on Mar 25, 2008

825

And Scott - Why the slew of crude language? That is all your posts contained. You've yet to offer a single substantial observation or idea about the movie itself, not a single supporting point! If you didn't like it, fine, and feel free to drop a few poignant four letter words, we are all adults. But please tell me you have something more intellectual to contribute than "mindless fucktards" etc., especially if you are going to attack the intellect of those who enjoyed it.

Kristie on Mar 25, 2008

826

i think that the ending they used ended too abrupty, they should have used this ending. and in the ending they used why didn't he just get into the protective thing then throw the grenade out so he lived? stupid man

Chris on Mar 25, 2008

827

Interesting alternate ending, and less cliche than Will Smith blowing himself up... A few problems, though. The Vampires ARE seen as uncontrolled, animalistic, and driven by a lust for blood. Also, these vampires were ONCE human beings. It seems stupid for the film to preach "respect" for their new existence and society, since they've obviously "de-evolved" into growling and snarling neanderthals. It seems rather INCONSISTENT for the Alpha Male to snatch up his beloved, and for the hoard to then have a "...okay boys, we got what we came for" attitude. It turns the vampires into a group of pacifist flower children. Still, the theatrical ending DID need to indicate that the Alpha was after his woman. The movie DID need to indicate that the vampires were more "human" than the good doctor gave them credit for. I got a sense of that when the creatures had the intelligence to set a trap for the doc. I was surprised by that. So I propose an conclusion that combines both endings. An ending that has the Neville hide the woman and boy in the tunnel, after handing them the antidote. The alpha Vampire breaks through the glass, and instead of attacking the doctor, he grabs his woman off the gurney. Neville is confused. Slowly, Neville realizes that the Alpha is after the woman. He then injects the woman with the "KV Virus" active agent, and Alpha does his growl at Neville...then takes his woman away...with the Hoard parting to let him through. Smith looks at the wall with the photos, and muses verbally or non-verbally, "Have I lost my humanity as well?" Once the Alpha leaves, the Hoard is now free to come at him. The bitter and atheistic Neville now says "God forgive me" (...since his "listening" to the butterfly message already told us that he found some type of faith again), and THEN as the Hoard of vampires claw and bite into him, he blows them all up. This movie is very well made, but did have a somehwhat weak script. It's not just based on the novel "I am legend" but based on the original movie version "The Omega Man."

Chad on Mar 25, 2008

828

i like the ending shown in theaters MUUUUCH better! I've never read the book before so I guess this is from a different perspective, but the original ending to me seemed unbelievable (not that the entire theme is realistic) but the redundant grawling and hissing from the darkseekers and the way they slowed down (when in the rest of the movie, they never stopped moving fast) was impoassible to believe connected. Without reading the book, a moviewatcher would never think to consider him a legend to the darkseekers... keeping him a legend by saving all man kind by giving up his life was a smart choice by the people who know how to sell movies!!

britt on Mar 25, 2008

829

Steve #821 The "new age" vampires aren't all out vampires yet. They are infected but they haven't transformed (remember the woman that shows up in the book talking about a pill she takes?) and Living vampire is someone who didn't die and became a vampire (kinda like sam the dog in the movie) and a dead one is like his wife in the book, she dies, he buries her, then she comes back after him. Do you remember reading in the book how the bacteria takes over the body as a parasite and controls the body making it a trade off. I'll give your body this fake life and you give me fresh blood. Hopefully that helps.

Carlos A. Valle on Mar 25, 2008

830

#827 Chad that would have been a pretty good mix of the scenes and would have made it more of a twisty ending. It's a neat way of ending it. The book's ending is still, after reading it awhile ago and turning over in mind, doesn't make sense. . . seems hasty but in the book they show fear to this legend and aide the fact that he is the legend to them so who knows. . .

Carlos A. Valle on Mar 25, 2008

831

Actually, I preferred the original ending, other than the 'God' concept. The supposed real ending is too Hollywood predictable - ie male rescues female from captor and everyone lives happily ever after. And he wasn't the last human on the planet, was he!

Carol on Mar 26, 2008

832

Chad #827 has the right idea, I think, if they weren't going to stay more faithful to the book. The alternate ending explains several things that the theatrical ending doesn't - the alpha male risking coming into the light when the female is captured, how these snarling, growling, supposedly mindless monsters could set up a trap for Neville (the only explanation I could come up with when I saw this scene was that, maybe, it was a trap Neville has set himself and forgotten about, then fell victim to when he started to descend into that temporary madness). Chad's "blended" ending would also allow us to see Neville gain an understanding of just how dehumanized he'd become, as well, by the experiments that resulted in the deaths of so many of these mutated humans that he was trying to help. I do believe that Neville had to die in one way or the other at the end. Driving away with the woman would've have done nothing to explain how Neville became a legend, either to the Dark Seekers or to the remaining humans. He would've just moved on to continue his research. Hero, maybe, if he'd discovered and implemented a cure, but not Legend. And just my own personal prejudice as an unapologetically, over the top animal kook, why do these Hollywood types always have to include an animal in these flicks, just to kill them off in some really awful way?! When I first saw Sam, the dog, I just knew she was put there for no other reason than so they could do away with the poor creature, especially since there was no dog in the book this movie was supposed to be based on. It just sticks in my craw, especially in a movie like this that was based on a book where a large share of the drama and tension was the utter aloneness of the main character. For pete's sake, Tom Hanks managed to make it through almost an entire movie with nothing but a soccer ball for company! Quit killing off the critters just to tweak our heartstrings! (Off my rant now.)

Lynne on Mar 26, 2008

833

Of the entries I read, Chris from 826 is the best. I think the ending he proposed is the ending I would like to see. It seems to capture enough of what I gather is the story from the book (from entries describing it - I've never read it), have some cool explosions, blood, and gore, kills off the main character who probably deserves to die, and yet still leaves that small glimmer of hope for humanity (the cure) that a number of humanists need to have at the end of such an apocalyptic story. In deriving my own opinion from the opinions of others, I think both endings are a bitter disappointment when one considers what might have been.

Daniel Gagne on Mar 26, 2008

834

There is one additional aspect of 826's proposed ending I forgot to mention. The element of shock and cold empty "Oh my God!" that might be felt by the masses when they suddenly are made to realize that "Neville was the bad guy! His experiments were viewed as murder by these creatures, and they were hunting him for revenge, as well as the leader's girlfriend. He is going to die to pay for his mistakes!" It's not exactly "The Sixth Sense", "The Ring", or "The Others" style of ending - it's more like "The Wicker Man" in fact. However, it would leave people with a final sense of shock and eeriness that I think would have made for a new-age blockbuster hollywood ending.

Daniel Gagne on Mar 26, 2008

835

Personally, after just watching the original theatrical ending again in light of the better ending I was endorsing above, I have concluded that I don't believe that there should have been a successful cure. Neville should have concluded that his efforts to find a cure were a failure and a mistake. The story emmanates the idea that we did this to ourselves out of foolishness. Why should humanity deserve a second chance? Is it right to attempt to "cure" a race of creatures that doesn't want to be cured, and even views such attempts at finding a cure as injustice and murder? The fact is that we created this new evolving race, and they deserve the same oportunity to live as we had. Perhaps the movie should have been truly apocalyptic, with the race of mankind ending right there. Neville should have went out with a grenade blast of glory - one last spark for mankind, with no hope for humanity to rebuild itself. As grim as it sounds, that would have made for an awesome story grimly attesting to the risks of experimenting with DNA viral research (just like the Resident Evil series). I conclude that the movie makers missed out on some amazing storytelling oportunities that could have really brought to life what sounds like an amazingly written book.

Daniel Gagne on Mar 26, 2008

836

I believe this would ba a better ending than the one played on the Moviehouses. Makes me wonder why they chose to Kill off will smith at the end while the ending of the book is way better than the one they chose.

Erwin Tay on Mar 26, 2008

837

...y anyone would want to use these sorts of forums to insult and frontally attack other peoples point of view is just wrong. we can criticize...but not in anger! its just rude, unnecessary, and i think barbaric to be doing so... whoever posted this...dude...u just made a great movie end even better... ...thank u...

Feral on Mar 26, 2008

838

Chad, the lead character blowing himself up at the end is cliche? Really? In what universe? Don't get me wrong. I prefer the alternate ending but the ending shown in the theaters was gutsy to an extent to considering the lead guy died.

AccidentalVisitor on Mar 26, 2008

839

the book is totallly different from all the movies but one the first one!

P on Mar 26, 2008

840

the book is totallly different from all the movies but one the first one! I was lng and drawn out. In the book he had to leanr about viroligy it took him a very long to to learn what he needed to know about why they still walked the earth. It was becuase of how the blood was silded in side them once you open them up with a stake to a majoe organ you could kill them! For all those who do want to read it there are audio book on line for free!

P on Mar 26, 2008

841

He can still die in part two, remeber how they messed up Ultraviolet by rushing the story sometimes it take a while to fully understand a charcter, what thier motovations are what kjeep them going each day know thw whole whlie death is just outside the door, how they loose the desire for se over time withut human contact, how you can start to here want is not there, and covence yourself a lie is the truth. to determine over time that we really do need one another even those individuals that get on our last nerve because they aid in shaping our live eeven if it is in a very small way!

P on Mar 26, 2008

842

Humans deserve a second chance because GOD gives us a chance even when we have been awful in even thing we do. We know what is right and wrong but we as a people cast that away for what we want. We lie and cover it up so that other will not look upon us in a bad way. We betray to gain an advantage over someone that we deem not worthy of anything good. We follow the mob mentally which allow very awful deeds to be done and after everyone has calmed down no one pays for those deeds, we justify it and say that if was not my fault and that I was just going along with the crowd. But we know deep within our own heart that we did was totally wrong. We force our will on other and claim that we are for freedom for all mankind, as long as it does not cost us anything. We don't even realize that man is not basically good, even in the bible Jesus said that their in none good but GOD. But we keep on lying and tell people that they are good so that we can fit into our little groups that feed on those lies. We attack other who look, speak, think and act differently then us because it make us feel better to blame someone else for our problems that we created by not doing what we were supposed to do ourselves which is be self-sufficient. We barrow knowing full well that we can’t pay it back then yell foul for our own greediness, and the thing that we had gotten we do not even use or want. Mankind is just an infant and because we are an infantile race we need another chance and time to grow up, and I thank GOD that he give us so many opportunism to do things his way before we destroy ourselves and those around us. Everything we do affects others and if we took the time to realize that we might just one day become not good but a descent people!

P on Mar 26, 2008

843

Humans deserve a second chance because GOD gives us a chance even when we have been awful in even thing we do. We know what is right and wrong but we as a people cast that away for what we want. We lie and cover it up so that other will not look upon us in a bad way. We betray to gain an advantage over someone that we deem not worthy of anything good. We follow the mob mentally which allow very awful deeds to be done and after everyone has calmed down no one pays for those deeds, we justify it and say that if was not my fault and that I was just going along with the crowd. But we know deep within our own heart that we did was totally wrong. We force our will on others and claim that we are for freedom for all mankind, as long as it does not cost us anything. We don't even realize that man is not basically good, even in the bible Jesus said that their in none good but GOD. But we keep on lying and tell people that they are good so that we can fit into our little groups that feed on those lies. We attack others who look, speak, think and act differently then us because it make us feel better to blame someone else for our problems that we created by not doing what we were supposed to do ourselves which is be self-sufficient. We barrow knowing full well that we can’t pay it back then yell foul for our own greediness, and the thing that we had gotten we do not even use or want. Mankind is just an infant and because we are an infantile race we need another chance and time to grow up, and I thank GOD that he give us so many opportunists to do things his way before we destroy ourselves and those around us. Everything we do affects others and if we took the time to realize that we might just one day become not good but a descent people!

P on Mar 26, 2008

844

Polictal correctness will greatly aid in the destuction of mankind, by not being able to tell or reveal the truth we keep on doing what is wrong while we tell ourselves that it is for the good of mankind, aka for national security!!!!!!

P on Mar 26, 2008

845

It should both be on the DVD.. I like this one more than the one in the cinema.

rick on Mar 26, 2008

846

Ok Here is the problem. I still do not like this ending. The woman and child should definalty die. End the movie with him killing some baddies, with a soliloquie and the last words being "I am Legend"....Thats how it should have ended...end of discussion.

Matthew De Louise on Mar 26, 2008

847

aight i don't like the idea that the darkseekers are seen as ruthless killing machines in the majority of the movie, and then in this ending they're just all thanks dude i'm gonna take my girl back to our vampire hive. the only reason i went to see the movie was because i loved the book and the commercials showed Neville in close contact with the Darkseekers, like in the alternative ending. I don't like how Neville died in the regular ending cuz he could have just thrown the grenade out of the little door thingy. His sacrifice was unnecessary in the cinema ending. But the Darkseekers should have taken the girl, killed smith, busted the glass, killed Anna, while the little kid got away and you heard his voice on the radio talking about Dr. Robert Neville being mankinds legend or whatever. Or all three of them should have died and humanity should have been wiped out completely, and it has something to do with god doing something or other because the whole religion-God thing in this movie is very important. i still love the movie, but both endings are so so. + plus how do they drive off the bridge to the colony in vermont if the military shot the bridge down?

drew on Mar 26, 2008

848

Some great commentary here on my proposed "merged ending!!" Once again, movie fans seem to have a better sense of drama than movie studios, who crank out carbon copy themes and unlimited sequels so they can harvest optimal profit. HOLLYWOOD is SCARED of originality!! Someone asked "...in what universe" is it "cliche" when the protagonist sacrifices himself in a fiery blaze of glory? It's been featured in many blockusters, one that comes to mind is "Independence Day"...ironically, another Will Smith movie. I4 has many "protagonist-heroes,"" and the most unlikely one is the druken pilot played by Randy Quaid. He yells "Hello boys, III'mmmm back" and "up yours!" as he takes out the alien saucer with his plane, and it's "jammed" missile. A huge fire ball once again engulfs a self sacrificing martyr. Another forum contributor wanted Neville, the woman and the boy all to die. This would be reminiscent of "Night of the Living Dead." It's what I would consider the "Prozac" option...when futility and despair are the only emotions the viewer is left with. Artistic, but not my first choice. Keeping in mind that we are critiquing the movie and NOT the book, yes, the "vampires" are partially human and a new society, but they are basically "rabid." At some part of the movie, the flashacks refer to the KV virus as exhibiting "like Rabies." As a society, they probably will implode and eventually kill each other (...even more so than we are currently doing as a species). This is why the antidote is important. Yes, the alternate ending has Neville, Woman and Boy driving over a bridge...when it's clear that ALL bridges to Manhatten must had been destroyed. And those forum contributors who are angry profanity spewers should be understood here, of all places...they just have the KV virus. They are upset by the uncomplimentary depiction the film is promoting, and are currently pushing a lawsuit through the ACLU. Their boycott lines only occur at night. First, the profanity, then the eyes bleed. Remember...sleep with your lights on! Chad

Chad on Mar 26, 2008

849

Great commentaries here! Viewers are always more creative than "play it safe" Hollywood and it's fear of originality. How is the hero dying in a self- sacrificing explosion "cliche?" One example would be in the blockbuster "Independence Day," another Will Smith film. One unlikely protagonist, played by Randy Quaid, yells out some cornball lines before flying his jet with the "jammed missile" into the spaceship. All that protagonists dying, as in another proposed ending, is too reminiscent of "Night of the Living Dead." All it leaves the viewer with is futility...we could call it the "Emo" ending. Let's all cut ourselves as we watch it. And yes, KILLING the loyal Dog is also too predictable!! What a shock it would had been, if Samantha the dog survived through the movie. I will admit, though...the look on Will Smith's face as he strangled his dog was probably the most compelling scene of the film. The alternate ending should NOT show them driving across a bridge. All bridges must had been brought down. Let's also remember, the new society of vampire mutants have something comparible to "rabies." As if normal humanity isn't violent enough! They are doomed through their aggressive impulses. Still, there resides enough humanity in them for Neville to have respected. Thus, the antidote is important... just not at the cost of being a serial killer, aka Nazi doctor experiments in concentration camps. Chad

Chad on Mar 26, 2008

850

Sorry for the double post. I didn't think the first one made it through. Chad

Chad on Mar 26, 2008

851

I am legend was a great PG-13 movie right up until the ending and since seeing it in theaters I've been telling everyone it sucked simply because it was a horrible ending. This original was exponentially better than the one that ruined the whole movie for me. Thank you = )

Dylan on Mar 26, 2008

852

I don't know if anyone realized this but i think the main reason the quarantine didn't work was because of the faulty equipment they were testing people with. When Neville's wife was checked she was positive. Then she was scanned again and it was negative. So it could go both ways which is the whole reason the quarantine didn't work. Even if one infected person passed the eye test they could spread the entire disease. Give me some feedback on this.

Alex on Mar 26, 2008

853

i dont think that quarantine would work anyways the virus would eventually find its way out of New york city and wouldnt matter eventually I dont think fauly equipment had anything to do with it

Luke on Mar 26, 2008

854

I think it's completley agreed upon that this ending was the better of the two! I remember coming out of the theater and I was just so mad at th ending. I hated it because of how pointless it was. It did end out of nowhere and basically gave the title no meaning. I like this ending so much more! I'm glad I got to watch it.

Candy on Mar 26, 2008

855

The alternate ending of the movie wouldve been good to see, but I see the problem. The whole "legend" concept was destroyed by it. A legend to me was a huge, like major war or politics, person(s). But, like the other legends, that person(s) are now dead. In the movie ending, he could be considered a legend. In this one, I would consider him a hero.

Brandon Campbell on Mar 26, 2008

856

This ending was so much better. I couldn't stand the real ending. There is a screen play of I Am Legend floating around the internet somewhere. I read it a few years ago. It was way better than the movie and this ending.

Justin on Mar 26, 2008

857

Never read the book, but the last 10 minutes of the theatrical version ruined the movie for me. THis ending was FAR superior!!

Jedi on Mar 26, 2008

858

way better ending. book still trumps though.

antalon on Mar 27, 2008

859

also, I hate the movie BECAUSE of the theatrical ending. leave it up to hollywood to destroy something beautiful.

antalon on Mar 27, 2008

860

First of all, this movie could have easily been renamed to fit this ending, it could be a simple as " I am Alive" or "I am Human" or "Hope" anything. Secondly, Am i the only one who came to the conclusion that maybe the reason why he didnt take a sample of the female and why he was now willing to leave New York, " Ground Zero," "My Section" because he had come to the realization, or epiphany or conclusion that the vampires/monsters were evolving and now exhibited sentient and humanistic characters and that it would be Genocide to wipe them out by "Curing" them. I mean how is that really all that different from Hitler wanting to make the rest of the world Arryan, something he held as a superior and better species of humans. Who is to say that their existence is wrong or what they are doing is evil? I mean humans eat cows, chickens, lambs, and all sorts of other animals. Atleast these guys only seemed to be killing one animal, its unfortunate that it happened to be human, but what if they craved chicken or mice, would be so offended or so quick to judge and want them wiped out? Just some food for thought. Im still waiting for a reason why he needed to sacrifice himself and why the hell that grenade seemed to bee so potent, i have seen a grenade explode, they dont have a 10th of the fire and explosive ability as that nade was shown to have. And if he had prewired the room, as any truly paranoid person would have, why didnt he have a self destruct button, and why couldnt it be remotely activated away from the house. Also he only waited a good 30 seconds after shutting that coal door, but 2 good points my brother made, if he was using that room as a prison, why did it have such an easy exit designed in it, and if the nade destroyed plexiglass that a man with 600xs the strength of a normal human had trouble cracking, why didnt it disintegrate the back wall where the woman and child were in? I would love to get some feed back on these questions.

Moe on Mar 27, 2008

861

I don't get the comments about how this alternate ending is better than the theatrical ending. The theatrical ending fits in based on what has already been shown from the first minute of the movie. I'm not saying that the alternate ending is complete crap but it doesn't fit. How exactly is Neville a legend when he realizes that all the "head vampire" wanted was the female? Many are analyzing this as they have read the book, but if you haven't read the book, it fits in perfectly fine. In the book, he's a legend because hunts "vampires". In the movie Neville is a legend because he saves mankind. No matter how you put it, one can make arguments about the movie about how such and such didn't work, but the movie is titled "I Am Legend" and from the beginning of the movie, you already knew that Neville was trying to be the "good guy" buy finding a cure (which he ultimately does at his own demise). Again, you can make points to which ending is better, but you can't mix and match and say it's better because you've read the book and can justify your arguments. "I Am Legend" - human population is almost extinct, Neville trying to find a cure, ultimately does sacrifices himself for the cure to work: Legend status achieved "I Am Legend" - human population is almost extinct, Neville trying to find a cure, ultimately does but realizes that vampire hunting him down just to get the girl back, Neville lives happily ever after: How exactly is his legend status achieved? (WITHOUT mention of the book where he is considered a legend to the vampires because he's the only living man capable of killing the vampires) Like I said, if you've never even heard about the book and just went to see this movie, everything works out fine, but when you complicate things by taking taking stuff from the book and asking why they cut it out, then it creates a mess of what the movie is really about and debates start to happen.

Hmm... on Mar 27, 2008

862

When I saw the movie I hated the end. It left me empty and it was very flat feeling. This version that WB cut is 10 times more moving and it just makes more sense. No comparison. I don't get the decision!!

Dave Moran on Mar 27, 2008

863

Both ending makes sense. I liked the alternate ending becuase Neville didn't have to die.. But in order to be a "legend" in my opinion, you have to die while being a hero right? He did what he had to do to save Anna and Ethan so they could give the cure to the other survivors because he knew he wouldn't make it. And if you think about it, I'm sure he didn't mind being killed. He looked at his wife and daughters picture right before the gernade exploded. He wanted to be with his family again. Anna carried on his name and that is why it's called I am Legend. This movie was amazing. I didn't care too much for Sam the dog being killed, it made me cry lol. But Will Smith did a great job.

Michelle on Mar 27, 2008

864

A lot of bad opinions posted, such as Neville a serial killer and/or murderer. Especially the comments about his victims being displayed on the wall while the zombies were carting him off he was saying something like, what have I done or become? Stupid, anyway the dead zombies are casualties of war. The war is to create a cure to save mankind from a disease that mutates human genome. Both endings suck but the theatrical cut was the better choice, since the title of the movie is I am legend. Neville in the movies is a hero and I am sorry but the zombies have no humanity left, they are humans turned into animals, actually worse than animals but you get the point.

Robert neville on Mar 27, 2008

865

i love the alternate ending but it still conflicts because he said he would never leave ground zero, it was his project.

adrian on Mar 27, 2008

866

WOW. I definitely would have to say that this one got my wheels turning a bit more. It was like the lead vampire finally realized that Robert had the best of intentions. Made the message seem to ring "if you can communicate your well-meaning ideas to your enemies, they will see you are genuine... so never stop trying to communicate that you truly care and can help..." - in other words... NEVER STOP REACHING OUT!

John A. Ellis on Mar 27, 2008

867

Two comments about the comments following mine. First off, about these creatures being like rabid animals, I'm not sure I entirely agree. I think it's our own arragance that makes us believe we were any different during our own "stone age". The author is trying to get across the idea that these creatures are evolving. If we evolved from mere apes, why can`t these creatures evolve into an intelligent and productive society. I suggested there should be no cure, simply because it kills who they are, which is against the idea that they have a `right` to live just like we had. The author is suggesting that it is not fair for us to judge them as `animals` that must `be fixed`. We created them, we brought about our own destruction. We must live and die with the consequences of our actions. As for the Christian argument, I would not disagree. However, the story is not a Christian story, and in fact appears to take place in a world in which God is not real or in charge. I was attemtping to view the movie in this context. I myself am a Christian, but in the context of this fiction, is irrelevant. Your argument would have been a good one if I didn`t ask my question in the philosophical context of the movie and book.

Daniel Gagne on Mar 27, 2008

868

Daniel Gagne i see your points about them having the right to live but theres a problem. We evolved because of nature not screwing stuff up. The creatures didn't evolve over time it wasn't adaptation it was a mistake we made that put ourselves in the bad situation that no one wanted. They aren't even what they were meant to be. They lost their state of mind for the most part and im sure if one fully recovered the person thats actually supposed to be there would be more thankful than anyone could ever imagine. If the "vampires" actually had the thought process they had before hand when they were actually people they would want to go back. And the biggest point is that people didn't voluntarily turn into them, they were trying not to. So becoming those creatures was forced apon them so they would not want to be like that. So there should be a cure to fix what one person screwed up for everyone else. And what did the doctor feel like once she realized what she did. She probably felt terrible and wished she never would have done that. Thats why we as people need to watch what we do with medicine and stuff. Im not saying something like that would happen but we could start a new disease and end up killing ourselves. Thats my opinion.

Alex on Mar 27, 2008

869

The alternate DVD ending is better, much better. I read the book and was hoping for a real "i am legend" type ending too, and glad to see they at least made one.

Craig on Mar 27, 2008

870

This ending is way better! I hated this movie when I saw it in theatres b/c of the ending. It was depressing and just plain sucked. Why did WB feel the need to change the ending I wonder? After suffering through more than an hour of depression and drama, they should have ended it with a little hope! This ending is awesome!

Lin on Mar 27, 2008

871

I haven't read the book but have learned a good deal about it from reading these posts. 1) How can Neville be a monster when in his mind he is trying to save his own species from extinction. 2) How could he possibly surrender himself the the idea that the infected should be allowed to exist without him trying to find a cure after the virus destroyed everything he ever knew or loved 3) I agree with the person earlier who said that the alternated ending made the carnivorous dark seekers look like a bunch of pacifists 4) if another animal sees you as food and has a legitimate chance of eating you, you probably wouldn't be ok with the idea of co- existing with it 5) If you watch this or read a story like this and feel that allowing the infected to continue being mindless cavemen/ zombie creatures is the 'humane' way to operate you have a fucked up way of looking at thing...

Nick Wilkinson on Mar 27, 2008

872

I was so pissed off when I saw the theatrical ending. I have never read the book, sadly. I expected a lot from this movie, I was satisfied until the end. I am very happy that this alternative ending was made. I fully appreciate the movie "I am Legend" now.

Rob on Mar 27, 2008

873

Great points, Alex. If the creatures truly wished they could go back to what they were before the dissease, than all Neville did would be justified. Have you considered that the creatures appear to be resisting and even resenting the finding of a cure? Could it be our own arrogant presumption that makes us believe that these creatures "can't possibly be happy" because they don't live the way we live right now? It's true that the dissease was thrust upon them. Howver, perhaps in some strange way that our arrogant human selves can't quite comprehend, maybe they "prefer" their new current existence. There is nobody to speak on behalf of the creatures except the author of the book. I think that is what the author is trying to get us to understand - there may be other ways to exist besides our own that give one a rich fullfilling life. If these creatures really wanted to be cured, "why did they resist so passionately?" Not once did any of the creatures call out and ask to be "helped". I welcome any differences of opinion - however it's a real challenge to overrule my suggestion that "arrogant presumption" causes one to feel that these creatures can't "prefer" what they've become. Now, Nick, my point also challenges your idea that allowing these creatures to continue being like mindless cave men/zombie creatures is a "fucked up way of looking at things". By that idea, some sophisticated evolved aliens should have come down to earth during the early stone age when we were cavemen creatures and whiped us out, saving us the trouble of an empty existence. We don't know what these creatures may become if they are allowed to evolve. They might go on to form a great world that makes our current civilization look like one of arrogant, materialistic, barbarians. Once again, our own arrogant presumption should not be a basis for judging other life forms in a lesser evolved state.

Daniel Gagne on Mar 28, 2008

874

Sorry, Chad, but a supporting character like Randy Quaid in "Independece Day" sacrificing himself is not the same as THE LEAD of a movie doing the same. That's a horrible example. Minor characters (often times minorities themselves) have been sacrificing their lives for the better good or for the lead hero for decades in films. But this type of action is rarely ever required of the main hero himself. Of course I know there are some films out there in which the leading man bites the big one to save the day and all, but for the most part it is still rare in mainstream Hollywod movies. So to call it a cliche is absurd. The hero getting the girl....that's a cliche. The hero dying....um, not so much. Again this is not to say the theater ending to IAL is good, but it also wasn't a typical ending either.

AccidentalVisitor on Mar 28, 2008

875

I dont see the problem with the theatrical ending, i like the idea of him being a legend to the survivors. If thats the way they decided to portray it then thats they way we are supposed to see it, thats the movie makers job. if you haven't noticed most films made from books are not the perfect adaption so why should this be?

smith on Mar 28, 2008

876

Hmm, Actually having this alternate ending reminds me of why I like DVDs so much. I think the choice to simply "kill off" Neville in the theatrical version makes sense - as in this version of the "Legend" he is flirting with is not "Neville the Vampire Slayer"... but "Neville the Savior." So, he has to make the ultimate sacrifice, a'la the Savior. It makes a lot of sense, thematically, imho. However, what would have really rocked if this 'vampire' he first cures escaped during the attack, and then later becomes the one who captures Neville. I don't but the whole "the movie should be true to the book" argument. Movies are their own art form, if you want the book version... READ IT. Movies are not simply books on film. I do agree that this theatrical version ending seems a bit abrupt, and I would have enjoyed a version where the 'vampires' are both shown to be humanistic/evolving, and where Neville still makes the ultimate sacrifice and realizes that it is actually he who the 'vampires' feel is the real threat.

Deckerd on Mar 28, 2008

877

The alternate ending is the better one. I am really disappointed in the studio. For the reasons above. I was absolutely enthralled with the movie up until Anna shows up. It left me wanting so much more, from his hostility to the explosion. I infered the story line that gets resolved in the alternate ending. But was left unsatisfied in the theater. I was drawn to this picture from seeing the title online, the previews wetted my appetite further and the actual movie blew me out of the water. Sure it was a great example of present day movie magic, and a great example of a classic horror/thriller. But what got my adrenaline pumping even more than the monsters and action on screen was the allegory involved. The story line and characters are timeless. This movie disguised as a "hollywood horror action movie" packs a profound story that places it among all the great myths.

Ben on Mar 28, 2008

878

This ending is so much better.. Warners are idiots.

Ben Francis on Mar 28, 2008

879

Daniel Gagne i still can't go for that. They push each other around and kill each other sometimes. I don't know if you've read the book but im going to use some examples because i just started reading it. They kill the women and eat them. THEY KILL THEIR OWN PEOPLE AND EAT THEM. There's no way any of them would want that. If they were healed they wouldn't have to fight for their food and kill each other. They only think about one thing, BLOOD. They may have some sort of mind but not real good one. And if they were healed they wouldn't have to fear be eaten by the others. And the reason they don't express they want to be cured is because they can't. They don't know what we're trying to do so they're afraid. Thats like a wild animal if its sick and dying. It doesn't want us to go by it even though we're trying to help. But when it gets better its happy and grateful to still be alive instead of struggling. Its the same concept, we're like a foreign creature that they can't trust. Thats why they can't express the need of help.

Alex on Mar 28, 2008

880

I liked the movie, enjoyed the book more, but on the ending, I agree, this was a MUCH better ending.

Dan on Mar 28, 2008

881

alex billington: as a "layman" moviegoer who has never read the book,i did think of the original ending as neville sacrificing himself to save humanity... especially since he kept saying during the movie that he could fix it and he could save everyone... i think it occurred to him that while he may be able to fix it, it was too late to save everyone, he couldnt save him self and everyone else, it was one or the other and he had to make that choice. also, i agree that the alternate ending was a bit sappy in that everyone lived "happily ever after". I have never read the book, but from what i gather from other peoples comments, neville was killed in the book right ( i may be wrong but i think i read that in the book anna was an "evolved daylight" vampire and she lured neville to the other vampires and they killed him. While i see how the alternate ending stays truer to general theme of the book, i think the happily ever after part ruins it because in reality, with or without the head vampires girlfriend, the vampires are still hungry and are still going to follow their own instincts to survive. All in all i like both endings but the original theatrical ending still wins for me

lb on Mar 28, 2008

882

I have to agree this ending is a lot better. I found it odd that when Neville saw the main Vampire expose himself to sunlight to express his, what appeared to be, anger over his lover being taken from him. Usually movies dont make it a point to talk about things unless it is going to directly effect the movies ending. This clears that up and makes it seem like the vampires still have human qualities which would have made finding a cure more plausible. The one thing i did like about the other ending is that Neville died which made the title make more sense, but this is definitely a better ending.

Thomas on Mar 28, 2008

883

i thought the original ending in theatres was dumb. but now that i've seen this ending, i'm not sure which is worse. the ending here is completely unrealistic in relation to the plot. there is no way the zombie creatures would have gone from hostile, bloodthirsty, pure instinct creatures to just, "ok, here's our woman. we're cool now"

chris on Mar 28, 2008

884

I like the alternate ending a lot better than the theatrical version. All i wish would happen if they explained more of what happend to everyone after they left the island. Other than that, great movie!!!

Ichiro on Mar 28, 2008

885

WOW! we just finished watching the movie at home and dang, this ending is sooooo much better! we all think that this would have been a way better ending in the movie then the actual movie ending!

Tara amanda and william on Mar 28, 2008

886

I absolutely prefer the altertnative ending. The theatrical ending was too abrupt and did close the loop on Robert's conviction that the vampires were devoid of human traits, which we know was not exactly correct.

Liz on Mar 28, 2008

887

This is an idea I feel has yet to be floated; Everything is the same as the theatrical release. The only difference is that the reason Neville incinerates himself at the end is because he realizes that "Ben" is there for his woman and that he (Neville) must also be a monster for what he has done to the "vampires". Scene: Ben bashing his head against the glass, Dr. Neville looking at Bens eyes and seeing that his gaze is fixed on the "cured" female vampire. Ben madder and madder, bashing harder and harder as he grows more and more concerned for his mate, what have you done to her!? Dr. Neville seeing how different the "cured" female looks than the rest of her people. He looks at the pictures on his wall and is filled with sadness and disgust at what hes done to them. He pulls the pin on the grenade without even noticing or caring that Ben has made it through the glass and is at his mates side, is it possible a tear in Bens eye? We'll never know as the screen is filled with fire and then blinding white light....

JoeDaMan on Mar 28, 2008

888

i agree to this ending cause this ending showed to true act of living for a better tomorrow and not a end to a tragic death of robert neville it made me sad he found a cure but he didnt get to live out his purpose in this reality of finding out his fight for life

alex on Mar 28, 2008

889

Yes, I am with you 100% I like the original ending that you posted on your site better. MUCH better. in fact... I found this site because I heard there was an alternate ending, and when I rented the movie from blockbuster it must have come with a second disc that they did not feel worth allowing me to have because I could not find it on the disc. Thank you for making this ending available... I enjoyed it much more than the ending on the movie itself.

David on Mar 28, 2008

890

Ok, Alex, I'll buy that. You did a good job of supporting your position. From what you described from your book readings, even if one entertained the idea of these creatures being evolvable, obviously one would have to accept that they have an extremely long way to go. When you get near the end of the book, let me know how the head vampire compares to the masses. Does he appear to be an example of what the others may become in time, or is he just an anomily that happens to have a bit of intelligence? If the head vampire is not an anomily, it does give one some hope for the creatures. If he is an anomily, than we are looking at a world of permanant mindless zombies, which would suck. I would expect that the ending of the book should be interesting, as it should express the authors final view of this creature race. Are they a disease, or are they an interesting, new, and misuderstood people. Let me know what you think of the ending. Thanks for a cool debate.

Daniel Gagne on Mar 29, 2008

891

I enjoyed this movie quite a bit, but if I had a criticism it would be the scenes with the CG characters. I am not sure how much of the book was followed in making this movie, but I didn't see how the CG lion(s) helped the story. Also, I may be alone here, but I thought that the most suspenseful scenes in the movie were the ones that the creatures were not visible, such as when he went into the dark building looking for his dog and whipping the beam of his flashlight back and forth at sounds he heard. It would have been interesting to see them film this movie similar to Jaws where you didn't actually see the creatures until the end. I also would have liked to see them use an actor rather than a CGI character. Although CGI has made great strides, these characters still looked fake to me which ended up hurting the story. A little more creativeness with the camera in showing the creatures blurred or zipping past the camera would have also heightened the suspense. I think Afred Hitchcock once said that some of the most frightening things are what you don't see. Just a thought. Thanks for posting the alternate ending. I definately preferred that version over the theatrical version. I also picked up on the thought that someone had stated earlier about the bridge being intact at the end. Don't they hire continuity people to think of these things or do they just all think movie-goers don't have the wherewithall to pick this stuff up. I think if they filmed it as the three of them reaching the far shore on a makeshift raft and Will Smith pausing and looking back at Manhattan before walking off with the girl and kid would have been a better ending scene.

Jeff Fuzzen on Mar 29, 2008

892

I loved the alternate ending way more than the chosen one. At the end of the movie, I was just kind of left feeling empty. Just like it wasn't finished or something. I don't normally go for alternate endings, but this one ended much more like I thought it should, and I didn't even read the book.

Alan Songer on Mar 29, 2008

893

I agree that this ending was definitely better. The relationship between Smith and the aggressive zombie character is certainly an interesting and different approach.

Kerpal on Mar 29, 2008

894

I really prefer this end. When I saw the film in the theatres I thought that there was something wrong. Unfortunately I haven't read the book, so I couldn't understand. Thank you very much for this news and sorry for my bad English. I am Italian... 😀

Giuseppe Olivieri on Mar 29, 2008

895

Daniel Gagne no problem it was a fun debate. I'll let you know when i get to the end it might be a couple days cause i just started and i don't have much free time. Its a good book for anyone that wants to know but it is quite a bit different from the movie.

Alex on Mar 29, 2008

896

I LOVE Will Smith. But once my friend told me about the alternate ending at work... I was like I NEED TO SEE THE REAL ENDING! So I came home and look up online and i was so very happy. When I saw this I knew it was time for me to be like, hell yeah i'm gonna see this and my eyes were astonished, because when Smith saw the butterfly that the freakin ugly vampire showed I was tearing up and was so sad because Smith didn't realize that he's actually the one who's killin all of their kind, but the vampires are too but they can't help it if it wasn't for the dang retarded lady who thought she found a cure. So i guess the alternate ending was soooooooo much better!

Iris on Mar 29, 2008

897

I thought the alternate ending was awful. As a playwright and an actor, I did not see the ending fit with the themes in the rest of the film. The ending certainly fit better with the theme of the book, but here's a secret, the movie wasn't a book... That being said I do have to agree that overall the script was not a great adaptation of the book because it did not follow the theme, mood, and message of the novel, but you can't change that in the last five minutes. The alternate ending took every theme that had been building up the entire film and said, "No, we were wrong." It wasn't just the character realizing he was wrong, but it was the film makers announcing that they weren't on the right path. I can see how someone would like the alternate ending better, I personally prefer the original ending as a spiritual person. Isolated, the alternate is fine, but included with the rest of the theme packed film it doesn't fit at all. I think a huge part of that is because it seems like Will Smith was acting toward the theatrical ending and not the alternate. Robert Neville in the book became a cold man who hunted down vampires just because they were evil. Though we are rooting for him the whole time, we realize in the end that he was blind and callus. In the film however, Nevile was a man who wanted nothing more to save the world from the pain and torment he and his family had to feel. Ending the book with Neville becoming the Legendary monster fit perfectly with the book, but a more fitting ending for the film was Neville becoming a Legendary hero.

Nick on Mar 29, 2008

898

Just saw the alternative ending. Like many here I liked it a lot better. When the woman showed up I assumed she had used a boat to get on the island. This ending showed a bridge still intact. I think its the George Washington bridge at the north of Manhattan going to New Jersey. I'm not sure. I guess the military didn't have time to finish the job or left that intact for some reason

Steve on Mar 29, 2008

899

This ending is awesome in various ways. For one, Robert Neville doesn't sacrifice his life in this ending, which leaves much more of a satisfying feeling than the original ending in theaters. Second, it extends more of a lesson to be learned because you learned that darkseekers aren't really just savages and you should sometimes trust someone despite of their typical behavoir. Finally third , it brings more of an understanding to the movie because it shows that the darkseekers human characteristics aren't entirely absent.

Vince on Mar 29, 2008

900

While watching the movie in theaters with my friend, I had said to her that I though Smith's character should give the specimen back. I figured that that was why the creatures were attacking, was that it was the leader's mate. It seemed more plausible than anything else, and this ending makes much more sense.

Peyton on Mar 29, 2008

901

This ending was better, period.

George on Mar 29, 2008

902

I think the movie wasn't very good no matter the ending. I never think the lead character dying is a very bold choice. In fact, the most creative way of doing this (from what I hear) is the ending of the book. The vampires were CGI and you could tell quite well, which I found visually distracting. It was fairly predictable in the whole "that's his lady" lead vampire thing. I agree with the few who have mentioned this ending shows real inconsistency with the infected throughout the rest of the movie. I don't find lead characters dying edgy. It depends on the circumstances. It seems like movie makers always think "Hey, if we kill them, it will be a sad ending. That's bold!" No, it's not. Stop trying to be bold and just tell a good story.

Matthew on Mar 29, 2008

903

I just saw this movie, and when I was walking out of the theatre I can honestly say that, even without reading the book, I was slightly disappointed with the ending because it had left so many loose ends when it concerned the Infected. I much prefer this ending as it built on the way the Infected were acting, and it showed definitely why the male kept coming after Richard (first going into the sunlight and then setting the elaborate trap). I suspected that the female Infected was his "woman" (for lack of a better term), but they never built upon that. Oh, and I did also notice that they were attempting to drive over a bridge that wasn't technically there anymore (or shouldn't have been considering the government blew up the bridges, during Richard's flashbacks, so that no one could get across). I very much prefer this ending, and I have to thank you for posting it.

Andi on Mar 29, 2008

904

I agree with #896. This ending was a little more exciting maybe, but it didn't fit with the rest of the movie. So, I have to take the theatrical ending.

Jonathan on Mar 30, 2008

905

Hi i'm from Europe and i have to say the cinema ending sucked !!!!! The original ending is awesome !

thomas on Mar 30, 2008

906

The alternate was the better ending, although still a little wobbly. The movie was doing pretty well until the last ten minutes. Just like the original ending of 28 day later was the better one, which the original script was closer to I am Legend than this!

invisioner on Mar 30, 2008

907

I thought the theactrical ending wasn't that good i like the alternate ending but it's too short and does he even get the cure for the virus?

D-Ryder on Mar 29, 2008

908

I would have preferred this ending that you just showed me. My son and I were eagerly awaiting this movie's release. When we rented it we were so into the movie until the end , which seemed so typical to a nontypical movie and my whole family was disappionted. I am going to show this alternate ending to my son tomorrow becayse this is the real way this movie should have ended. Not the theater movie ending which makes it like just another "resident evil" type movie.

bestfriendthemom on Mar 30, 2008

909

Personally, I LIKED THE ENDING IN THEATRES, it was MUCH more exciting, heart pounding, and makes you feel concerned, happy, sad, angry, and almost every emotion at the same time, BRAVO to the Director, he did a wonderful job choosing the ending he did. Athough, I DID like this ending,it was still good, just not at good as the real ending But i think the Theater ending was much stronger, and i loved the Idea that HE actually remade humanity, made him much more legendary, and left me shocked and wondering for hours.

DEW72 on Mar 30, 2008

910

The movie ending is better than the alternate.

Glenn Brandel on Mar 30, 2008

911

the original ending was good, however the Alt ending did pay at least some homage too the book, however, the movie was really just a remake of Omega Man. I like both endings, altho i am glad to see they did make this one.

drew on Mar 30, 2008

912

The ending in theatres was just HUNK vs. HUNK (leaving aside the cliche'd "not needed sacrifice theme") It was made to please the masses into forking over the dough! That and to tingle some important people's "happy glands". The alternate ending made much more sense (as it was clearly intended).

Cristian on Mar 30, 2008

913

Wow. This would have been a much better ending. Count me in to tell WB that they seriously screwed up the movie. I really enjoyed it until the end, I was left with a feeling of, "uhhh, what?"

smoore on Mar 30, 2008

914

This is the ending i would have loved to see. No : " we got our shelter and in the middle is church" thingy

Josh on Mar 30, 2008

915

I'm in the minority here liking the theatrical ending better. The way I saw this movie was that the infected were evolving. After years, they got an alpha male and became smarter (hence the trap they set up to catch Neville). This alternate ending it just so inconsistent. Why would the vampires spend 2 hours of the movie trying to kill anything that wasn't infected and then let Neville, Anna, and Ethan, pretty much go free in the end? I understand that the alternate ending is more consistent with the book, but this is the movie and not the book.

Doug on Mar 30, 2008

916

The problem with the alternate ending is that it actually is straying from the book just as much as the theatrical ending did. In the novel the vampires that were closer to human weren't that way because they had evolved, the bacteria did evil, but they never did. The reason why they were more human is because they hadn't died yet; they only became beasts after dying. That being said the living vampires in the book were much more human (because they were) than the ones in the movie, and they still wanted Neville dead. In the novel the vampires took Neville to be executed. The vampires were bloodthirsty for him. Not because they were monsters, but because they thought Neville was a monster. To make the vampires soft compassionate innocent creatures at the end of the film is stupid! The alternate ending presented the monsters as more enlightened than Neville was. It is true that he was blinded by his obsession with finding a cure and his isolation, but the infected had been hunted down for years by Neville, and this was the last straw. Why would these characters, who were known for going out and killing other uninfected humans let the man the had vengeance for live? The best ending would be a synergism between the two. There is no reason why Neville shouldn't have still given the antidote to Anna. Neville gets the antidote from the infected girls blood and gives it to Anna, telling her and Ethan to hide until dawn. Neville then opens the door knowing the leader wants his woman back. The infected leader takes his woman and clings to her. Neville sees the pictures of his specimens/victims on the wall and realizes that they are all still human. Then the leader commands the rest of them to attack their monster. They grab Neville dragging him out and tear him apart. Anna and Ethan hear the terrifying scenes outside and then silence. Ethan goes to open the door, but Anna stops him when she hears someone outside. One of the infected is inspecting the door, but one calls him back. Deciding that he is satisfied with their revenge, he lives them. The next morning Anna and Ethan seek refuge in Vermont and find the commune there just had she thought.

Nick on Mar 30, 2008

917

My husband and I loved this movie until the end, when we looked at each other like "HUH?" I defintely like the alternate version SO much more. However, Will Smith is an awesome actor no matter how you slice it.

Joan K on Mar 30, 2008

918

The alternate ending was by far a better ending than the original because it closed the movie in a more heroic way and left the viewer more satisfied.

Bill on Mar 30, 2008

919

" Alex, Your taste for movies must reside somewhere in your asshole if you think this movie even deserves to be near a best of 2007 list. This was one of the worst movies of 2007 and resembled I-Robot so much that it probably could have been called I-notveryscarymonster. For you to see this movie at the theatres 3 times is a disgrace as it proves that your intellect is somewhere beteween that of a turd and a retarded spider monkey. Also now that you are actually trying to decifer why the most retarded scientist in movie history was killed really proves your stupidity. Scott on Mar 5, 2008 " Interresting Scott, what made you think that " I am Legend " doesn't deserve to be near a best of 2007 list? Is it because you don't want Movies like " Across the Universe ", which IMO was a horrible video that made no sense and didn't show a story to me? You don't have to go around calling people assholes. I doubt you can even define the word without using someone elses name. Please leave this one alone, and don't be a disgrace to this website, you're basically waisting everyone's time.

Wow on Mar 30, 2008

920

Look, i'm not saying this isn't a good ending, but i'm gonna give you what may be perceived as my pessimistic opinion of why everyone loves this ending so much. Specifically this-- Everyone enjoyed the movie, this is something that a predominant amount of commenters can agree on. But my reason for everyone loving this is my sentimental, because we've all grown up used to happy endings. No one can ever grow to except a saddening ending, and it's not because it costed them lass money, that's absolute bull; i'm sure it'd be a lower budget to have two actors/digitally animated abominations interact with each other rather than some behemothic monstrosity of an explosion that makes Will Smith a martyr in the movie. The blunt truth is, everyone just wants a happy ending where the protagonist lives and everyone's happy happy. They want some state of euphoria and some psychological comfort that'll help them with acceptance of the movie and leave with some remnant of optimism. My opinion is, I think people, rather they confess or not, where sorrowful about the ending and bitter. This isn't because of the repugnance and disconnection between the two characters, it's because we all want a happy ending. Truthfully I liked the first ending better, because the cold reality is, not every GOOD story can have a happy ending where everyone lives happily ever after. Leave the movie alone and stop protesting-- it's not even a decent cause, a resplendent masterpiece shouldn't be corrupted for someone's self-satisfaction, even if it is the majority of the crowd.

Awesome Mc Awesome on Mar 30, 2008

921

Awsome Mc Awsome, I know you are not correct in your assumption of why people don't like the ending. I expect the hero to die sometimes and it was predictable here. I want something unpredictable... the new ending is unpredictable. Also, I like the new ending because there is suddenly compassion for creatures hated and feared during the whole movie.. a new way of seeing things. That is so unique to find in a movie!

bestfriendthemom on Mar 30, 2008

922

Nick (915) is right, that is how it should have ended (except maybe finding the commune could have been left out/left uncertain). I did not read the book but saw the Vincent Price version of the movie. The move title implies a concept developed in the book but not carried out in the theatrical release. Rarely does a film work better when it deviates from a great written story. Hollywood, there is a reason you chose the story in the first place, take it as a whole or don't take it at all. Moviegoers aren't as dumb as you sometimes think they are.

Donnie The Lion on Mar 30, 2008

923

Totally profound! The theatrical ending was depressing, unfulfilling. It did make money, though, so we're kind of encouraging them!

Seth on Mar 30, 2008

924

All I can say is "Wow..." And not in a good way. Everyone kept telling me how terrible the ending to this movie was. And how much better the alternative ending was. For some reason I couldn't find the alternate ending on my DVD. I'm glad you put this up here so I could see it, but I thought this version was terribly lame. The theatrical version was much better.

Bill on Mar 30, 2008

925

I strongly believe that the ending shown in theatres is the "correct" ending for the movie. The movie was "based on" the book but it was NOT the book. The movie was created, I believe, as an allegory which contains a positive message "for those with ears to hear and eyes to see." I am a Rastafari. The way the move was presented conforms entirely to Rastafari principles and presents a spiritual truth in physical form. The virus in the movie is a physical manifestation. It is portrayed as an evil thing which infects all of humanity with a disease that renders them violent and no longer possessing the human characteristics of social consciousness. They are described as vampires and parasites which prey on those members of the human race who have not become infected. Rastafari teaches that on the spiritual realm, there exists a segment of the human race that has a spiritual malady that has resulted in violent and predatory tendencies and lack of concern for fellow human beings (the most virulent example would be the mind set that resulted in the Nazi holocost, but includes the the perpetrators of all wars, violent crimes, political and social oppression, and every day con-men of all sorts). There is, on the other hand, a segment of the human race that is not violent and does not prey upon others but instead lives according to principles of equality, love, and concern for others. It is significant that the main character is named Robert Neville and that he plays the music of Bob Marley, that the main character's child was named Marley, and that he explains to the female character just who Bob Marley was and what his message was. Bob Marley's name was Robert Nesta Marley. He was a conscious Rastafari who formed a Reggae musical group, called the Wailers, one member of which was named Neville Livingston (aka Bunny Wailer.) Bob Marley and the Wailers spread the Rastafari message to all corners of the world. The Rastafari objective is freedom and unification of all peoples. Minds cannot be changed by force but only by divine guidance leading one person at a time to achieve a higher consciousness. Bob Marley referred to persons who prey upon their fellow humans (oppression, slavery, social injustice) as "vampires." This movie can be viewed as an effort toward the Rastafari purpose. The main character's goal is to find the antidote for the virus so that he can save the people who are already infected, and to do that he uses his own blood, which he gives for the purpose of finding that cure. Toward the end of the movie, when he has the vial with the cure in his hand and he is being beseigec by the vampires, he shouts at them, "I can save you." But they cannot understand and do not seek to be saved because they are in the throes of their malady. They know only the violence and they care only to prey on their victims. The main character is a Christ-like person who seeks to redeem those who have become like vampires. Even though these people have killed his family, he does not hate them. He sacrifices himself to save them. This is also the Rastafari response: resistance to the evils of the world, combined with mercy and love, as Yahshua (Christ) Himself proclaimed from the cross: “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34 KJV). “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye?” (Matthew 5:43-46 KJV). Thus, the main character keeps the greatest commandment of Christ, which is also the greatest commandment of Rastafari: “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:10) The Rastafari motto: “One Love - One World - One Destiny” summarizes all the above when the famale character carries the vial of blood, which contains the antibodies for the cure, to the safe haven. As Saint Paul stated in his sermon to the Romans, "If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches." The vial will be used to make more of the antibodies which will cure the 'vamires' from the malady that had caused them to become violent and predatory toward their fellow human beings. Through the fulfillment by the main character of Yahshua’s (Christ’s) greatest commandment to love everyone (One Love), the cure will bring about the harmony that will unite all the peoples (One World), which will achieve the One Destiny: a united humanity living in harmony with no predators and no prey among them. Just as the main character's main purpose was not to obliterate the people who were suffering from the malady, so also physical revolution is not the intent of the Rastafari way. The reason for that is because physical revolution is destructive and, therefore, since violence and wars are part of the ways of the predominant oppressive powers throughout history, such actions are to be avoided. Not only are followers of Rastafari to do no harm to others but it is also part of the commandment of Yahshua (Christ) that InI (we) should do all in our power to lift up those who are downtrodden. Rastafari holds that Jah (God) has told us what to do and that He has given each person the free will to do it – the greatest commandment is to love. Violence toward others is not love. War is not love. Social injustice is not love. Anything that harms any human being (physically, emotionally, or spiritually) is not love and should be resisted. “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour.” However, Bob Marley did acknowledge that a revolution of some sort is called for: “I mean maybe it’s the beginning. You know, me live within the time, and me know what a gwaan. Because it’s the consciousness against the folly; that’s the Armageddon." In this quotation, Marley stated that he (and by extension all Rastafari) are not ignorant about the decadent state of the world: “me know what a gwan” (I know what’s going on). He suggested that a revolution in thought and spirit is beginning, and that this revolution is one of “the consciousness against the folly.” The “consciousness” he sites refers to the positive consciousness of the followers of the Rastafari faith, which has set itself as the spiritual opponent of “the folly.” In Rastafari terminology and the Jamic language (Jamaican patois), “folly” refers to foolishness and includes any actions that are not based on sound judgment. Thus, the decadent affairs of the present day world are viewed as being based on unsound principles (which bring harm to others) and such principles must be resisted and opposed. Marley defines this spiritual warfare as the “Armageddon,” which also calls to mind the Armageddon of Revelation, the prophesy of the final spiritual battle in which good will triumph over evil. Rastafari teaches self control in regard to each Rasta’s participation in the predominant system in which some people behave like "vampires" and promote or condone materialistic consumption, neocolonialism and labor practices that exploit the Earth and its peoples, and aggressive competition in economic and political arenas. Increasing numbers of people in all nations are gaining an awareness that with consciousness of the interconnectedness of, and respect for, all peoples and all living things, we (InI – each and every “I” – each individual) can make a difference in the lives of others, and ultimately in our own lives and the lives of our children and the children in generations to come. That is the purpose of Rastafari. The movie, with its current ending, conveys that message "for all who have ears to hear and eyes to see." Seen?

Dorothy Allen on Mar 31, 2008

926

I really have to go with the theatrical ending. I really like movies that show "the bad guys" as not always as bad as we thought but it isn't right in this movie. Let's just leave it that the Vampires are pure rage filled monsters and even if the alpha male wanted to save her, he would have immediately killed Neville after she was safe. I did like seeing the other ending though, it's good to see an alternative that truly is different.

Adam on Mar 31, 2008

927

That was terrible You don't want a creature/monster showing human feelings in any way The theatre one was perfect except for the part with the girl and kid. They all should have died with the grenade and it should have left it like that This ending was painful and frankly tried to make a disturbing concept come out nice in the end I don't want nice ! I want reality!

Axl Rose on Mar 31, 2008

928

I preferred the alternate ending much more than that of the theatrical version. In the movie, Dr. Neville comments on his belief that these creatures have no humanity left, that they are just mindless monsters. Then in the alternate ending, he realizes that there was some humanity left which was what he was trying to preserve in the first place. The realization really hits home when he looks up at his photos of all the test subjects and realizes he killed all these "people" to find the cure. The theatrical version didn't wrap up some questions I had while watching the movie where the alternate ending did. And, honestly, the little wall around the town in the theatrical version? These creatures can scale a 30-foot vertical building but not a non-vertical wall? Come on.

John on Mar 31, 2008

929

To say that this ending is superioir to the one shown in cinema's is an understatement of Monty Pythian proportions. I am so glad to have stumbled over this site. For me it upgrades the film considerably. It renders the story much more powerful, the storyline much more interesting and, not unimportantly, much closer to the original idea of the book (where dr. Neville turns into the (freightening) legend to the vampire-likes.

Lizzy on Mar 31, 2008

930

Well, I'll take your word that this alternate ending was more accuate to the book, because I for one have never read it. Without having any previous knowledge of the book and just taking the movie as it was, I personally thought the origional ending that was shown in theatres was much better. From the film as I saw it the first time, I thought it was pretty clear that this main vampire leader (I don't like calling them "vampires", because they are technically still people) cared about the person Nevel kidnapped (for good purposes obviously) and wanted to get her back. For me, the idea that there was still hope for a human race uninhibited by desiese was much more moving than the idea that the human race has changed, and will never be the same again. I would prefer us as we are now... I also thought that the butterfly in the glass in the origional ending, with it's mystifying coincidence, presumably brought as a sign from God, was a spiritual conection that was very inspiring to me. In fact, needless to say, I was pondering the whole butterfly thing, when I go into church the sunday after I saw the movie and there was a large canvas full of butterflys behind the alter. Sure the origional ending isn't at all like the book, but it was surely the better choice in my opinion.

Mike on Mar 31, 2008

931

I never read the book... When I watched the movie in theaters, I thought the ending was crazy. I mean, they spend this time building up that at least 1 vampire is smart enough to set a trap for him and knew what a good bit of bait would be. The ending was horrible. Now that I've seen this.... OMFG... It was wonderful and MUCH better. I really can't believe how much better it makes the whole movie and doesn't cause it to be disjointed of "Hey, these creatures are actually smart. Perhaps there is hope for them" to "Nope. Mindless animals. Move along."

Phillip Vector on Mar 31, 2008

932

I'm not an expert in film making, but I know a great movie when I see one. I Am Legend was an amazing movie, right up until the end of the movie. I agree with earlier comments about how the good guy doesn't always live to fight another day, but come on. Dr. Neville's character was the basis of the entire movie, and to just kill him off so abruptly was very disappointing. In my opinion, this ending should have been the one used in the original release.

Jason on Mar 31, 2008

933

This ending was infinitely better than the theatrical one, it finally addressed what the entire movie was about from when he captured the female "vampire." finally the characters got to see why they were being hunted so fiercely and the real intelligence behind some of the "vampires." Very satisfying. Though the driving across the bridge didn't quite make sense.

Montana on Mar 31, 2008

934

WOW... is right. Had I seen this ending, I would of thought the movie was great from start to finish. The ending that is with the original movie did leave a bad taste in my mouth. This ending is beautiful. Thank you.

Sandy on Mar 31, 2008

935

Well this should have been the real ending...that's all i have to say.

Garrett on Mar 31, 2008

936

Wow!! I saw this movie before all my friends did i loved it but seeing what the real ending was going to be i think they should have kept this one!

James on Apr 1, 2008

937

WB really did choose the wrong (rubbish) ending. This one is absolutely the better ending for this great movie.

Mario on Apr 1, 2008

938

The ending showed in theater left me unhappy with the movie so I, too, was happy to see this ending. I had spotted earlier in the movie that the head messed-up guy had lost his mate (the second Robert said his new subject was female and remembering that the head messed-up guy had ventured into the sun to "yell" at Robert when he took her; see what happens at the loss of a mate? 🙂 so the ending in the theater didn't make sense. Yes - this alternate (and the correct) ending, was much better. I think, however, that beyond them just driving at the end, it should have showed them arriving at the Vermont Survivor's Camp together (keep in kind, I haven't read the book). And also, back to the ending showed in the theaters, how could Ana have known everything that Robert went through to get the actual cure to the world (his wife and child's death, his being tricked into being trapped - all part of the guy trying to get his mate back, by the by, Samantha's death, etc?) to even tell the story if Robert had actually died? Food for thought... And I guess the cure would have to be made airborn to get everything back to normal, huh? More food for thought...

Zerrin on Apr 1, 2008

939

Haven't read many of the comments before this one, so forgive me if I'm missing anything important, but here's another vote for this ending instead of the one that played in cinemas. I hated the ending I saw first, and that's nothing to do with any sentimentality - I have no problems with the "hero" dying at the end of the film, but quite frankly the ending I saw just didn't work. Although it's not perfect, this resolves things much more neatly - the other ending raised more problems than it solved.

Jsamlarose on Apr 1, 2008

940

hayop! astig!

eisser on Apr 1, 2008

941

The theatrical ending was a more appropriate choice within the context of the movie. The "monsters" were portrayed simply as monsters (generally speaking) throughout the entire movie so that ending works. That being said, I did not like the theatrical ending. It felt like kind of a let down. It was boring and not at all provocative. It felt kind of like, "Ehhhhh," when I saw it. It's just more appropriate given the construct of the film. The alternate ending was completely unsupportable; it is a complete shift which contradicts the rest of the movie. Plus the CGI was completely unbelievable and impossible to connect with emotionally. It just doesn't work. They'd have to revamp the entire movie to make the alternate ending work. AND they'd have had to revamp the entire movie to go along with the themes in the book.

DyShez on Apr 1, 2008

942

I have to disagree with making the movie over to match the better ending (the one shown here). If everyone remembers when he captured the woman, her mate came out after him. They did show one tiny little bit of humanity left. I think this ending is much better.

Sandy on Apr 1, 2008

943

Commenting solely on the alternate ending I would have to say that would pull an otherwise ho-hum Movie out of the gutter and give it a helluva lot more credibility. Tense and scary, I would have been much happier to see that roll and can't believe WB went with the other. As to the Movie in general, it did the book a disservice and butchered it, I was pretty furious when watched a significant science-fiction book being torn apart.

nemof on Apr 1, 2008

944

That was an amazing ending, why did they done it the otherway? They realy make stupid mistakes WB, and yes I was realy enyoing the movie until the end. That didn`t feel right. And I still liked it, but now it is just better. Im disapointed because they choose the lame ending. But maybe next time... I hope they have learnd there lesson. Sorry for my english. By By from Slovenia

Ante on Apr 1, 2008

945

You are right, I was not a fan of the last 10 minutes or so. But after seeing the true, and real ending, I feel like it was saved the whole movie for me. I also hate when movie studios get in the way, and I think they should just let the Director do his thing, Let his vision show on the big Screen Not there's. I mean! That is why you Hire Directors is it not.....Will Smith ROCKS........................

Luis II on Apr 1, 2008

946

I would much rather him not dying, so therefore you would think that i like the alternate ending better. In fact, i don't. I think although he unendingly sacrifices his life, the original ending makes it a better film and it creates a bigger emotional impact. We as the viewers enjoy the movie, however we all wish that there was an alternative to him dying. think he should of got into the bunker with the woman and the child, then chukd the grenade. this way, the evil monsters die, however will smith still survives whooo! Will Smith is an amazing actor.

Ash on Apr 1, 2008

947

that i think cold toch to people and ya it did seme like that he was a seral killer sort of becas he ysed difernt vacs sens but it dos show that thay still think and have fealing

lewew on Apr 1, 2008

948

i do like the ending showed here, but the thing that made the movie better is that will smiths character was so fixated on finding a cure that he would not put up with resting for one day and eventually giving his life for that dream, just like his idol bob marley. hollywood endings are not always the best way to end a movie

Aaron Wheeler on Apr 1, 2008

949

As I saw the ending in the theater, I was deeply confused, as it didn't seem to mesh with the nature of the rest of the film. Now I finally know what the legend really is, and now the dichotomy is gone. Nevil seemed to act out of character in the last few minutes of the film, and it nearly ruined the film. The legend in the theaters implied that he was at least infamous, and at the end he was certainly famous, but this ending truly brings out the profound human population inversion - and that the story carries on. Thanks for making this one of my favorite films, and I look forward to watching it on DVD with friends who have not been biased 🙂

Andrew on Apr 1, 2008

950

he didnt go out of character at all throught the movie he didnt care what happened to himself as long as he finds a cure before he died, which he did, the legend is the man, not what he did, just the fact that he devoted his whole life to finding a cure im not here to argue just to make sure people get my side of the story

Aaron Wheeler on Apr 1, 2008

951

The alternate ending is the best ending for this particular movie without question. Reason being, Neville actually learned (and I can't emphasize the word learned enough) something. Rather than reinforcing the typical "if you love something enough you MUST die for it" ideology of the theatrical ending. This Book/movie draws heavily from Dunne's Meditation 17 in which he wrote "No man is an Island" meaning that we are ALL interconnected to humankind. Neville even goes so far as to reject his own family and other offers from Alice to leave the Island (Manhattan) and "join the flock". Why? The main character must learn something about himself. Even though everyone he loved died, he was still not alone. When he did feel most alone in the alien world (realizing that the mannequin in the video store was the only "person" in the world left to get to know), he tried to kill himself. Alice represents hope. She bridged the gap between him and humanity, even though he yells at her and another actual HUMAN being that there is no one left on Earth, she stands firm and tells him that she believes (that god told her) there are other survivors. The final words of the alternate ending are "you are not alone." The butterfly represents a change in HUMANkind which his daughter (aka Marley) was repeatedly trying to tell him look daddy a butterfly i.e. we are changing as humans whether you like it or not, and we're all in this together. "Don't worry about a thing....." If you use the theatrical ending, he's just another martyr who dies without learning Marley's lesson "One love....Let's get together and feel alright..." If you use the alternate ending, he learns what John Dunne, Bob Marley, and the author of I am Legend are trying to teach you and me: No Man Is An Island.

rick on Apr 1, 2008

952

I think the ALT ending was soooo much better, don't get me wrong... the original ending was good but I would have much preferred the alternate ending.

Crystal on Apr 1, 2008

953

BTW, Neville is the "Legend" in this movie for the same reason Marley's CD is called Legend....Neville broadcasts Hope everyday on all AM frequencies promising food, shelter, etc. People heard Neville's message of hope and responded to it. If she doesn't show up (with excellent timing I might add), he dies -plain and simple. He can't survive alone in the world. And he then can no longer deliver what his message offers. Just like people hear Marley's message today of hope for a better world, and respond to it, and even make movies today based on that message! I haven't read the book but I'm pretty sure it doesn't include reggae music and huge, overt references to Bob Marley. Cinema allows the artist to add other features, embellishments, enhancements, where words sometimes fall short. I don't want a movie to be like a book. I want a movie to be like a movie with rich music and images that show, not tell, basic human emotions. Like the connection between Sam and Neville, or a little girl who makes butterfly signs with her hands the way we used to when we were kids. I think books are great, but they do fall short in certain areas and movies help enhance those areas where they do fall short.

rick on Apr 2, 2008

954

I liked both endings, but can see why the theatrical was chosen... The younger generations would not understand the alternate, and would prefer Hollywood style endings... Great movie though...

rory on Apr 2, 2008

955

I liked this ending better. It gives the story a really nice conclusion a provides the possibility that New York could be saved without so much sacrifice.

Cryora on Apr 2, 2008

956

First off, whoever the jackass is that coded this website doesn't know how to code very well since the place where you put your email address doesn't vanish when you put your email address. This makes it look like the words "email address required" and your email address, super impose over top one another, like a double exposure. In any event, the reason for my posting is this. I never read the book, though I wish I did. Both endings are fair, and I totally agree that the girl who saves him is lame and not needed. Let's not forget that she must be psychic to figure out where he lived to drive him unconscious back home. And why is everyone calling the mutant humans "vampires"? Because they eat human flesh and burn in sunlight? Listen here nimrods, eating human flesh means canabalism not vampirism. And burning in the sunlight? Look it up, there is a condition that literally does the same thing to people that affects very few people throughout history. We're talking one in a million or more. If I tell you the name of the condition, you won't remember and won't look it up, thereby not learn anything. As for the moral of the movie, simply take it as it is. He was a legend because he gave and spent his life finding the cure to the disease. Don't look for any more meaning than that. Get a life.

meiliken on Apr 2, 2008

957

I have to say, had this ending been shown instead of that god-awful stupid one that made it into theaters...Well I would have told people to go see the movie instead of telling everyone how much it sucked and to avoid it at all costs. The movie was really cool until the theatrical ending...its funny, cause normally the alternate ending is stupid and they replace it with a better one. I am Legend not only reversed that, they emphasized it. Theater-worst ending ever, Alternate-wow that is really cool...I'm pissed.

Paul M on Apr 2, 2008

958

I liked the movie a lot, this ending is so much more satisfying. I'm not against a hero's death by any stretch, it just didn't jive with me the way it played out.

Random Dude on Apr 2, 2008

959

omg this ending just made my life soo much better when i was watching this movie with my friends it was so exciting and breathtaking with all the undead dudes and all but the last ten minutes of the movie totalyy changed my liking of the movie untill i saw this ending although, i think that the movie should have shown everyone actually dieing and turning into the undead, that would have been pretty cool

adrian i on Apr 2, 2008

960

I loved the alternate ending a hell of alot better than the theater version. (But I was wondering why they were called vampires? I thought they were some kind of zombies. Oh well.) I absolutely loved Will Smith and all the movies he was in. This one especially moved me. He was brilliant in it. This is one movie I will purchase and watch over and over again. And I don't care who calls me a "retard or moron!"

Patti on Apr 2, 2008

961

I thought both endings were fantastic! I did think though that this orignal one was much better. Either way i think Will Smith did a amazing job at acting for this movie.

Lizzy Bates on Apr 2, 2008

962

I thought it was... okay. It ends with the typical happy family driving into the distance, which is a total drag. Plus, how could Neville be seen as a murderer? To the creatures, obviously, but they are an infection. That's all, just a disease that needs to be purged. Giving them human traits totally defeats the entire storyline for me. BTW, I haven't read the book, though I plan to, so my opinions are subject to change.

Ricky on Apr 2, 2008

963

vampires? they can't stand the light, they are attracted to blood, sharp teeth? also in terms of movie history, in the earlier films based on the novel e.g. omega man) there are stronger connections to traditional vampire lore. but also, some of those ealier versions actually influence george romero and others so you mgiht eb putting the cart before the horse a bit.

abdul-halim on Apr 2, 2008

964

Thanks for sharing the alternate ending. The original ending was very clean with all loose ends tied up through the finale. The Alternate ending makes me want to watch it again. Did they show the butterfly tatoo in the movie previously? Overall the alternate ending is the one I prefer - its a bit deeper.

Robert Kim on Apr 2, 2008

965

I like the alternative version. IT definitely has its merits. But something which came to me as I watched it... in one of the flashbacks we saw the military fire missles at the bridge to isolate the island. so how could they take the bridge out the city?

abdul-halim on Apr 2, 2008

966

Also, just to put it out there... some of the different aspects of the post-infection world are fleshed out in the animated shorts on the DVD. One of them in particular does play around a bit with the issue of how are the "normals" and who are the "monsters".

abdul-halim on Apr 2, 2008

967

I so much loved this one over the other ending! and this one was just so much more. The other one was just lacking in something, but this one tied it up nicly and you could do a secound movie so easley off of this one if you wanted to.

Joelle on Apr 2, 2008

968

yes, I agree as well, much better ending. Warner Bros, why mess with it in the first place? Have some faith in your audience and they'll return the favour.

AJB on Apr 3, 2008

969

Holy shit that ending was better.

Bob Freeman on Apr 3, 2008

970

DAMN thats what i wanted to see in the theaters that other shit sucked i was so pissed off im glad i saw the better ending i mean the house fight was cool but when he commit suicide that was gay.

Anonamys on Apr 3, 2008

971

Being a film critic myself I fully support your opinion and feel that the alternate ending would have made the movie substantially better.

Joshua Barnhart on Apr 3, 2008

972

This alternative ending was far superior to the theatre version. When I first watched the movie, I was left feeling empty because it left so much out, in particular the built up suspense that the vampires DO have a social structure, something Robert Neville is convinced they do not have, as well as it gives closure to the connection the leader of the vampires has with the female caught.

Andrew on Apr 3, 2008

973

It's actually funny, a lot of the complaints I'm reading here are the same ones I have about the Harry Potter movies (3 and 4 mainly). As someone who didn't read the book, and still hasn't, I personally love the theatrical ending. It really hit home for me, yes, I did get that he was sacrificing himself, and it almost made me cry. I did get the feeling that the girl that Neville took was important to the main zombie guy, even more so than the other zombies, but there were other underlying concepts there, too. Like the fact that the zombies were learning. I thought the way they did that was really cool, because before that you just think that these are mindless beings. The other thing that I got was that the main zombie guy was really vindictive. Yeah, the reason he got mad in the first place was that Neville had taken someone he cared about, but he didn't just want that rectified, he wanted to make him pay. I thought that was also really amazing, because for me, it made him seem more human. He didn't just want it made right, he wanted revenge, which is how LOTS of people think and feel in situations like that (death penalty). The last thing is just that I loved that the zombies didn't get to kill him. He went out fighting, and blew himself up (along with the zombies). I thought that was the best thing ever. I do understand, though, how it feels to love a story, and then have someone mutilate it.

Jakie on Apr 3, 2008

974

Meiliken - They were "supposed to be" vampires because in the book all they want is flesh, they are scared off by garlic, can't stand their image in mirros, can't be out in sun light and to some, squeamish when they see a cross. However if you read the book those are mere coincidences. As for the get a life comment. . . I will look for more meaning then that. He's a legend to the infected people as they are the new society of the earth. And he hunts them when they are out during the day. So before you pipe in calling everyone names, I suggest doing a little searching around to the actual meaning behind things before you attack people on it. Rick - Interesting response about the coincidence between robert's character and bob marley. However I can assure you that this one a work of the new movie writters and had nothing to do with the book. He never broad casted on the radio in the book. However this isn't the book, but the movie and it is a nice treat to have new insights into an old story to change things up a bit and I agree with you as to not limiting to just the book's guidelines. Dorothy Allen - Good point to think of the story in that way. However it may come across as a connection but it's mere coincidence that robert neville may be a connection to bob's real name and band since the book was published in 1954. I love your view of the movie. That's very unique and true.

Carlos A. Valle on Apr 3, 2008

975

Correction They were "supposed to be" vampires because in the book all they want is BLOOD (not flesh)

Carlos A. Valle on Apr 3, 2008

976

i hated that movie when the girl came into his life... he was about to find the cure but then she had to lead them to his house...

ards on Apr 3, 2008

977

Personally i like the original ending i think its more emotional, how just runs into the lead vampire and kills him. hate all you want but i like the original ending better

1 shot 1 kill on Apr 3, 2008

978

I loved this ending way better. I loved in the end where he glanced at the pictures of all his kills. Earlier in the movie he said that the every thing that made the vampires human was absent but he was wrong because you can clearly see that The lead vampire and his mates "love" for each other. the movie was still good regardless.

josiah's girl on Apr 3, 2008

979

Woa. This make so much more sense than the cinema released ending. I remember watching the movie and thinking that this was great bit of sci-fi except for the sucky ending which felt very contrived, and abrupt. Here's to a re-release with this ending or atleast a DVD with it on. Soooo much better conceptually, emotionally, cinematically. How studios f**k things up like this still beggers belief.

Cam Macduff on Apr 3, 2008

980

I was told by the clerk at blockbuster to purchase and not rent this so I would be able to watch both endings.After the film ended ,I waited for the credits to roll and was expecting the alt. end.I searched through the menu and did not see anything about the ending scenes or bonus footage,and was very annoyed.Luckily I found this page and watched the alternate and I must say,I found it more uplifting! to say the least.Not a very happy film overall,I think I'll watch blades of glory to change the mood! (it's after midnight,wife/kids asleep) feeling kinda creeped out!!!! Overall not as good a movie as I was told by everyone I.M.O. !!!! I mean,did they have to kill Sam too????? She could have survived and bread up in VT. !!!!!

Mike Sarubbe on Apr 3, 2008

981

I also strongly prefer this ending, and might have chosen to see it multiple times in the theater had it not been for their ending choice. In the box office version Neville makes less and less sense towards the end of the movie, which I perceive as somewhat contradictory to his actual film-character. The alternate ending does portray him as the great person again at the end that he is supposed to represent in the movie.

Joe Grass on Apr 3, 2008

982

I like this ending too. I love that for the first time, he see the humanity that is still left in them...that they are after him not as "food" but for an entirely personal reason.

sean yannell on Apr 3, 2008

983

the hollywood ending was much much better! roll with me for a minute please: Neville's blood was the cure right? So they eat Neville in there...the ones who ate him got cured. those in continue were eaten by the rest of the vampires coz they had become human. They second batch of cured vampires in turn get eaten by other vampires and so on...you get the point. This my friends, in the end leaves a couple if not a bunch of vampire-cured-humans as the last humans on earth! ( who can then set out to find the rest of the - if any - survivors) Which equals to Neville saving humanity and the humans can populate and live happy and free again! I don't know if this thought was posted earlier...couldn't go through all 981 replies...so apologies. I myself didn't like the alternative ending and I am thankful I didn't pay for seeing that in the Theaters!

GIANNIS on Apr 4, 2008

984

whoever wrote post 955 is an idiot if not a mindless cunt!

meiliken sucks ass!!! on Apr 4, 2008

985

I think WB was caught in a dillema They could: A. End the movie like this, but not have him die OR B. Kill him off, but not make sence to those who didnt read the book. Either way they were screwed, as the way they made the movie they didnt leave much room for explanation. And for those of you that think that this ending makes more sense, to a degree it does. But what this ending doesnt tell you is HOW ARE THE BRIDGES THERE. AT least in the other ending, there was the possibility of the woman and the kid going on a ferry or something..

Shadow-Mandalore on Apr 4, 2008

986

I've been a fan of the book for around 6 years now, and it has been in my top 5 favorite books ever for as long, ironically sitting there with the book Jumper(which is MUCH better than the movie), and another book called Fade. All three books play on a similar theme at their core, which is to place a normal person in an extraordinary situation, whether it be by external or internal impetus. For I am Legend Mattheson accomplished this by having humanity transformed by an airborne blood disease, leaving the one person in the world with immunity as the last "human" on the planet. In "Jumper" and "Fade" the authors accomplish this by giving one person an extraordinary ability in an otherwise normal world (no paladins in the book folks, just regular old government agents trying to deal with something they can hardly comprehend). They are really stories about the people IN the situations, not the situations themselves. In that respect I enjoyed the first part of the movie for bringing this concept forward in the form of Solitude and Loneliness. I had some hopes for this film when watching it, in three places specifically. The scene where the "leader" thrusts himself into the light in response to Neville capturing his partner and the scene where he uses infected dogs in an attack against Neville both gave me hope that they would eventually introduce a certain level of intelligence to the vampires, if not to all of them, then to some of the vampire population, perhaps that we are being shown Neville discovering the more intelligent set of vampires that he has managed to miss/overlook until this point. The other was when they introduced the woman and child, I hoped that they were actually following the book's storyline and introducing intelligent vampires masquerading as human survivors. Alas that was not to be. While I definitely like this ending better than the theatrical release, I still think it would not have been THAT difficult, even after the introduction of the woman and child, to continue to follow the book's storyline. Still, I highly recommend the movie . . . up until they introduce the woman.

Jaq on Apr 5, 2008

987

Five words to WB about the ending they chose: So much for a sequel.

Matt R. on Apr 5, 2008

988

wrong that was a horrible ending and made no sense with the rest of the movie and the charachters of the creatures, and ur nerdish attempt to stay true to the book would have to a horrible flop of an ending and no connection the story from begining to end

cabezon on Apr 5, 2008

989

i mean really come on he makes the grl a zombie again and all of the sudden they are calm and dont go by instinct and eat him, wat happened to his want to cure them dumb ending u guys are wrong to say it matches the movie cuz it definately changes the whole character dynamic

cabezon on Apr 5, 2008

990

Both endings to me are disappointing! Do the "vampires" go back to normality? No one knows for sure, but seeing both endings makes me feel like they really did not know how to end the film! I feel that the theatrical ending was more promising and moving than the one posted above! What really drowns my nerves though is that the movie proceeds that he is indeed the legend! How though is that possible when the whole structure of being the legend is based on him being the last man on Earth! The whole situation just disturbs me, because we the audience find out that he really is not alone! Which means he is not legend! Yet in the theatrical ending his voice is played out saying that he is! Almost saying that he is legend by being the one that found the "cure"! So they didn't fit the movie fully together, the way it was intended to be! Don't get me wrong! This movie is by far one of the greatest movies I have ever seen! I just feel that they could have made it better in terms of how it is played out! I would have done it by creating both endings together! Putting no one else in the picture! Than as he tries to commit suicide the last thing he sees is the lead vampires face popping down through the window followed by his hands reaching for him! He than wakes up in his lab finding the woman he has been working on coming out of transition from "vampire" to human! To his surprise the lead vampire is waiting intensively for Robert to get the "cure"! He than populate the cure through the air to surround the earth so that all of the vampires do indeed get cured! Than when Robert thinks everything is going to be "good" the cure reacts strangely with the bacteria in the atmosphere causing all of the victims to permanently die! Except for him because the first so called cure for cancer never effected him in the first place! Now he takes his gun, and right before he commits his suicide he closes his eyes and his voice plays out in the background saying who he is! Than at the end of his message he say and I am legend! (In which he really is) And as the screen goes black to go to the ending credits the last sound of the film is a gun shot! That way the perspective of what the movie is truly about is given to the eyes of the audience! Also giving the movie more of a twist as well as the end of the world concept!

Cav3man on Apr 5, 2008

991

So, I have to admit that 'I am Legend' was not the best of movies. In fact, when I saw it on screen I didn't particularly care for it at all. To me it seemed a bit too fast paced, and unless you've read the book, the movie has to many unexplained holes. After seeing it, the only reason I would be willing to watch it again is to see Will Smith's acting...since I have to admit...that was good. Although I do like the idea of the romantic, slightly disturbing vampire/zombie reuniting love scene, without the theatrical ending the movie loses it's purpose. In the book he found the cure, and he died. So I say that the one they used was the right one. To me, it made him seem...more noble. Not to mention after watching the animated comics, I can see the whole 'love' scene happen...it cuts away from the fact that the creatures are supposed to be scary and running off of basic instinct! If they were there should have been no way that the one leader could have organized them and made them do all that stuff, because they would have reverted to primary survival instincts. (etc..etc.) Anyway, I still prefer the regular ending. The other kinda has that, 'god has a plan moment' which is neat when the 'look daddy it's a butterfly' moment ties in, but it loses it dramatic appeal with out Roberts death and the cure.

Tak on Apr 5, 2008

992

and oh...some people do have a point...how are they driving in the end?! the bridges were gone.

Tak on Apr 5, 2008

993

Richard Matheson's 1954 "I Am Legend" is my favorite of all books. I have a black hard bound and silver edged copy of this greatest survival horror legend ever written. It is the prize of my library. It has been adapted to a feature-length film three times… The Last Man on Earth 1964 Vincent Price The Omega Man 1971 Charlton Heston I Am Legend 2007 Will Smith All these attempts have has sadly deviated from a literary legend. Even though the screenplay for The Last Man on Earth 1964 starring Vincent Price was written by Matheson, the studio behind the film deemed that the audience would not grasp the story. The re-writes twisted the screenplay into the vanilla and unimaginative quality of horror commonly screened in the sixties. The changes were so bad and differed so much that Matheson did not wish to have his name on the film and credited under a pseudonym. This latest incarnation is entertaining but disappointing. It felt as though there was rush to complete production and that film makers did not comprehend the story. The vampires in 30 Days of Night were not the best quality but were hundred times more impressive and present, lurking in the shadows, a threat about to pounce. Here in “I am legend” 2007, vampires should own the night and Neville should have been revealed as the monster in the light. But it didn’t happen. Partly a good movie but is also another disappointing perversion of a great story. Will Smith is what kept this movie cohesive and I think without him, the movie would have been buried. It would have been awesome to have the alternate ending. That would have at least attempted to give truth to “3rd time is the charm”.

Steven Dalton on Apr 5, 2008

994

That ending made me sick

Movie Man on Apr 5, 2008

995

Just watched the DVD and was a but let down with the ending. I mean they set up this whole situation where Neville talks about how they are devoid of humanity, and it's clear that he's taken the leader's girl. All he wants is his companion back and he even uses Roberts trap against him. I just felt like they set up all his stuff in the movie and then the theatrical ending used none of that. So I was curious about the Original Ending and loved it. It's such a better ending to the movie, and wraps up all those plot lines. Thanks for posting it.

The CineManiac on Apr 6, 2008

996

I liked how this ending tied up that the infected leader was wanting his girlfriend back, but weren't the infected starving for food? there is no way they would have left him or the girl and the kid alive. and that cheesy drive over a destroyed bridge with the kid in the back, and everyone ginning inanely? Please! This movie died when they introduced the girl and the kid. Will Smith was great through.

pher on Apr 6, 2008

997

Some people are still kind of missing a couple of BIG things....Ask yourself if you think Bob Marley is a Legend. Then ask yourself why. Bob Marley did not kill himself or anyone else to attain legendary status. What he did was leave a strong message of love and hope for others. It's more than just COINCIDENCE that that Will Smith's character is named Robert "Bob" Neville and Marley's real name is Robert "Bob" Nesta Marley. Will Smith holds the CD and shows the woman (and by extension the audience) the title LEGEND and the movie is named "I AM LEGEND". For those of you so hell bent and whining about the differences between the book and the movie, I think the studio is trying to tell you all "Hey, this is a movie about the life and growth and understanding of interconnectedness to humankind of ONE MAN: Robert "Bob" Neville. BTW, there are, I think, FOUR Bob Marley songs in this movie. Is that a coincidence? With the exception of his singing I shot the Sheriff, the other 3 are OVERT references to HOPE. Listen...3 little birds on my lawn/singing sweet songs of melody pure and sweet/singing THIS IS MY MESSAGE TO YOU/ don't worry about a thing/ 'cause every little thing IS GONNA BE ALL RIGHT. Also, Redemption Song and Stir It Up which have so many relevant lyrics you'll just have to look them up. Think Redeem. As in he redeems himself by stopping all the killing of those innocent people. Thought...was Neville ever really their prey? If he's one of the only guys in Manhattan, how many people could THEY have possibly eaten in THREE YEARS? They couldn't have eaten everyone; they Are the everyone. The woman (and CHILD) are VERY important to THIS movie. Again, I don't care about the book. She is unquestionably a woman of faith, meaning that she not only believes in god but also takes BOLD acts of faith. She "bridges the gap" (look at the word BRIDGES) between Neville and the rest of the world. She didn't KNOW for sure if Neville would really be there but she sought him out anyway. Also, she doesn't KNOW there is anyone in VT but she is going to go anyway: on pure faith. Note: the climax of the alternate ending is a COMPLETE act of faith by Neville. His faith in humanity. It is a total risk. That's what really put me on the end of my seat! My god, I thought the man was toast! She shows him that he is not alone (i.e. no man is an island). The child is completely symbolic. I don't even think the kid has ONE line the entire movie! So why is he there? "Son of the coach" type thing? I don't think so. Children symbolize hope and the future. As in "I believe the children are our future..." In this particular MOVIE, the kid represents a future for Neville with hope that he will embrace the living and accept that he is not alone in this world. I can't explain the bridge thing. But in both endings someone DOES make it off the island. The woman and child were able to get on AND off Manhattan in both endings so it CAN be done, but for THREE long years Neville never even tries. In fact, he vehemently rejects the idea of leaving. Was Neville in the book ever able to change his situation like that? I'm guessing no, especially if he really was the last human in the world, which Will Smith clearly is not in the movie. I've only seen the movie once and don't remember what her idea was for them to get to VT and I don't remember what watercraft she used to get to Manhattan to meet him at Seaport pier.

Rick on Apr 6, 2008

998

I watched the movie last night, and needless to say I was quite angered by the ending. To me, it just didn't sum up the movie enough, and the whole time I found myself asking "Why didn't he just give them back the female and talk to them?" I wondered why the movie would feature a more human vampire creature, only to have it have no direct effect on the movie. I absolutely loved I Am Legend--that is, until the end. The Original Ending tied up all the loose ends and made the story a bit more believable. If only they would have kept it, I think the movie would have been a much bigger success and all around better liked by its viewers.

Angela on Apr 6, 2008

999

Funny - I forgot about the bridges - good point. Duh! Anyhow, would have been awesome for it to end a happy ending and the alternate ending still left that open, because you do not know for sure if they make it to Virginia and got the cure spread and how did Ana know how to defeate the messed-up humans single-handedly and also with a child in tow? Anyhow, I think that Will Smith is an awesome actor and I think that Samantha should not have died and everything should have been a Hollywood ending. However, Samantha's death really was "an eye for an eye", Robert Neville stole the lead messed-up-guy's companion so why not kill Robert Neville's? Anyhow, I need to read the book but overall, a lot could have been done to make that a better movie - it did leave me with an emty feeling. Apparently a lot of people did not agree with the theater ending and there is a lot of debate going on here. Does that normally happen with movies? 🙂

Zerrin on Apr 6, 2008

1000

I am a middle age female sci-fi fan and as such, I am actually not familialr with the book this was based on. However, i watched this movie last night and and while I enjoyed 99% of it, the ending seemed off. I started seacrhing the internet today to see to see if i could find more info....I discovered the alternate ending. The film makers really blew it! The alternate ending was so powerful. Too bad they did not leave well enough alone!

Lori on Apr 6, 2008

1001

The original ending would have satisfied me much better than the obligatory sacrifice of the main character. Until the very end, the movie had me convinced that one day he would find the cure. Blowing himself up at the end just didn't fit.

Lou Ann on Apr 6, 2008

1002

simple,awsome ending,in my opinion,i rather see alot of movies with alternate endings,it brings out more in the movie,the bad and good ending,love em

Kadeem on Apr 6, 2008

1003

Ok, I understand the need to simply things down to a level that "layman moviegoers" can understand, but heres my question. Why oh why, am i sitting here listening to all you so called "Non Layman" idiots call these freaking things Vampires. Are you all that ignorant and unimaginative that you feel the need to attach a well known fantasy creature to them instead of creating something new for them? In that damn case lets just call them Elves. The jackass that did comment #35 acuttaly complained that they where not as real as the Vampires in 30 days of night, that they just looked like really sick humans. Did you even watch the movie dumbass, they ARE really sick humans. Seriously, you are the kind of people that kill movies. I pray that none of you ever produce or direct your own films because it is going to gurantee me another century of the same crap im seeing now. Get a original idea, then feel free to comment on someone elses.

Jeff on Apr 6, 2008

1004

i like how it almost seems that the vampire don't want to cure in this ending they would rather live with what they have and like in the book form a society around it oh and jeff comment #1002 the reason people are referring to the creatures in I am legend as vampires is because in the book the author referred to them as vampires by saying they are... vampires so yeah do your research

strader on Apr 6, 2008

1005

Heh heh. I can't watch sh*t like this - it makes me too paranoid.

xtina on Apr 6, 2008

1006

WOW, I LIKED THIS ENDING ALOT . THE "THEATER" ENDING WAS GOOD, BUT THIS ENDING IS SO POWERFUL. i DEFINATELY WAS MOVED ALOT MORE BY THIS ONE. AND IT GAVE YOU AN INSIGHT TO THE FEELINGS OF THE VAMPIRE AND THEIR STRUGGLES REMINDING YOU THAT THEY TOO WERE HUMAN ONCE. THIS WAS AWESOME. I AM SO GLAD I EXPERIENCED THIS ENDING ALSO.

KIM on Apr 6, 2008

1007

I really liked this ending better and the ending from the book would have been better than this. When I saw the movie, I tried to point out to my dad who I generally consider an intellectual but haven't had read the book and he didn't take to the idea of there even being a relationship between the lead vampire and the girl. The movie without this ending is just another thriller but with it, it would become something more. Of course, my younger brother would probably hate it since they tried to actually throw in some advance concept among all the suspense and action but I think for the general audience, this ending would be better. I think I want to pick up the book now, it sounds much better.

Em on Apr 6, 2008

1008

great ending! hated the one they used. Reaked of the christian concept of human sacrifice.

jajajaja on Apr 6, 2008

1009

I do not think the original ending works for this movie. To all of a sudden realize at the very end of the movie that Dr. Neville, the hero, is a monster in the eyes of the vampires is too much to take in. While I understand this is why he is "a legend" in the book, this is not why he is "a legend" in this film. There needed to be more interaction between Neville and the vampires (and of course, no more humans appearing at the very end) to have this ending work. I really enjoyed the movie, theater ending and all, but I hope we will see a film that is closer to the book someday. Has anyone seen Last Man On Earth, the 1964 film with Vincent Price that is based on the same Matheson's novel? How close is this movie to the novel?

Colleen on Apr 6, 2008

1010

Good question Jeff! Why are you still here listening to us? You obviously don't get the point of a discussion on how others feel about the movie! And think twice before calling people idiots! If you know this world half as well as you should, some people take things more difficultly than others! Sometimes those situations end up with somebody seriously hurt or even dead! Oh, and don't give me the nobody knows who I am speech after this comment! What people like you don't realize is that whenever you leave a mark no matter what anytime after that scratch is broken you can always be traced! NO MATTER WHAT! Just be careful saying things to people! Especially people in which you do not know! There are people out there that aren't like me, that don't help you try to realize what you say could be taken offensively! Please be respectful!

Cav3man on Apr 6, 2008

1011

actually guys the alternate ending was supposed to be the original but someone leaked on the internet and they didnt want anybody to know the ending hence the not as good as the original ending

T on Apr 7, 2008

1012

This is the first time I have a done 2 things: Sought out an alternative ending to a film online and; 2. Written about an alternative ending in some forum that I'm not familiar with. But - all's well because yes, the alternative ending shown here is the one that should have been in theaters. My friends and I are avid movie-goers and I've seen alot in my life. We walked out of "I am Legend" awe-struck and loving it. BUT, we all immediately thought there should have been a different ending. We had our own opinions about how that should have gone but did agree that there should have been something else. Now that I've seen this one (NOT that ending that I and my friends fabricated), I am a bit relieved that another ending was shot. Whew, I'm certainly writing more than I thought I would on this subject. WELL done to the cast and crew of the alternative ending to "I am Legend". It's worth it.

Alternate I am Legend Ending forever on Apr 7, 2008

1013

best alternate ending since the butterfly effect

that guy on Apr 7, 2008

1014

I hadn't read the novel before so was unaware of any story changes. I think this "alternate" ending was much more powerful than the theater ending. I remember watching the final scene thinking the zombies were there for the zombie girl, not necessarily him, so I was hoping he'd shove her out the door or something. But the twist of HIM being the "serial killing monster" was great. I was going to buy the novel, but some jackass in the top five posts summarized the differences from the novel in one sentence. Thanks a lot jackass.

lege on Apr 7, 2008

1015

Haven't read all the comments but here's my selection: The alternate ending was much, much better! intense, climatic, emotional - the way Neville chose not to make eye contact and apologize was fantastic...I was much more moved by this ending. The original left a bitter taste in my mouth - like it was missing something?

Joejacobi on Apr 7, 2008

1016

They didn't look like vampires. Anyone who hasn't read the book (95% of us) wouldn't know that they're refered to as vampires in the text. They looked like Imhotep from Brendan Fraser's "The Mummy". And the movie refers to their disease as a form of rabies. I only saw the movie once, but this alternate ending still doesn't make Neville legendary... what would have done that is him inventing a cure that spreads like a virus and making them all well.

mclarko on Apr 7, 2008

1017

Shit dude what a gay ending.

Braden on Apr 7, 2008

1018

This is the ending that i truly saw in my mind. This is absolutly grate, and almost made me cry. It is extreemly moving. It gave the movie a sense, that there truly is hope for the "Vampires" they arent completly lost. Now that ive seen this ending i am almost compeled to go and buy it, while before i was extreemly upset that they had shown the ending that they did. I hope that this site does do good and will show that a happy ending in a movie is always the best way to go! I was talking to my dad and we both decided that they chose the one they did because it kept us thinking on what truly happened, but thank you for showing us the true ending to an amazing movie! And to all those who like to put vulger language and mean comments in these post are rude. Even if you dont like this movie by all means there is no need to call names and be mean. God Bless All! and ty again for showing the light to an amazing movie

Viken Wellman Jr on Apr 7, 2008

1019

Much better ending.

RMS on Apr 7, 2008

1020

A far superior ending. There was foreshadowing throughout the movie that this was coming, and it never did. Now that you have exposed this ending, it makes so much more sense.

Aaron on Apr 7, 2008

1021

I thought both of the endings were bad. It would have been way more cool if Neville could have been allowed to cure the infected people. That was a sick, perverted, evil way to have to live...surviving on human flesh. It would have been so much better if the Alpha male saw his woman and came to reality that there was some help for them and submitted to the vaccine. Everybody told me the alternative ending was soooo much better. I was disappointed.

Christine on Apr 7, 2008

1022

It was very confusing for me. The ending of the story I AM LEGEND never gave me an idea of how did the character show and narrated as LEGEND. Though I only saw the movie ones.

Gloiz on Apr 7, 2008

1023

to say the truth i like the movie but seen better and yet to this end that u say it was breath taking i have to go the other way on that it was whatever and it didnt really go with the concept that monsters or what ever u wanna call them have no human feelings so in reality the dr would of got torn to shreads but out of 10 that ending was 7 just because im nice

darkpawn on Apr 8, 2008

1024

Good stuff. Still liked the novel better, but definitely an improvement compared to the theatre ending!

Oliver on Apr 8, 2008

1025

Wow- That ending would have been a MUCH better choice!! There's no question about it!

ginart4@aol.com on Apr 8, 2008

1026

The Theatrical Ending left a lot to be desired.........kind of like missing desert after a good meal.......seeing the Original gives the movie more of a sense that these Vampires were evolving into their own............especially after they baited and trapped Robert Neville..........proves that they did learn..............

C J Hamilton on Apr 8, 2008

1027

This should have been the ending to the story. I would have liked to have walked away feeling that even though they were sick and infected with a virus that made them close to inhumane they were still somewhere deep down inside human. This ending showed us that even though their primal instincts wanted them to kill, even though they were suffering and trapped within a deep dark hell - love was still stronger.

MLB on Apr 8, 2008

1028

I can't believe they opted for the other version. After seeing the movie in theaters I actually told people not to bother because the ending sucked and ruined the movie. This ending made the film so much better, so personal and so mult-dimensional. We never see movies from the other side and this gave us the chance. Very cool.

Cherry on Apr 8, 2008

1029

Definately a much happier ending. I thought the Theatrical Ending provided more closure as the Cure was actually found and created the Legend which Robert Neville was. I liked both endings. But there probably would have been a much larger public opinion of "Great movie" if it had this ending. Much like 12 Blocks (or whatever it was called) in the end the main character dies. But in the Alternate Ending he lives. Both were good endings, but the Alternate one is much more of a crowd pleaser.

Christopher Shanahan on Apr 8, 2008

1030

Mr. Valle #973 There is no naming coincidence. Bob Marley and his music where CHOSEN to be added to this movie. Marley and his music could have easily been omitted from this film. Probably could have used Johnny Cash if they just wanted a music legend who sang songs about redemption or rising above a tough situation. How about "A Boy Named Sue" playing while he gives Sam a bath? Not trying to be a jerk but seriously, Bob Marley and his message are a HUGE addition to this film. Will Smith's explanation of Marley's beliefs even comes in the middle (or focal point) of this movie. Certainly should not be ignored or dismissed. Dorothy Allen #924 I read your entire post. I can't believe you liked the theatrical ending after everything you wrote. Will Smith (Neville) was BLIND. He couldn't see Marley's basic messages of love or unity. He had to lose everything dear to him before the infected humans show him the importance of being with the one you love. The importance of sharing your pain and struggling and suffering together (uniting); you become stronger and able to endure and overcome the most difficult adversity (like the Holocaust survivors for example. How many tried to single handedly stop Hitler but rather saved each other instead). The alpha mutant human, a human transformed and in his lowest state, just wants to be with his woman. Together. Will Smith rejected his wife AND child in their time of need. Why? This whole movie is about Neville searching and finding and learning. If he kills himself at the end, he learns nothing. He needs to live in order to show that he's learned the value of InI (we, us) uniting and becoming stronger by coming together. No man is an Island. Peace, Love, and Unity.

rick on Apr 8, 2008

1031

Marley and his music probably should have stayed out of the movie. Rastas are black supremacists. Aside from that, Bob was a swell dude. Seriously folks, would a white performer that was a member of a white supremecy group be tolerated, much less put on a pedistal? Peace, Love, and Unity.. for people that have skin like Bob did

Random Dude on Apr 8, 2008

1032

Loved it. Much better than the movie version

Minda on Apr 8, 2008

1033

loved it. Much better

Minda on Apr 8, 2008

1034

This version left me feeling gratified as a human being, while the movie version made me glad the troubled folks died to squelch their aggression. I prefer the former.

Larry on Apr 8, 2008

1035

Maybe it's just me, but I don't understand this so called concept of a "director's vision" when it comes to making a movie from a published work. The idea is ALREADY THERE, the vision is ALREADY THERE. Changing any part - ANY - inherently changes what the author originally intended. Why is that so difficult to understand? In doing that, the movie shouldn't even have the right to bear the same name. I suppose the only exception would be if the author him/herself directed the film. In the case of I Am Legend, the entire premise of the story is changed - Yes Neville should die, but definitely not as some kind of self sacrificing idiot but in shock of betrayal, hopelessness and in terrifying realization that he has been and forever will be legend. Having other survivors living is some encampment with a vile of blood they might not even know what to do with spits right into the face of those who had even a glimmer of hope for this film.

Ingozi on Apr 8, 2008

1036

I agree with many of the comments here. I wanted to like the theatrical version, but it lacked a sense of depth that was only hinted at. For me, the alternate ending is better, not because it answers questions - but because it asks new questions about whether Smith's character was really "good" in curing this disease, or "bad" because he was encroaching on a foreign culture that he simply didn't understand. The alternate ending makes me want to read the book, while the theatrical ending left me with a feeling of, "this was a decent special-effects movie." Thanks.

Dan Blank on Apr 9, 2008

1037

Hey Random Dude, The ideas expressed in Marley's music are color blind. I am not a black supremacist or even black but I can hear a voice singing out, calling out to others to unite against poverty and oppression. The concept of unity in the face of adversity and with your fellow people is prevalent in this movie from the very beginning. Did you notice how all the deer ran TOGETHER at the threat of danger from Neville? The most easily hunted and killed were the lone stragglers. Didn't the lions seem to form a cohesive unit that was better suited to hunting and protecting their kill than hunting alone like Neville? Didn't the diseased humans still habitate TOGETHER in "hives" instead of having one or two wandering the streets alone? I guess people can hear a positive message and take it anyway they want. Neville interpreted Marley's coming back after being shot as a sign to continue the fight, but really what Marley did was join his people to sing to them an important message of keeping hope alive no matter how bad things might get.

rick on Apr 9, 2008

1038

Much better ending. The whole film is still one big cynical advert for Mustang, Apple and christianity though, and as a film, infinitely inferior to 28 Days Later which deals with broadly similar themes. BUT, when its getting it right, it does so with spectacular aplomb. Will Smith is astonishing in it. The themes are mostly brave until the very end (especially Smith's character's atheist stance given that it needed to make money in the red states too ;-P). The first indoor sequence when his dog runs off is one of the scariest scenes in a film in a long time, and Smiths portrayal of paralysing fear is truly convincing. And the sturcture is reasonably original and interesting.

Ben Maxwell on Apr 9, 2008

1039

That ending was SO much better than the one that was released! We can only hope that at some point they will re-release it in theatres with the original ending, so we can watching it all the way through on the big screen thank you for posting that!

VoidIndigo on Apr 9, 2008

1040

Ok I was looking for this Original Ending - the word of the street has been buzzing about it every since the DVD was released for sale to the public. I loved the Movie and HATED the ending, I am so relieved that you posted the Original Ending and I find that I enjoyed it so much better than the one the film director decided to release to the public. This ending ties everything up and makes it come to peace in your soul and spirit the other just left you nerves bad. Thank you for posting it and sharing this with your public.

Ladyjay on Apr 9, 2008

1041

Well, personally I enjoyed the other ending a little better. I haven't read the book so I don't have any reference from there. I love this ending too, but it just seems a little... softer, than it needs to be.

Josh on Apr 9, 2008

1042

I thought the final ending was much more of a finale. I think in the end he probably should have died like in the book, however, with the departure that this film took, I think that this alternate ending would be GREAT on its own. The actual ending was too abrupt and did not show ANY interaction between the infected and Neville. This ending had everything that should have appeared in the movie. Excellent cut!

Brian on Apr 9, 2008

1043

okay. WOW. this ending... i dont even think... it was so good. what happened when they were deciding...??? i mean psh. the other ending had more "legend". but this one... was so much better. i guess they chose the other one cuz it showed that he was a hero. but still. this one had more meaning to the movie and that guy SHOULD have lived. go will 🙂

piper on Apr 9, 2008

1044

Wow, I loved this ending; i too saw the movie maybe 4 times in theaters and this deleted ending really did bring to story of Robert Neville being a "legend".Excellent!

Keenan on Apr 9, 2008

1045

This ending was SOOOOOO much better. WB stupidity strikes yet again. BTW, I was waiting the entire stinking movie for the moments where the vampires surround Neville that we *did* see in the trailers and previews. Lame.

Steve on Apr 9, 2008

1046

The only problem I have with this ending is it doesn't explain why the vampires were so bloodthirsty and killed so many people before. I mean, it seems a little strange for him to feel guilty about killing them when they went on a rampage long before he started trying to cure them. It does explain why they come after him in force like that, and why the one was after him for so long, but it does leave some questions unanswered. This ending by far is much better in my opinion in any case.

Glagha on Apr 9, 2008

1047

ya know, I just saw I AM LEGEND for the first time tonight and then I watched this end, and I really would have loved the whole movie allot more if I had seen this first, the 2 didsk dvd is supposed to have that ending, I may just buy the two disk version

Chris on Apr 9, 2008

1048

Yes definitely this ending would have been much much much better as the patchwork which came out in the theaters was visibly forced, unrealistic and stupid.

Strider on Apr 10, 2008

1049

This was a way better ending. Everyone that saw the version in theaters said that the ending was horrible. I would have much rather have seen this ending. What were they thinking? I didnt read the book but I think that I will read it now. Alternative ending is the way it should have went.

Richard Greene on Apr 10, 2008

1050

Lege #1013 - I read the book because of this website. yes they had it all summarized but it was still a great experience and there's still alot to the book left that wasn't touched here. So I suggest if you have time to pick it up. It's pretty short. Rick #1029 - What I meant to say is that yes IN THE MOVIE the director surely made that connection seem very apparent. However his name being Robert Neville, I seriously doubt having anything to do with bob marley and the descriptions you noted above since I Am Legend was published in 1954. Seems like people connected his name to everything, but the music in the movie and the signs were obviously the directors choice. . . characters name, not so much.

Carlos A. Valle on Apr 10, 2008

1051

What a great ending! I was disappointed in the movie ending but kept telling myself I didn't like it but I guess it couldn't be any other way. WAS I WRONG! THIS is definitely the ending the movie deserved. I love the emotion in this one. I plan to read the book, but as with any other film and book, they are two seperate entities. Kerri

Kerri on Apr 10, 2008

1052

I kinda agree with you, because the ending from the teatres really really ruined the whole movie like some of the people here posted so thanks for putting this ending here so i could see it. This ending is better, because like you said he got close to the vampire and that made it so dramatical, and how Neville kinda listened to his heart and droped the weapon and gave him his love back. Really good.

Matic on Apr 10, 2008

1053

Yeah, this ending is a way better one! When I saw the movie in theatre two things shot out at me. 1) I read that the "vampires" were supposed to be smart. yet the only smart thing they did was mirror the trap that neville set up for the female vampire. 2) It seemed like they killed Neville just to make him a martyr. While I do believe that tragic heroes tend to be some of the best, it just seemed a little unnecissary. This ending does a couple things very well! First it adds humility to the "savage generic" vampires in this movie. Second it Shows that Neville and The lead vampire have a lot in common. Both were willing to do all they could for their families! Third, it seperates Neville from the herds of blind, mindless action heroes who are to busy killing things to realize that there's more going on than meets the eye. Neville dying only served the purpose of allowing the end monologue about "us being his legacy". This ending is far superior and it doesn't take anything away from the story. If anything it furthers the take home message- "There is hope". If Neville was able to communicate with the "vampires" in a civilized kind of manner... maybe one day they will be able to accept the cure he's created... willingly. Opens up a whole new world of possibilities! Good stuff!

Edmund on Apr 10, 2008

1054

Legends become one when they die, is like painting, artwork is not appreciated until the artist dies. So I think that this ending doesn't have the impact the other one has, because in this one Neville doesn't achive anything (in the other one he gets the cure from the girl on the table), so he becomes just another survivor.

Neftali on Apr 10, 2008

1055

I haven't read the book but I plan to buy a copy. The ending here was better ending than the one show last december. The original ending was a tragedy but this one may make it a "happily ever after" type, more related to the novel itself according to others.

RZPogi on Apr 10, 2008

1056

You know, he did get just as close to the lead vampire as those vampires that chased him out of the building at the beginning. a-dur!

Gellner on Apr 10, 2008

1057

I have never read the book, but I hope my opinion of this is still taken seriously. The theatrical ending was an entirely varied theme from this one, from what I gathered. While the theatrical ending was very "Hollywood", the ending shown here was more of a writer's ending. One very real problem for film adaptations of novels is that an ending for a novel -- any given novel -- may not come across as "right" to viewers of said film adaptation. While reading this ending may have made more sense than reading the theatrical ending, the die was cast and the result is apparent. In Layman's terms, I prefer this ending, for I am more of a bookworm than a movie freak. I'd prefer to have read the book and imagined it the way I want than to see a movie and be disappointed. Anyway, I sincerely do hope that my point has been understood by any who read this: both endings are good for the way they were originally done. The novel's original ending was the better read, while the theatrical ending was a better watch. Thank you very much , Mr. Billington, for posting this video clip here, I honestly do appreciate it.

K. Wike on Apr 10, 2008

1058

i don't think it's realistic that they would be so calm, take their girl and leave Neville to live. it's uncharacteristic of the vampires.

Loren on Apr 11, 2008

1059

I have never read the book. After reading some of the comments, however, I now know how it ends. You guys should warn that your comment contains a spoiler for the book. That said, when I watched the movie, I got the sense that the lead vampire was after Neville to get his woman back. I thought that the vampires showed intelligence (the bait picked for the trap they set for Neville was not based on animal instinct but observation and reason), societal structure, use of strategy. Right up until that woman showed up, I thought the movie would be about the vampires becoming the new dominant species on the planet, with a new type of society. Then the woman and boy show up with talk of survivors, faith, and fate. None of these are bad movie themes, except that they had nothing to do with anything that proceeded their introduction. This is what really spoiled the movie for me. It seemed as if the writer had written himself into a corner with the scene where Neville was on the pier, so instead of looking to the characters he had already introduced for an out, he had the clouds part, the sun shine down and the gods from above reach down and make everything alright. I prefer the second ending because I feel it stays more true to the overall storyline, characterizations, and themes of the film. The theatrical ending would have worked if the film had been about faith and fate all along, which it wasn't. Screenwriting 101: Foreshadowing makes a film more clever and satisfying to the audience. Don't introduce new stuff in the last 15 minutes. It just makes your audience feel cheated.

Kelle711 on Apr 11, 2008

1060

Both endings suck. The alternate one sucks the most. You have to abadon all conventional wisdom concerning rationality, reason, and human behavior. These things are infected beyond humanity. All you people see this M. Night shayamalan-esque ending and think... "Wow, how profound, blah blah blah - look at the humanity in them, and the savagery of Neville!" They are completely void of cultural humanity as we know it - science, art, the need to pursue an evolved form of existence. They feed on everything violently at the expense of life. Neville is a legend because he spends his years in isolation doing and being all of the things that the vampires are not - Life giving. Your suspension of disbelief is mandatory to accept this stupid alternate ending. WHAT WOULD YOU DO? You would do what a rational human being excercising self-preservation would do - you would blow them all up, protecting yourself, and if your better than me (ie Neville) you'd quest through life trying to find a cure. If you had the flu you'd kill that without regard for the microscopic organism's desire the snuff you out. Also, the butter fly blood smear is too perfect and symetrical - the whole thing is contrived drivel.

SMARTER THAN ALL YOU on Apr 11, 2008

1061

"They are completely void of cultural humanity as we know it - science, art, the need to pursue an evolved form of existence." Does this mean that because a culture or people are different to yours, and do not share the same goals as yours, or because they are not technoligically advanced as yours, that they are therefore worthless, and undeserving of basic human considerations? The fact that they think, feel, organize, reason, have goals and show human emotion are all inconsequential because they do not conform to your idea of an "evolved form of existence". Gosh, why does that rationalization sound familiar? Who else used it when exploiting others for their own gain, as Neville did by experimenting on the infected while searching for a cure? Hmmm....

Kelle711 on Apr 11, 2008

1062

I have seen the theatrical ending to this movie so many times and without having read the book and I thought it was alright. Now i see the original here and i am blown away. I love this ending SOOOOOOO much better! The sense that the Night Seekers are more than carnivorous crazed diseased humans really puts the movie into perspective along with the Alpha Male. Now i love the movie more. The symbolism of the butterfly and foreshadowing elements like the trap really come to a head. Love it!

Sarah on Apr 11, 2008

1063

wow. i have seen the movie many times but never really liked the ending, but when i saw this, i was blown away by how this was so much better than the original ending. now, a legend would have been alot more interesting if he gave his life for the sake of huimanity, but being there to share his glory would also be interesting. im just disappointed they did't choose this endidng to premire in theaters.

Otto MMMEEENN on Apr 11, 2008

1064

They really messed up by not making this ending.

ppp on Apr 11, 2008

1065

This ending was so much better and brought some actual closure to the story. Love it good post man

psd on Apr 11, 2008

1066

I don't think I need to see that

Mr Surbade on Apr 12, 2008

1067

And this is why the Omega Man is considered to be the second best adaptation of the novel... The best one is the Last Man on Earth with Vincent Price... It's on the public domain, if you want to watch it... http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-51739690186335997

whoa on Apr 12, 2008

1068

awsome

todd lapointe on Apr 12, 2008

1069

I loved this movie, but do agree that the ending was far too abrupt. I did not read the book, but book endings do not always translate well to the big screen. Nevilles character needed to die, creating more meaning behind his persistant search for a "cure", he then is a legend to the surviving population, which made more sense that there were other unaffected people smart enough to not be killed off by the vampires. I do appreciate in the alternate ending the significance of the head vampire showing his connection to the cured woman, and the recognition of Neville trying to cure them, not kill them off (because Neville is not a serial killer!), showed that their intelligence level was evolving. Just like when they rigged the trap with the manican to catch Neville, it showed that they had intelligence, I mean even animals evolve, so why wouldn't virally mutated humans evolve? But Neville would still need to die by the hand of another vampire, because the movie portrays them to be void of intelligence and controlled mostly by their animalistic side, and even though the head vampire shows some evolution of thought, it makes sense in the society of vampires, very few have begun to evolve enough to not kill Neville.

Jessica on Apr 12, 2008

1070

Hey guys the ending was awesome for the alternate, but i actually prefer the theater ending. The ending they used in theaters was good because it showed you that his mission was done. It was his job to stay there, it was his section to take care of and he did. He found the cure and showed to everyone that it was reality and it was possible. And once again, not a myth. Plus after showing the photo of his family, he realized he had nothing to live for and that his job was done. What he was ment for was finished and it was time to rejoin his family.

Clid on Apr 12, 2008

1071

Wow. An amazing ending. SO SO SO much better than the one we saw in the cinema. I am moved by this alternate ending whereas the original ending did nothing for me. In fact i told friends "great film, crap ending". Enough said

Andy C on Apr 12, 2008

1072

Hey Kelle 711, You don't think a daily routine for presumably over three years of broadcasting to someone "on all AM frequencies" allows for the idea that someone might respond? If he really really didn't believe there was anyone out there, why would he do it? To have an excuse to work on his golf game?? They didn't introduce anything new as far as I'm concerned. He sent out a message of HOPE and those who are true believers and act in faith responded. They rescued him from HIMSELF. This is a story about man vs. himself. He lost faith in humanity but had it restored when he realized that the Alpha male just wanted to bring his woman back to be with the others. That's basic human instinct to be with the ones you love. Neville missed the boat. He tried to bring everyone back to him when, in fact, he's the one who should have been seeking his own breed of fellow man.

rick on Apr 12, 2008

1073

i thought this movie was the best ever. but i hated the ending where he killed himself. the other ending where he lives is really cool. if that ending was with the movie that would be so awesome.

Angelica on Apr 12, 2008

1074

The movie I Am Legend was an electrifying look at humanity's fight for existence against "off the wall" creatures, literally. But the fact that the movie makes these monsters more than they would actually be offer s too weak of an insight to make this movie realistic. But aside from that and into the movie, the whole idea stirred up many emotions within. I do believe that Robert Neville should have died. His legacy was at stake, whether that was what he had envisioned for himself or not. While the alternate ending gives a better sense of humanity within the 'vampire' creatures, the story is not as realistic without it. I tried to watch this movie as if it were true, and quite possible. But the alternate ending didn't give me that act of realism. It gave me the look of a movie that my kids watch where everything is gonna be okay. I'm sorry, but the reason he really listens to Bob Marley in the movie is because he KNOWS it is only a matter of time. He doesn't want to leave because he KNOWS it is his destiny. Why does American audiences prefer the PG-13 endings, when the movie's main goal was to show us a realistic look at the world if a bomb had dropped. Come on people, let's get real, if a nuke drops there won't be survivors.

TD on Apr 13, 2008

1075

I prefer this one.

Kristian Lee on Apr 13, 2008

1076

I don't like it when the movies differ so much from books! This was better than the theatrical version because you got to see what the book was sort of saying. They are the minority now. They have to change their ways to the new world. You can't just go take anyone's girlfriend!

stephanie on Apr 13, 2008

1077

I thought the original ending was too abrupt and boring, I would have much preferred to see this one. I think I would have ultimately preferred this version with ending with the three making it to Vermont.

Brenton on Apr 13, 2008

1078

You know I only found out about this ending when I was watching it and my younger brother who's also seen the movie told me about the alternate ending. I google'd it and this site came up... And after I've watched it I would like to be honest (because I've not read the book)...that it was a lot more emotional and the twist would have been to unsettling for the main audiences across the world, people like seeing success stories...but I can understand why most are willing to put a voice across... I like the alternate ending...its something really unexpected and the emotions are fantastic...I'm definately buying the DVD when it comes out here in australia 🙂

Kirby on Apr 14, 2008

1079

This is better than the original ending. As other pointed out, the title is "I Am Legend", and in the book it refers to the fact that Neville was a legend amongst the vampire. He doesn't need to be dead to be a legend, not more than vampires are legends because they die. Where the original ending makes him a legend amongst humans, this one is closer to the book even if he doesn't commit suicide. Plus, this ending makes us realize that they are vampire and not mindless zombies, which the movie failed to establish, and in the process it explains the trap laid out in front of the bank. The butterfly being on the ex-vampire makes much more sense than it being on that girl, it removes the "godly prophecy" element from the movie to replace it by Neville subconscious try to makes him realize that something is wrong with what he is doing. Criticizing this ending because Neville "doesn't die like in the book" is ridiculous because it doesn't take into account how this ending explain so many other things in the spirit of the book that the theatrical ending doesn't even touch.

J-S. on Apr 14, 2008

1080

Alternate ending is much better! One I saw in the movie was very disappointing.

Gords on Apr 14, 2008

1081

This discussion has prompted me to get the book to read for myself!! I actually loved this film and now exposed to both endings....love each for different reasons. The first ending was cataclysmic in the sense that Dr. Neville’s demise was violent and animalistic, seemingly without much fore thought. The Vampires were seen as savage and non human. However, the alternative view allowed the humanity and passion in both Dr. Neville and Vampire to be prominently displayed. With that said the alternate ending also pulls us as viewers through emotional and metaphoric exchange of the “breaking through glass”. As the glass is being cracked, the viewer is allowed to share Dr. Neville’s epiphany and final clear view into another life perspective. I know someone will say I am romanticizing here but, what stood clear for me was the ultimate right to love protect and preserve life. Even in this genre, it can be a very powerful and useful parable.

LT on Apr 14, 2008

1082

The ending I saw in the theaters was cool at first, but then I started to think about the ending and saw that it really didn't fit with the rest of the movie. After seeing the alternate ending, I see now why it didn't fit. The alternate ending is much better then the theatrical ending. I kind of wish they would have stretched the alternate ending out a little farther though as well. Maybe kind of spliced the two and shown them arriving at the colony. Anyway, the alternate ending was way much better then the theatrical version. WB needs to see this and listen to the viewers.

Nick R. on Apr 14, 2008

1083

The theater version of the ending was a let down for me, never read the book, not before or after seeing the movie, yet i disliked the way that a theme regarding religion was practically forced on the movie, they could have kept the ending and merely suggested it, but for me it felt very out of place. That being said, i prefer this ending.

Adrian G on Apr 14, 2008

1084

This version is way better than the one that let me down in the movies. This ending would have made the movie epic in my opinion.

Chris B. on Apr 14, 2008

1085

You know, I may be one of the rare ones, But I actually found the original ending to be better then this one. I was a tad bit bored with the entire movie, although it was good in parts, they could have added much more gore to it.

Floy on Apr 15, 2008

1086

I really loved this! The movie was very thought provoking for me even without the ending. (either one) however, i kept thinking about the fact that in it Will Smith stated that the dark seekers no longer had any human qualities. It was obvious that this was incorrect. When the female was trapped and the male stuck himself outside it was clear it was not beacause of his hungar making him ignore his inate survival skills. When he trapped Smith in the same fashion by luring him with the dummy it was even more clear. During the ending when he was crashing against the glass he was making serious eye contact with smith and I thought to myself "this is personal, this is vengance" These are VERY human emotions so it proves his original theory moot. I figured that the female was either a sister, wife, or child of the male so when i saw this alternate ending I was cheering!!!! Much better ending and much more "real".

t on Apr 15, 2008

1087

Scott (twards the top) should watch his language cause not ever one in the world will have his opinion cause personally i enjoyed this movie and i do like the alternate ending more

drocku88 on Apr 15, 2008

1088

This ending sucks! This is a big dissapointment, and very painful to watch. i just saw the movie at my house and it was amazing. The ending of the movie was great, fuck this alternate shit. Thats most likey why it didn't make the final cut.

Mikey on Apr 15, 2008

1089

I personally thought it was just too cheezy, but I can see how it makes other things like why the zombie leader risked sun exposure have a different meaning.

Stettin on Apr 15, 2008

1090

I am completely agree with the alternate ending, which makes a lot of sense of the film. However, I am not American audiance (Indian, I am) and when I watched the movie (without having idea of the original book) I dismissed the movie as high-production-zombie-movie considering the violent end. But the alternate end makes the movie complete. Movie makers should not change the theme and spirit if they are adopting from an original work.

JV on Apr 15, 2008

1091

I'm glad to see that so many people have commented on this. I agree with you that this ending feels much less Hollywood and far more emotional. Now lets see if they keep it pure and don't come out with I am Legend 2

Jeffrey on Apr 16, 2008

1092

ABSOLUTELY. The original ending was terrible. If I saw this one in the theatres, I would have come out thinking, "Very touching movie". The fact that he died, kills the moral of "Legend". The fact that there are survivors shows humanity still living, not dying (like in the original). Thanks for uploading this. Maybe someone can merge it with the original movie?

John on Apr 16, 2008

1093

Definately a better ending. Not a patch on the book still. I can understand how people who have not read the book have said that it is not a very good film and is predictable. It is, but it's based on a book that I believe was written in the '30's. I feel that Will Smith played the role superbly and the mental strain he suffers because he believes he is the last human is fantastically illustrated. I thought the film when I saw it at the cinema was let down by a weak ending that did not explain that the vampires were not all monsters, as this alternate ending shows. He has become the monster to the vampires, which is beautifully illustrated by the alternate version.

Carly on Apr 16, 2008

1094

The book was actually written in the 1954 and took place in the 70's. It was a very small scale story and while I much prefer the book and still feel the entire story would work better as a small budget, small scale character drama, I give Will Smith credit for bringing a lot of that emotion to this large scale 'epic' telling of the story. I prefer this ending over the theatrical ending (which was the weakest aspect of the film for me) and feel it's a decent film, but I would still love to see a truly faithful version of this book eventually. How this book has been adapted 3 times and they've never stuck to the text is a mystery to me. The book is far from unfilmable.

Dan on Apr 16, 2008

1095

I loved everything about this movie, except the original ending. This was much better.

Chalmer on Apr 16, 2008

1096

This movie sucked ass. Serious ass sucking went on in the making of this film. Especially considering that the script must have only been 10 pages long, I can't believe how weak the actually film making was. I didn't read the book. But it sounds like it was playing with some real subtleties that was not even close to being captured in the film making. At no point was this movie exciting or at all interesting. And the idea that Will Smith was the "legend" and that the vampires were now the reality could have been easily executed with their shitty original ending by simply injecting a bit more humanity to the once-humans/now-vampires. 28 Days later fucking destroyed this movie. And anyone who liked this movie, you're terrible. Please stop voicing your opinion. You're the idiots the studios make this movie, and other mindless piece of steaming shit like Wild Hogs for. Oh god.

Dr. Long Balls on Apr 16, 2008

1097

This was so much better than the theatrical version. It shows that the monsters were much more human than you got to see in the theatrical version. Great ending. I am so glad to have seen this, it makes the movie so much the more memorable now.

Mike T on Apr 16, 2008

1098

Oh, and BTW...what the fuck is the deal with Butterflies always being this constant source of weak-ass imagery and symbolism. And always in movies with minimal script pages...ie Cast Away. more butterflies. Jesus. anyway, suck balls, Dr. Long Balls.

Dr. Long Balls on Apr 16, 2008

1099

The alternate book ending seems a little more true to reality, they ride off into the sunset in hopes of a better life but with no guarantees. The part with the lead dark seeker is a little hoky. I like that they build on the one guy as the leader and the love story with his abducted girl. But it left me feeling like I always do, cheapened. No story is ever complete without two characters finding or regaining their love. This alternate ending was good but it left me feeling a little suckered. Much like when I read a really good mystery novel and then, somewhere in there, no matter how misplaced, two people hook up! Anyway, this was better than the original which leaves you feeling the "happily ever after", which to me is even cheesier.

Nat on Apr 16, 2008

1100

Thanks for sharing! While I really like this alternative ending better, I must be honest in saying the theatrical ending left me crying like a baby. Therefore, it had more impact. I was sad for hours afterward because he died. I wanted to see him live. Case in point: the movie stayed with me. So, in a sense, his death is what made it memorable. Yet the idea of him becoming the monster to the "new race" is also dramatic and sticks more to the book's concept. It's funny. Much like Tom Hanks' version of Forrest Gump, who was much more likeable in the film verses the movie, Will Smith gave a kindler, gentler Neville. STILL different from the book but just as powerful a character. Arghhh. Is there really a better version, or just a completely different take which leaves you feeling differently? 🙂

Tonya P on Apr 16, 2008

1101

I prefer this one~ justice will keep going.

?ann?ss? on Apr 16, 2008

1102

I haven't read the 1100 comments before mine. But I hope someone has touched on the point that both of these endings are completely disgraceful and terrible. It's a shame Hollywood butchered this movie. (I'll say how they could've done it right below). Like the original author, while watching this film the first time, I was blown away until the Woman/Boy characters were introduced at the beginning of the third act. At that point the original novel (and amazing story) was completely betrayed. From there on it began a quick and shameful downward spiral transforming an amazing movie into a completely generic and predictable Hollywood plot. Having read the book prior to seeing the film, and being familiar with the other big screen adaptations, I was expecting a lot. I thought they did a remarkable job updating and modernizing the plot. I just don't understand why they couldn't see their vision through to the end. Survivor camp? Are you serious? I mean, are you flippin' serious?! Any sort of survivor makes a mockery of the original theme. And the butterflies -- so lame -- that's the point where I literally laughed out loud in the theater (and on viewing the alternate ending). I understand if Hollywood wants to market to the masses for theatrical versions. But for alternate endings to classic adaptations, why don't they give film junkies something they can actually get excited about? How about this for an "alternate" ending... Neville never meets the Woman/Boy at the docks that night (they don't exist, nor do any other survivors). Instead Neville is pulled from his vehicle by the vampires and in a wild melee he ends up off the end of the dock, in the water. In the water he is able to avoid capture/death. The sun soon rises and he pulls himself to shore on the far bank. He takes all of the next day returning to his apartment. He cleans up and dresses his wounds then descends into his laboratory to find that his captured vampire girl/specimen is missing from its gurney. He is in panic. It is revealed that the girl is actually hidden behind him/the door but is no longer a complete vampire (apparently she has undergone some remarkable change, he may have found a cure). After Neville rushes to the gurney and surveys the area he turns back around to see the girl standing there. In a dramatic scene he communicates to her, and she understands, but is unable to speak back. He gains her trust and they go upstairs and discover she is now immune to sunlight (yet still has some of the other symptoms). There could be some deeper interaction to emphasize the fact this is the first contact Neville has had in years. After Neville communicated to her that he thinks he can find a cure they come to a nonverbal understanding that she will return to the others and tell them of his good will/intentions. She leaves that day. That night there would be the same hellstorm of vampires on Neville's doorstep as was in the theatrical version. He would end up trapped in the same situation, only alone. He will see the girl there, next to the leader, pleading with with the leader. The vampires would break the glass and pull Neville out into the streets. Hordes of vampires would be there. The girl would be noticeably distraught and upset, but the lead vampire would be full of rage and unreasonable. Finally, Neville (who all the time would have been pleading for the girl's help and telling any who would listen that he had a cure) would be put into a restrained position (Tied up, Bound around pole, hung upside down, whatever you fancy). The culmination would see Neville either left for dead in that position (beaten and certainly unable to break his bonds), beaten to death by the lead vampire in that position, or possibly made a spectacle of the next night by having 50x more vampires flock to see him "The Legend", then have the movie end with him being swarmed upon by them all... Any of those, in my humble opinion, would be immeasurably more true to the original work, and greatly appreciated by film buffs for an "alternate ending." Personally I would have loved that to be the theatrical. But I understand marketing and Hollywood. But come on. Please, I'm begging. For a movie like this couldn't they have done something amazing for the special edition and alternate endings?

gat0rjay on Apr 16, 2008

1103

That's the ending i was waiting for.. I'm not satisfied from what i've seen in the theater.. I's quite tragic and seems so unfinished..

christina on Apr 17, 2008

1104

Look as i haven't read the book, i liked both endings simply from a movie stand- point that said if i had read the book i would expect the book in movie form. seeing the ending they each have their own greatness and weakness the book is the true form so it has all the greatness none of the weakness it least we can see the movie as it was and how it could have been and have the chance to read the book so if you look at it like that. everyone can see all there is to see. After seeing this i have to read the book simply because i want to know the true story as well as the story-board form and either way if you didn't like it, fine, if you did, that is fine too. the book is available to read and if you look at it, it is a movie it is here to entertain as is the book it is all here to tell a story, convey a message(or three) and give you a good time.

Josh on Apr 18, 2008

1105

I feel this ending gave the whole film a better sense of understanding, the fact that the vampires had evolved to adapt to their new society, and way of life and that the vaccine hadn't wiped them clean of every last drop of human emotion. I was pleased with the sense of exchange between the vampire girls life and Wills life, if he had been executed then it would then make the point of total emotion loss amongst vampires hypothetical.

Lee Pittard on Apr 18, 2008

1106

well...i've been after this ending since i bought the single disk and discovered there were no special features or alternate ending like i saw advertised on tv....ive been harrassing all my friends and co workers to see if anyone bought the 2 disk set or blu ray. Honestly, when I saw the original ending, i felt as though it was rushed through WAY too fast. But after seeing this, I know more time was spent on it, but it seems MUCH less realistic. Not that the movie was fact, but those monsters or whatever were after him like savage beasts before he even took the girl, so to believe that she was the reason they were after him so instencly, just doesnt come together for me. The original ending had more meaning to me as well, even though i felt it was too quickly slammed together, at least it meant something, i think i had a tear at the theater. this alternate ending left me feeling nothing. I would have to say it's not a BAD ending, but deffinitly dissapointing after my whole obbession with finding it... so i give it 2 1/2 stars...out of 5 i guess. just a "meh..." feeling.

megan on Apr 18, 2008

1107

I like this ending ALOT more then the theatrical one. for a very simple reason too. The other one becomes so heavy and droopy with religion and false sentimentality that i almost got sick. the theatrical ending didnt do anything except remind me that this is a hollywood movie, and as such it HAD to cater to the large amounts of christians(or just religious people). Maybe im reading too much into the fact that it was so heavliy religious, but it still bothered me. That he had to die because he wasnt "born again" untill too late. utter crap for me. About why they stopped attacking him : they ofc realized he wasnt out to kill them, he was out to save them from the start. how can this not be obvious? And plus, the emotional zenith of this film was when the dog died, cant have two zeniths in the same film. As soon as that spanish lady came into the film i knew will was gonna die, the director made that quite clear early on(again, after the spanish lady came, not before), he was antagonizing them, being crazy, acting wierd and being aggressive. This alternative ending still has the message of hope and faith, but not over the top like the orignal one. Sure, the director could have made it smoother, but the clear difference in message is there. There was no zoom-over a century old church in the end(that shot almost killed me btw, my politically correct muscles went berzerk) just them being happy and hopeful. The one thing that annoyed me the most about the original version was that religion stuff. and it was removed from this one, ergo i liked it alot more.

David on Apr 18, 2008

1108

This ending makes more sense, because during the movie you can note the relationship between the girl that Robert takes and the "leader" of the creatures. I was a bit disappointed with the theatrical ending. This one is perfect for the things that the movie shows.

Rafael on Apr 18, 2008

1109

Now this makes more sense!! I see the little, "Wait, what?" moments such as the bridge they drive over (It was supposed to be destroyed? yes?), and I can understand the sombre mood they tried to give as they tried with the theatrical ending but like others I was left with a wtf feeling.. I mean, that was it?! This ending however... wow... I mean if they really wanted to have Will Smith's character die they could have made a compromise between the two but I can't believe they chose to leave this out..

Sera on Apr 18, 2008

1110

I'm glad I saw this alternate ending. I love this one so much more than the one in theaters. I was almost half pissed hal about the ending, but if this was the orginal ending, shame on WB for replacing it. I think it would make more money if this one was instated. I am definitely buying the TWO ending DVD. Good thing there was a happier side to it.

Eric on Apr 18, 2008

1111

I liked both endings, but the ending here is more realistic. Even though they have been ripped of humanity, they still have to have traces of it, such as a long-term mate. Also, survival is printed in caps in our genetic code, and Will Smith's character didn't need to kill himself. Even with the blood he gave them, it wouldn't have been enough to bring everything back to normal. Robert Neville knew the formula for making the cure and could have easily reproduced it given the materials. He could have taken the tape of the cure and left for Vermont to save the world. The alternate ending is much more realistic, in my opinion, and this is how it should've ended.

Scott on Apr 18, 2008

1112

The fact that there are 1110 comments here leaves WB without excuse. This film was destroyed by Hollywood mass market. Robbed of its original compelling plot, it could have been a masterful statement about a novel ahead of its time, and so many people would have had an opinion about it. It could have generated good controversy and became a phenomenon. Yet it became a simple Hollywood sell-out film, disturbing by its conventionality and acquiescence to some false assumption of mass taste. Why do people care so much about one movie among 1000s? Hundreds that have played on this theme before? And dozens that have originated from books before this? Maybe because they aren't based on Matheson's 1954 novel, the same original story to have crystallized the original zombie craze and created a rabid fan base, which WB basically flipped the bird with demanding their own ending. But big money will always require full compromise.

Mick on Apr 18, 2008

1113

I watched this movie on PPV tonight and the last 10 minutes ruined the entire movie for me. Then I did a search looking for reviews to see what other people thought and I found this site. WHAT were the makers of this film thinking releasing the ending they did over this far superior alternate ending?! This restored the whole movie for me, I'll watch it again on pay per view up until the last 10 minutes, turn it off, and watch this again instead! LOL

Lenny on Apr 18, 2008

1114

Lenny and friends, I too wasted money tonite to watch Hollywood ruin another book made movie. No matter how many trial showings and test markets they do, isn't it funny that WB still does whatever it wants to do. I am sure if they gave people a choice (as evidenced here by 95% of comments), people would still rather see an ending that made sense. Why does the protagonist go through sooo much and even loses his dog (boo hoo by the way) only to buy it in the end for a bunch of blood sucking almost still humans? Thanks to Mick who put this into a pervurbial nutshell. Hollywood gets what Hollywood wants and to heck making the people happy. This ending was so much more powerful and showed the still human side of otherwise mindless feeding frenzied vamps. It gave the audience hope and Hollywood even an opening for a Legend II (The Search for Humanity). OK, WB that one was free, the next one will cost you !! Even without a book for a baseline, another one could still be done if they had only choosen this well thought out alternate ending. How many other movies with a much more pathetic premise have gone on to make millions off of sequels ?? That of course is an entirely different subject ( I digress). This movie is worthless without the alternate ending and a complete disappointment if you read the book first. Please let me know what you other movie-savy people think of the idea for another Legend if it was possible (yes I know it is not). I just have really gained respect for Will Smith as an artist after his last 3 or 4 movies especially The Pursuit of Happiness. It is a far cry from the Fresh Prince some of us grew up watching in High School ! I was truly moved by the sadness in the face of the otherwise grotesque vamp in this final scene, there was almost love for his partner if you knew where to look! This could have really turned this movie around the right way if only Holllywood would listen to the common man for once !.

Barbara on Apr 19, 2008

1115

I loved the theatrical ending! They would have to change alot of things in the movie to make this ending fit properly. Deeper? Emotional? Sure, but then it makes neivel look like the asshole and infact all those damn "vampires" killed off everyone else.... I would have been extremely dissapoined to see this ending instead and I am sure it was not chosen for a reason....

Hank on Apr 19, 2008

1116

I think the one they launched was the better one because he died with reason and then he didnt really cure anyone in the second because the people just walked on and also my mom was about to cry at the end of the one they launched and i love seeing her cry its so funny

Michael on Apr 19, 2008

1117

I have to say I thought that the alternative ending does make much more sense, and that the theatrical ending did seem somewhat tacked on and out of place, but I still liked the one they chose to go with better, as it is much more hopeful and gives a more positive spin on things.. I don't get people seeing Neville as a bad guy who should have died though, in either sequence ( I wished he hadn't had to blow himself up) Even though he was experimenting on and killing the vampires, he was simply behaving in a fashion most anyone would in that character's situation..people behave in desperate ways when they are in survival mode and are afraid..his fear is palpable especially in the sequence where he goes to save Sam for example..plus he was simply attempting to save the human race and return it to a state he once knew it, and so therefore in my estimation he still could have remained heroic without having to die..

Laura on Apr 19, 2008

1118

Let me follow-up by saying my previous comment was referring to that I wished he hadn't had to die in the MOVIE version or the BOOK-of course he doesn't die in the alternative ending-that's what I was commenting on..the alternative ending didn't do it for me because even though he lives it ended making Neville look like the bad guy, and I wanted to see him end more as a hero, as well as survive..

Laura on Apr 19, 2008

1119

MUCH MUCH BETTER....wish it had be chosen as the theater version!

S. Smith on Apr 19, 2008

1120

I was initially disappointed in this film. I felt it was another post-apocalyptic film like "28 Days Later," etc.... I thought Will Smith was brilliant for sure and it was a well-made film, but not original. Afterall, if you are sick with a virus are you really going to have super-human strength? However, the alternate ending changed everything for me. It really made the film better. It gave Neville some humanity when he realized what he had done to the infected survivors. What a huge improvement. I felt like this made it a much better story. I think it would have been even better if it had shown Neville pulling up to the survivor's colony.

Dan Mosqueda on Apr 19, 2008

1121

I would have liked a combination. Have this alternate ending, then he gives the girl the vile of blood, then he gives the girl zombie to the males, then they try to take him for execution and he blows the grenade. That would have been a perfect compromise.

Steve on Apr 19, 2008

1122

The alternate ending would have made this movie much better, in my opinion. Maybe if somehow he gave the sirum to the zombies and slowly they were healed. But as is the alternate was better than the original.

Sam on Apr 19, 2008

1123

i think the ending they brought out was quite cool but it did take away most of the point of the book the alternitive ending did forefill the purose but i think wasent as gd to see good job of getting this online

james on Apr 20, 2008

1124

*sniffle**sniffle* the dog died 🙁

Coop on Apr 20, 2008

1125

This is a better ending and would've set-up the film for a sequel. "I Am Legend: The Dark Seekers"

Ben Brown on Apr 20, 2008

1126

i just watched the film and thought it was brill up untill the dog dies lol yeah yeah know what ur thinking but after the dog snuffs it the movie takes a turn. thankfully it was nearing the end so it dident turn into poo 🙂 i thought the ending was a bit rushed and def prefere the alt ending. As the above comments clearly point out the alpha vampire poping his head out into the sun and induring the pain tells us that its more then just another body snached, but wb dident think that we would wonder why all of a sudden the vamps r now interested in getting Neville and put a crapy save the girl and kid ending in, but thankfully the alt ending was best fit for this film i think 🙂 in my head the dogs survives to and is in the back seat of the jeep when there driving off 🙂 thought bridges got blown up?? :-p

GB on Apr 20, 2008

1127

The alternate ending is far better than the theatrical ending. However the movie could have been soooo much better, but ALICE BRAGA STINKS, HER ACTING IS AWFUL.

Pol on Apr 20, 2008

1128

I was kinda dissapointed with the original version, but this version doesn't really make sense.. I would have liked him to of given the cure to the zombies which where waiting outside. But over all I think that both of the endings are kinda crap..

Arthur on Apr 21, 2008

1129

Okay, Though i have yet to read the book, I think that the original theatrical version was so much better than this piece of **** version they have up there. For one, its not heroic, its... a pussy willow attempt to survive (and Will Smith is not a pussy). He has the cure, but someone has to die for them to get it to the people who could mass produce it. so he dies, whatsherface takes it to the colony... hero dies, still happy ending. Will Smith did a superb job as Robert Neville. And they changed it from the book because the movie must fit the times. Besides, No movie is EVER as good as the book (except for possibly the lord of the rings movies (GO PETER JACKSON)) just look at the Harry Potter movies, or Eragon (especiall eragon), or the chronicles of narnia (they didnt even start with the first book). Besides the hero NEVER dies in movies, im tired of the good guys ALWAYS winning, for once cant the bad guys win just a little bit, they have all the odds in their favor most of the time anyway, and even though in this the bad guys didnt really win, the hero died. Oh and by the way for all you who think that ending was better, you are all conformists who like what everybody else likes. TYLER

Tyler Prince on Apr 21, 2008

1130

I have not read the book but saw The Omega Man & expected a remake. A great concept that i really enjoyed until the female character came along. The last 10 minutes were awful. the alternative ending was immeasurably better. I do not understand why so many people feel that the lead character must die to make a film interesting, it just shows a hugh lack of imagination. The final scene was a bit hollywood & might have been changed but I kind of liked the idea that Neville departed to fulfill the next chapter of his 'Legend' and created a better 'feel' to the end of the movie.

Shamus on Apr 21, 2008

1131

When I watched I Am Legend in theatres, I loved it... until the ending. It almost ruined the movie for me. Infact, the main comment I heard about the movie was "I loved it until the end." I found the alternate ending after downloding the movie (boo me, but I was dissappointed in it and didn't want to spend the money to watch it once more, but my boyfriend hadn't seen it). Tihs version had the alternate ending placed seamlessly in the movie over the orignal, so I was pretty surprised. I don't know if thats how all the dvd versions are, but it would be cool if they were. I remember where Robert says something along the lines of 'all human socail structure is now completely gone' (I'm sorry I can't directly quote that...) and I thought he was wrong. The fact that the lead 'vampire' came into the sun after Robert took the girl was a very socail thing to me. It wasn't just anger about being hunted, you could see the fury in the vampire's face, and I thought there had to be more to it then just that. The alternate ending addressed that. I loved that it implied that the vampires had a culture of there own. All in all, the alternate ending really made this movie!

S. Morbid on Apr 21, 2008

1132

Increíble!!! Demasiado bueno este final. At the University we made a "cineforum", and I told tha I did´nt like the movie, but went we notice this alternative ending, we reelaborated our comments. Too bad for WB, bad choise (mala elección). Hope understand my english.

Marcela Zúñiga Costa Rica on Apr 21, 2008

1133

this ending is SO much better.

femmeliqueur on Apr 21, 2008

1134

From the RV primer, an anagram-acroynm compression/extraction construct and an alphametrical Pi code configuration format "I Am Legend: The Dark Seekers" cyphers to: "DEEP STAR Pi CODE READ SEEN: STERILE, FOUL, AMORAL, NO MERCY, WRONGDOER & PEOPLE GENE PEEKER GRANTS PASS $$ HIV HEAD GELD LAB HAS A TOXIC NECK & MIND HEX REPETITION DYNAMIC & USES MONEY & GENITALS TO CONTROL BEN-GORT & CREATOR VEHEMENCE LAW".

Ben Brown on Apr 21, 2008

1135

Alright so this ending was truer to the novel but surely it goes against what the film was about? The idea of the film was that Nevile remained behind as the hero and in the film dies as a martyr, but what is he here? Yes I understand the concept but thanks to the perception of major film industries nobody would appreciate this ending as it is not achieving the "happy ending" that is so sought after and readily shown in films of this genre.

Adam on Apr 21, 2008

1136

Nobody has even mentioned that this movie I am Legend is a remake of the (1971) The Omega Man, with Charleton Heston which diveated greatly from the book.

D Mitchel on Apr 21, 2008

1137

I thought this ending was much better than the one we all saw in the Theatres... this is more eplanitory and the other just cut hte whole movie short too quick.... WB got the ending wrong in my opinion,, they should have used this one...

Connor - London - England on Apr 22, 2008

1138

Nobody has even mentioned that this movie I am Legend is a remake of the (1971) The Omega Man, with Charleton Heston which diveated greatly from the book. I mentioned that in post 186.

damnsuicidalroos on Apr 22, 2008

1139

Oops....And it`s mentioned in at least 25 other posts.

damnsuicidalroos on Apr 22, 2008

1140

bullshit the other ending was better this one makes no sense, its dumb, the battle between him and the main vampire was suburb the last end fight when they clash fucking amazing this alternate ending sucked huge soggy balls

matt on Apr 22, 2008

1141

Wow! I have not read the book but I definetely like this ending better, it seems more real. Thanks for posting it. Now I have to read the book for sure!

Mar on Apr 22, 2008

1142

Great ending. The alternate was so much better. I've read the book, own The Omega Man on DVD(Charlton Heston), and seen The Last Man on Earth (Vincent Price) when I was young (is also on Youtube for anyone interested). When this movie was advertised I knew Neville was supposed to die but had hoped the producers would have changed it up a little. I watch movies for an escape and like to see the good guy win. So I waited until it was released on DVD and rented it. The alternate was not provided with a rental so I didn't even know there was one until I was surfing the internet. Now that I've seen this ending I will buy the movie and then edit the alternate into the movie as the norm. Thanks for providing this. If WB is upset with you for showing this clip (pulled from Youtube by WB) then you can show them this comment. You just made a DVD sale for them where I hadn't intended to buy before.

Joe on Apr 22, 2008

1143

I've not read the book, and thought the movie was reasonable. However as with many comments above - the general showing ending ruined the movie for me, it seemed to be completely out of line with the rest of the movie. I was left feeling empty and somehow 'cheated' by the general ending and it stopped me from wanting to watch the movie again - not good. This ending would have been much better.

Craig on Apr 22, 2008

1144

That ending is better, but let's face it, the film was utter pigswill, spoiling a decent book.

Nikolai on Apr 22, 2008

1145

I have been a long time reader of Matheson (and others), as well as a a long time film fan. Although the alternate ending might convey the ending that readers of the story may enjoy or more closely relate to, the movie itself failed to underline the fact that in the written work, Neville spent much of his time attempting to destroy or experiment on the vampires (as did Price in "The Last Man on Earth", believing he has the moral obligation to do so) and is portrayed merely as a survivor (victim) hunted by the infected (making the viewer more sympathetic to his plight, and less inclined to the realization the "he" may in fact the be the one on the wrong side of an ethically altered landscape) Which changes somewhat the overall balance and relationship between the man and the future man (the infected). In order to reflect the underlying theme of the original story, the film would have had to truly preserve the currents and ideas of isolation,loneliness, and a gray juxtaposition of morality and its beholders in order for the audience to truly relate to the sociological,philosophical,and ethical points raised by the written version. This would be have been a truly ambitious work of film indeed. As so often is the case, the true power and feeling of a written work is very difficult to convey in a condensed film format, but can still be quite enjoyable none the less. Is this film better than the story? Of course not, they never are. Is it a decent horror/sci-fi film? I think so. For me the only real comment is: Is it better than "The Omega Man" In my opinion, yes. Is it better than "Last an on Earth" In my opinion, no. But, it is a decent overall and somewhat better than I had expected movie.

Maestr0 on Apr 22, 2008

1146

I just watched the movie and saw this alternate ending on the site here. That original ending invalidates the whole idea of the original story. It completely changes the meaning of the fucking title. I heard about the ending, but I hadn't heard that final line. Now that I see the alternate ending and it was better. Except for the fact that he -lived-, ugh, and they went to meet other survivors. I did like that they showed that the mutants were 'people' too. I also liked the shot of him in front of all of the mutants he had experimented on and killed. That drove home the monster and legend he had become. He was the boogeyman and Dr Mengele to a new race of people. Both endings fail. Damn. It's one thing if the film is bad. It's worse when the film comes close to being good and then suddenly takes a nose dive.

Xenos on Apr 23, 2008

1147

I REALLY liked this ending... The movie not only made me sad when the doggy had to die.... But the theatrical ending I thought was crappy and let a lot of empty spots... And of the people I know who have watched the movie, NONE thought the ending was good, they all hated it, and some of the ended up disappointed on the film because of the theatrical end. I was tempted to hate it, but then I tried to be objective and see the film as a whole, and thought that the concept was amazing, and that the only thing that I wished had changed was the end. Now with this end, the movie is a piece of art 🙂 LOVE IT.

Melissa on Apr 23, 2008

1148

Hi, This ending would have worked out better, thats for sure. I certainly like it compared to the one that they actually released. The reason that Warners chose this is , in fact, that they regard people as their inferiors and that's where they are wrong. Ok, this film was good at the box office, however, as it is said, it could do so much better with this ending. The real feedback does not come from the people who would prefer a superficial, simple ending.

Hale S. on Apr 23, 2008

1149

Geez! you talked as it if it was Christ second coming! please! there's one bad ending, one good, period. Fact is nobody in US can cope with the first one.AHAHAH!

BigDave on Apr 23, 2008

1150

I don't understand this... Why Robert Neville didn't save the vampires? It was his mission! In the film, he saw that the vampires were not humans, so: how can they love? this final have not logic, but open a door to de second part of de film. no, musted find a solution, and when he found it, he destroy it

Charles on Apr 23, 2008

1151

Loved the original ending. I didn't read the book, but in the movie they were zombies/vampires akin to something like those in Resident Evil. Their lives might have been lived "as alternative ways of being human," that is not who the zombies/vampires were in the movie. The movie does not give any sense of their humanity except in the barest forms. The focus is on Neville and his valiant attempt to restore them to the humanity. Cheesy--a bit--but that is the story line. The original ending emphasizes his willingness to sacrifice himself for the good of others. (A bit schmaltzy? Yes--but that is the story.) It fit the story as given in the movie... On another note, the most interesting thing about the movie to me was the ethical issues raised by the intentional mutation of the measles (?) virus for good purposes. The law of unintended consequences is one that we rarely consider. Instead, we continue to assume that all medical advances are good, despite evidence to the contrary. Even today, there is news that the latest rash of stop-smoking pills have lead to depression and suicide.

Miles on Apr 23, 2008

1152

Um I like the other one better...

matt on Apr 23, 2008

1153

This was a much better ending, much more satisfying.

Amy on Apr 23, 2008

1154

Well, for me both endings were dissapointing. Both endings are in the benefit of the humans. In the book he's the legend because he killed all the vampires. They feared him. And in the book there were two stages of infected. You had the vampires that acted like zombies and then you had the vampires who contained the dissease. They still had human behaviour. The still human vampires executed him in the book in front of all vampires, so they could see their thread was no more and that made the vampires the new population of earth... That ending was so cool and sinister. They just had to stick to the book. Then the movie would have been realy good.

Jonnie Hup on Apr 23, 2008

1155

All you people want is a living hero so there can be sparkling rainbows and beautiful creatures doing ballet on ice. Hence constantly reprimanding those whom say such rather than giving legitimate reasons. THEATRICAL ENDING ALL THE WAY.

Awesome Mc Awesome on Apr 23, 2008

1156

Thanks for sharing this alternative ending. I was almost thinking of buying the DVD just to see it! I think it works better, in a way, but I guess with the theatrical ending WB decided to kill off Robert so he could become more of a 'Legend'. I now want to read the book! Supposedly its what inspired many zombie movies namely Night of the Living Dead. I had a quick look at the first version of the movie with Vincent Price. Ive seen the trailer for Omega Man starring Charlton Heston (RIP). But none of these films were as 'scary7 in terms of the dark seekers, as this latest movie version! Although making them entirely CG actually ruined it for me. I would have preferred live actors. I guess they were trying to stay away from looking like other zombie movies. Thanks anyway.

Russell on Apr 23, 2008

1157

Hi. I just saw the movie for the first time on DVD. The book...has always been a fav of mine. I am Legend...the short story has always been to me one of those classic pieces that stands the test of time. It has influenced so many authors out there...and should have been made into a movie that kept the story line of the book intact. But what happends is what happens with most great fiction...with most great stories. Its made into what "hollywood" things the people will enjoy...rather then what is true. What i am legend talks about is the human condition...it talks about what is right and wrong about society, and who makes up the rules of society. This movie relied so much of special effects...and not enough on the basic story in the book. While i agree the ending you have shown here on this site IS better....im sorry. very sorry but it still pissed me off to no end that hollywood yet again killed yet another great piece of work like i am legend. Why cant they just take the book and leave it at that? All i know is....im just glad i didnt pay to see this piece of crap at the movies...

jason beckstead on Apr 23, 2008

1158

After missing the movie while it was in theatres, And almost getting the 1-Disc DVD today, I am so glad I got the 2-Disc! It's so much more satusfying! In the original ending, his death seems so unneeded, so unbelievable. The second ending also explains why the Infected came out in the daylight when Robert captured the female. So much better!

Tom C on Apr 24, 2008

1159

I though the original ending when watching the film in thearters was ok kinda let the film down but i heard rumors the films budget was cut half way through filming so maybe thats why. Overall though the Dvd's alternative ending was far superior to the thearitical version it really captures the Darkseekers humanity with Nevilie finally understanding that he has been the monster (legend) almost like a serial killer or sick scientist performing his experiments with his victims photos litering the wall of his labatory. After seeing it really feel WB bottled it and let us down. Really glad i got the DvD though i can always watch it now with the alternative ending and forget the theartical one ever existed. For those who want to know the Dvd comes with 2 dics first disc has the theartical version with original ending along with 4 short comins second disc has the Dvd version (almost the same apart from some new scenes and alternative ending) with some special features, a documentary on viruses and expedemics by some experts and a digital copy of the film to put onto your computer. Anyway overall though I'am Legend was one of the best films of 2007

Brad on Apr 24, 2008

1160

There was a lot more emotional depth and underlying meaning to this ending! I feel if I had seen this ending instead, I would've felt the whole movie was that much better (I already LOVED it, but, this ending was PERFECT!) I totally agree, this ending is a thousand times better. And that's saying something.

Max on Apr 24, 2008

1161

I never saw the movie in cinemas, I just heard so much about it from my friends. I knew nothing about the book either but I was influenced to buy the Dvd just so I could boast about it. I only got the one disc version so I had the theatrical version with the original ending. I watched the whole thing and I even liked the ending, by the time the whole film was finishe I thought nothing less than perfect. But then words got around my school about an alternative ending, so I had to see it. That led me to this website, and I must say the the alternative ending was even better than the one shown in cinemas. If they had have shown that in the original film then it would have been nothing less than epic.

Dale S on Apr 25, 2008

1162

I did not see I am Legend in the theaters, nor have i head the book, but this ending fit the story much better - while there is a definite sense of fear that the vampires elicit throughout the film, storming on Neville's house made much more sense in the context of coming after the girl. That's what I believed was going to happen from the time the vampires caught Neville in the harness, so to watch the "original" ending and the apparent sole desire to kill Neville did not fit. Originally i was disappointed in the film because i thought it lacked so much in the ending - my whole opinion has been reversed after watching this version.

alex on Apr 25, 2008

1163

Wow this movie sucked to be honest, both endings were terrible. Thats 2 hours of my life i will never get back =P

Mike Hunt on Apr 25, 2008

1164

I think that both endings are sad and agonizing, but maybe the first ending, that was chosen by Lawrence, is the best because Will Smith doesen't lose his time to find the antidote for nothing as in the second ending.

Giovanni on Apr 26, 2008

1165

First off, i like what number 5 said. I like how he mentioned that the vampires jumped into the sunlight because that was the only thing connecting them to humanity. Nicely put. But, in response to this video. I disagree with this ending. Yea it might have "looked cool" or gave you "chills." But the one used in theaters had a bigger impact. People don't become legends usually until they die. I believe he needed to die. People have this mixed up idea that the main character has to live in order for a movie to be good. I think it's better that he died. The movie would have been a lot better if they stuck with the book's idea, but do you know how hard that would be to explain in a movie. And, on top of that, do you know how many people would not get it. American society doesn't go after good movies like that. They go after what everyone wants to see, that's why I was actually suprised that they killed off the main character. It makes the movie unique. It's not like your watching run of the mill movie where everything goes to crap, but some how the main character still lives. I do like how they explained the main vampires affection towards the girl, but I could piece that together in the movie. So in closing, if you believe that this alternate ending was better, then you don't know a good movie when it hits you in the face. The alternate was poorly put together, and I actually think WB put more thought into the ending used in theaters. Oh an for #1162, if you hated the movie so bad, and you say that it wasted 2hrs of your life, why are you wasting more of your time on this website. Go watch Beerfest, b/c i bet you only like movies like that.

Dustin on Apr 26, 2008

1166

The alternate ending was good, however after seeing the origional ending first i found the alternate ending made the film much less powerful. i have not read the book which might have affected my view.

matt on Apr 26, 2008

1167

Yeah, obviously this was the ending that was originally planned. Otherwise, the entire movie they made was moot (why that one vampire kept chasing him, the "nothing human left in them" speech, etc.). Someone needs to get fired for allowing them to send the movie out with that other bullshit ending. That being said, I still don't prefer it to the book ending, which would have truely been breathtaking to watch, but instead, we got the Will Smith-a-fied version of the story and they couldn't give us that ending because they didn't stay true to what was so important about the story (the mystery behind the virus and the changes Neville makes throughout the book). Anyway, I'm ranting. Long story short: Didn't like the movie that much. I like Will Smith, but I don't like the all-consuming-source-material-changing force that comes with Will Smith (I, Robot, anybody?) That being said, this ending was better than the original, but that's like making me pick between a frozen dick-on-a-stick and a tub of ass cream. I don't want either, but if I had to choose . . .

Chris on Apr 26, 2008

1168

As the dominant force on this planet that exercises that dominance through military technology based on a scientific lead, the last thing the American dream wants to hear about is a superior civilisation that treats them the way they currently treat their 'lessers', be they human or other species. Clearly, the vampires here were superior in terms of strength, as the computer in I Robot was in terms of logic and intellect. In each case Hollywood repeats the comforting message to the the American people: whatever comes along, there will be a hero to combat it and restore your comfortable, be it destructive and ultimately unsustainable, way of life. The brilliance of the filming and acting in films like this is in painful contrast with the cowardice when it comes to using the medium to confront humanity with reality, rather than providing them with yet another conforting but dangerous illusion.

Daniel on Apr 27, 2008

1169

I thought that "humanizing" the darkseekers did not fit in with the story line. In 3 years the darkseekers have appearantly never displayed any thought processes any more complex than to avoid the light, but suddenly can replicate traps, utilizing the mannequin as a lure, proving that they understand the advanced concepts of loneliness and some basic mechanical skills. Why then, had they not built themselves (or just took one from a store) a big beach umbrella type thing so they could move around during the day. Now zombies can fall in love. OK then, heres my alt ending Captured zombie girl requires repeated doses of serum to effect her cure. Neville finds making the serum quite easy, and has stockpiled massive amounts. As she gradually gets better, she realizes that Neville is not the enemy, the sickness is, and allows him to medicate her. Shes not able to communicate well, and is still dangerous, but seems to know Neville is trying to help, and pleased with her own progress when she happens to see her reflection in a surgical tray, she knows shes getting better. Fred and his homies break in, cornering Neville, Anna, and Ethan.Unseen by the zombies, Anna and Ethan hide in the furnace. Neville prepares to make his last stand.Zombies closing in. Zombie girl fights to escape her chains, but from the look in her eyes, and the way shes struggling, it seems like she wants to save Neville. She can't escape her chains, because shes not a full on zombie anymore, she isn't as strong, and watches as Neville, her only hope (?) at returning to the living, is torn to shreds by her BF. Zombies reunite with the captive zombie girl and free her. As zombies are seen leaving the lab, zombie girl hesitates and picks up Nevilles little case containing serum and syringes. Anna and Ethan make it to to the check point with serum. Happy music and credits. As camera does a very long zoom out up into the sky, looking down on the check point, two birds fly past, just as scene fades, one bird attacks the other and screeches his little zombie bird screech. I haven't read the book yet, but will. Loved the movie, liked the theatrical ending better. Big Willie, you rock!! Alice Braga, your HOT!! Some one get Maxim magazine on the phone, I'll buy the iss with Alice in it.

Michael on Apr 27, 2008

1170

just watched the dvd and didnt like the ending at all, i quessed that 'guy' was looking for his girlfriend so im so glad i was able to see the alternative ending, that would have been so much better and the ending i was expecting, cool, thanks for putting it on here

jackie on Apr 27, 2008

1171

I thought this ending was much better than the theatrical one shown in cinemas across the world, such a moving piece of filming when he comes into contact with the lead vampire. WB, you got it wrong.

Matthew on Apr 27, 2008

1172

i think the ending shown in theatres was much better than the alternate, i think the alternate wasnt very realistic and would have changed the entire plot of the movie. there are key parts in this movie that would have been much different and then the hole storyline would have been screwed up. like how he says in the movie the virus has changed the humans enough that they dont show human actions anymore. if this ending was shown in theatres all the scary characters would have lost their effect on the viewers and then changed the opinions of the people. i believe this movie was better in its original form. i dont care how it changed from the book to the movie. i believe even the book would have been better with this ending!

Tony on Apr 27, 2008

1173

I don't like this ending. It was like Jack and Ross live happilly ever after in the Titanic. -_- dull. who cares if the movie follow the book or not? The idea of virus infected monster killing people is not an original idea at all. The movie is ok only.. not really GREAT either with the alternate ending or not. I still wonder how can Anna and the kid survive out there for like 3 years??? How can Anna save Nerville? They were right in front of the monster's hive rite? There were hundreds of monsters there... The monsters were so aggressive! Anna can confront them with just the Jeep front light and some short guns? She still have to take care of a kid and drag the semi conscious Nerville out of his wreaks jeep? wow.. she is the real man in this movie i guess. -_- And... the virus only infect humans and dogs? What about lions? deers? monkeys? hmm...

Jason on Apr 27, 2008

1174

Not until I read this article did i know there was a book. I had seen the movie and then found out about the alternative ending and rented it again. To my disappointment, there was no alternative ending on the rental, so I sought it out on the world wide web and found it here. I have to say I like the director's choice. I interpreted it to mean that He was the legend because he did in fact save the human race, and gave his life to do it. He found the cure and died to make sure it got out safe. I realized that the head vampire was the one who came out into the light, but it's one of those things I picked up on the second time through, like all the references to butterflies. Now that I'm slightly off topic, I'll end by saying again, that the ending chosen for the theater was the right choice. If he went outside they would have killed him, and if they didn't, he wouldn't have had to leave the city (over a bridge that would have been blown up mind you) because they would have known he had a cure. Good job director.

Brian on Apr 28, 2008

1175

This alternative ending makes a lot more sense - showing the payoff of the intelligent and premeditative nature of the infected people - than the theatrical ending that just made the infected people seem like monsters who pick on Neville because they're angry and want food. The only thing about the alternative ending that bugged me was the fact that Neville, Anna, and Ethan drive over a bridge, presumably from Manhattan. Weren't the bridges all blown up? I assume that if the alternative ending was made the official ending of the movie, the powers that be would have re-edited and re-cut the movie to show the bridges not being blown up...?

Christie on Apr 28, 2008

1176

I recently watched Both versions of I Am Legend on DVD . Seeing it in the theatre it was instantly one of the best of 2007 . But after watching the Alternate theatrical release with the above mentioned alternate ending , it left me puzzled . I was very disapointed to find a lack of a directors commentary . Why go in the direction that was chosen for the theatrical release ? The alternate version just made so much more sense .

Roland on Apr 29, 2008

1177

I have seen 28 Days Later, and while I like it, I think it is a totally different concept than I Am Legend. Having not read either of the books, I don't know the original storylines. However, I was very touched by the original ending shown here. I also believe it should have played out this way, but I also think they should have made their getaway on a boat to make it a bit more believable to the rest of the theatrical cut. In either case, thank you for sharing this with me. I thought I Am Legend had drawn all the tears it could from my eyes until I saw this. How truly touching! And it is believable, because they made it clear that the infected still had high intelligence. That and the fact that they are living (not zombies, like those in 28 Days Later) would certainly make it understandable that they could still love. Thanks again. 🙂

Kristi on Apr 29, 2008

1178

Eh, that ending is stupid. I understand that it may be how the book ended, in which case, they should have not billed the movie as a "film version of the book." That usually fails anyway. Hollywood is famous for changing books to make block-buster films. But if the argument is "WAS THAT A BETTER ENDING FOR THIS FILM" . . . hell no. It's totally wrong. Taking the premise of the film on its own merit (not as a "version of the book," which has to fail because they apparently changed it so much) . . . as an ending for the film, it's foolish. A carnivorous race of rabid killer humans, and the alpha male is angry because his girlfriend got stolen? Come on. Again, I didn't read the book, so I'm not answering for whether or not the film LIVED UP TO THE BOOK, but the premise of the film is that billions of innocent people either lost their lives from a gruesome virus, or they got EATEN alive by the mutants of that same virus. The character of Dr. Neville is thereby positioned as hero, not hunter. IN THE FILM, Neville is not out hunting them like a vampire. He's out in the daytime foraging for supplies, and looking for other survivors. He carries a weapon in self-defense only. At one point, he has a clear kill-shot on the alpha male and does not take it. He is a doctor trying to cure the victims of the virus, and only takes their lives 1. in defense of his own, or 2. in a testing environment trying to find a cure for the virus. So was that a better ending for the book? Probably, based on what everyone is saying. But is it an appropriate ending for the film? Of course not. It's a stupid and inappropriate ending for the way the film was carried out. If you like the book better, then stick up for the book, but don't defy logic and try to apply a totally inappropriate ending for what the film was turned into, whether you like it or not. Sorry 🙂

Lupo Tazler on Apr 30, 2008

1179

I really just have to echo what Lupo Tazler said. If you think of the movie as a completely different entity from the book then the theatrical ending is better by far. It makes a bolder statement about smiths character and gives the viewer hope that everything is going to be okay. This ending may be closer to the book and makes the monsters seem more human but the entire film up to that point portrayed the monsters as emotionless beasts and this sudden change in character would not work well in the movie. So this ending would have been better if the film was more closely based on the book but as it was not the origional is the better ending

liam on Apr 30, 2008

1180

Ok Liam and Lupo do make a valid point. To fit the entire screenplay, the ending that was used in the theatrical version was much more fitting. The infected were portrayed as rabid, starving and relentless. The ending shown here does seem a bit "hokey" in that sense. And even if the alpha male took his girlfriend back from Neville's lab, I still do not believe that Neville would have gotten out alive. If they were truly starving and rabid with little to no human characteristics, they would have taken him down anyway. I still do like the ending shown here, but as said, it fits better w/ the book then the film.

Kristi on Apr 30, 2008

1181

Kristi, While I respect your point, I do not agree. The original ending was too rushed and sudden. This one had intensity, feeling, and power. THAT is an ending.

Dave on May 1, 2008

1182

I think the Alt ending is much better.

Greg on May 1, 2008

1183

Already posted my opinion but Just seen the DvD creating i'am legend on my computer about (50mins long) and one thing i noticed while watching the documentary was how many seens were edited out of the film. There isn't any specific delected scenes section on the dvd but when you watch the on set filming and locations it is really apparant. Supposed to be a scene at St patricks Cathedral and scenes of Robert Anna and Ethan walking around the city in numerous places which looked really symbolic specially in the empty New york and the cathedral was really spooky. Even written into the script that Ethan doesn't trust Nevile at first which ment Nevile tried to cheer Ethan up and make him laugh (explains the shrek scene) and probably why Ethan doens't talk much. Such as shame seems like an hour was edited out probably the majority of it being cut from when Anna and Ethan showed up. One fo the main complaints i have heard from people i know is that there wasn't much character development for Anna and Ethan and that they just popped up out of now where so really seems a shame that these scenes were edited out. Another complaint i felt was that the film seemed to miss things (again edited out scenes) and that the time between Nevile being Rescued and the darkseekers raiding his house was to short. Enjoyed the film in threaters and enjoyed it even more with Alternative ending yet the film with the edited out scenes included would of been amazing. To bad Holywood scwered it up could of been a great film yet still a good film at that. Asks some really important questions i mean are we as humans really morally right or are we really the 'bads guys' after all?

Brad on May 1, 2008

1184

I'd love to see that, I will look out for it. But I still come back to the simple fact that this thread goes on and on and on arguing about a film that just doesn't exist. You're all arguing about a film that you wish had gotten made, not the film that WAS made. I'm sure there are some amazing scenes that were cut that would have made the movie much different. But that happens on every film. It's called the editing process. And when the editing process is done, there's your film. If other scenes would have been left in, yes, it would have obviously been a different film. But they weren't. So it's not. Every great film (or bad film, for that matter) has left tons of content on the "editing room floor." That's just part of the process. And the characters and the character development and narrative that gets left in becomes the movie that yo usee. Everything that "could have been" or "should have been" is not a part of this movie. I understand that some people think that ending was more evocative, and deeper, and more interesting, but it just didn't fit the film that was made. Not the film with potential deleted scenes, or the film that should have been but was not more like the book . . . but the film that was made and delivered. It would be like me saying "Man it would have been so much more amazing if Michael Corleone came out of that bathroom with a KNIFE instead of a gun, and, before he killed the cop and the other Mafia dude, he should have said "THIS." Well, he didn't. That didn't happen. That wasn't the film. The film is what you saw. So maybe you think that ending was deeper and more meaningful and showed a side of the dark-seekers that you wanted to see, etc., etc. . . but it just didn't fit the film AS IT WAS MADE. You could have a favorite color hat that you love more than any other hat you own. But there are some outfits it probably doesn't look good with. If it doesn't fit with the whole ensemble, then it's not the right hat, no matter how much you love it.

Lupo Tazler on May 1, 2008

1185

I think what you say is really intresting Lupo Tazler and has actually made me think about it in even more detail. I accept that this is the film we see today in it's edited form i was simplying expressing my opinion that i felt the film could of been better in regards to alaternative ending and the edited scenes and that it was a shame not to have them. But thats my opinion you might disagree with that and thats fine. What i was trying to get at and hopefully it will come across more so in this post is that i feel we live in a post modern society and that we have and should have more choice. You may like the Theartical version of the film i might like the alternative version some like me might feel the film would of been better with the deleted scenes that were missing, admittedly it's not practical to release three versions of a film in cinemas the marketting would be horrible. But the great thing about DvD is the director can add in things that were never put in the film and therefore i think we should have more choice. I beleive it would of been a good decision to allow us as consumers to view the scenes we never got to see even though they wern't included in the theartical release this denied us that choice of making that judgement of deciding whether we thought they would fit the film which is frustrating to say the least and abit of a let down although the film in it's existing format was still a good film in it's own regards.

Brad on May 1, 2008

1186

I think you're right on there. My sense is that most of the frustration from people posting here is that the book created an amazingly intricate fabric of characters and narrative grey areas, which is why we love these kinds of sci-fi yet still human stories . . . and then Hollywood comes along and shreds it to make their in-the-can version. I do really like that film (and didn't read the book). This is really the reason I don't ever go to see film versions of my favorite books. I'm so tempted to see the images brought to life, but it's painful to see what Hollywood does to a very intense and deeply thought-provoking story. Maybe DVD versions will become more like those interactive kids' stories where you make decisions and determine the ending. I guess they could accomplish this by just keeping the cut-out content and letting viewers piece together an alternate version than what appeared on the big screen. I'm sure it would sell a lot of DVDs, which is how they'd have to justify it. Make that a few bucks more than just the regular DVD . . . I think most people would buy those versions exclusively, just out of curiosity.

Lupo Tazler on May 1, 2008

1187

"Maybe DVD versions will become more like those interactive kids' stories where you make decisions and determine the ending. I guess they could accomplish this by just keeping the cut-out content and letting viewers piece together an alternate version than what appeared on the big screen. I'm sure it would sell a lot of DVDs, which is how they'd have to justify it. Make that a few bucks more than just the regular DVD . . . I think most people would buy those versions exclusively, just out of curiosity." Exactly Lupo Tazler i think you have hit the nail on the head. The concept is a very good one. It would allow Holywood and the film industry to appeal to mass audiences allowing us as consumers to interact and decide what version we want to see increasing profits for studios yet leaving the consumer satisfied with the product they purchased and in the form they want to see it. Much like how we can now Get information on demand and Choose what Tv Programmes we want to watch and when we want to view them.

Brad on May 1, 2008

1188

very amazing, i thought that this was a particularly interesting ending and it definitely did add a lot more realistic aspect to the movie. I didn't like it how in the cinema version we spent the entire movie looking at will smith, then suddenly with about half an hour we see another person who ends up becoming out protagonist due to neville's death - it just didn't make sense. But this version's better - it also leaves it open for a sequel!#@%!?!!!!!!

leonard tiong on May 2, 2008

1189

incredible.. definitely would have preferred the alt ending

gordon on May 2, 2008

1190

I just watched this movie last night and now have had the pleasure of seeing the alternative ending which, quite frankly, I prefer. While I cannot profess to reading the book, the alternative ending seems to be an easier swallow than the more abrupt one shown in theaters. As a matter of fact, as someone else commented, it leaves the door wide open for a sequel. I loved this movie!

JR on May 2, 2008

1191

I loved this article, and I loved the alternate ending. Does the alternate ending mean they did not take a cure up to Vermont? I saw the movie, and I did not read the book (now I think I should) but just based on the two endings I prefer the ending where Dr. neville lives. One quick question. If the 'healthy' people sealed off the island, and destroyed all the bridges... how did Alice Braga's character get to Dr. Neville, and how did they get to Vermont with no way off the island? Either ending still does not explain who rebulit the roads. Also, the critic in me won't hush until I ask, what does the woman who found the cancer cure have to do with Dr. Neville, and how did it go from sealing off the island to Dr. Neville being the last human? I think the movie should have been longer and maybe explained a little bit as to how all those infected people changed into the vampire type they are when we see them in the movie. I also think that the "butterfly concept" was supposed to represent Alice Braga's character, since they show a butterfly tattoo on her neck. Any thoughts?

Amanda on May 2, 2008

1192

this is a completely paradigm changing end that is actually much better than the abrupt, theatrical end. Kudos on this effort to show WB that they got this one wrong, and that Americans and other English cinema consumers actually DO care about real plots and thought-provoking stories than just seeing a happy (or uncomplicated) ending.

jacob on May 3, 2008

1193

wow this ending was amazing!!! the funny thing is my theory from seeing the first ending was correct and proven corect when i saw this ending.i loved the movie and so far this year it is my favorite.i wish that they would have put this ending instead of the other one though

michellee on May 3, 2008

1194

Am I the only one who didn't like the alternative ending? Granted the alternative ending touches on the real "I am legend" meaning from the book, but that's it. It doesn't work at all for the film. The infected monsters actually have feelings and are reunited, then Neville and Ana drive off happily ever after? It's too warm and fuzzy. It dismisses every thing Neville's character was striving for in the beginning of the film, "Staying in ground zero...not going to let it happen".

shona on May 3, 2008

1195

both the endings were quite kl but they should make a i am legend movie wich is the real book and no changes that would be ace

james on May 4, 2008

1196

Amanda in response to your question i think i know the answer and will try my best to explain it. Anna explains that she had been on a Redcross Boat along with Ethan and three other survivors and that when the navy began to fall apart they docked for supplies and the darkseekers killed the three other survivors. So thats how she got on the Island when she heard Neviles Broadcast she came looking for him. Regarding the bridges it's resonable to believe that not all the bridges would have been destroyed. The military may not of had time to destroy them all or may have left one intact (yet baricaded) so they could retreat or send in reinforcements or supplies or if the quarantine was lifted people could leave/enter New york again. Yet after three years with the virus the quarantine fell apart. Dr Kripplin was working on a new Cure for cancer yet when it mutated it's resonable that Nevile was assigned to find a cure after all he was a scientist in the Military. The virus became airborn and may have taken a few hours to develop symptons so people could of been infected without causing suspicion so the Military eye scanners would only detect people whos pupils were dialated leaving people getting through with the virus in it's very first phase. It's also reasonble that birds may have migrated and spread the virus as it was highly contagious and had already mutated to different Species i.e humans to Dogs you could also argue the virus infected water supply plants and water treatment plants and thefore infected water supplies. I hope this clears things up there is a great FAQ on the subject at IMDB's website.

Brad on May 4, 2008

1197

Way way way better. This is the ending that should have been.

John on May 5, 2008

1198

Original ending is fine. If Neville doesn't experiment on these "monsters" he cannot "fix" them. He is not a monster, he is trying to find a cure, and in fact has "cured" the leader's "girlfriend." Unfortunate that some monsters have to die, but isn't better that 15-30 died and he finds a cure than if he did not bother and they are never healed? Neville is not a monster, only a moron would feel differently in my opinion. Also, the island was sealed off, no bridges, how does anyone drive a car off Manhattan?

Paul on May 6, 2008

1199

Paul the things is though the darkseekers didn't want to be cured so what right did Nevile have in experimenting on them? They had created a new order and society and had moved on whereas Nevile was still stuck in the past on borderline insanity and was killing them for his 'cure'.

Brad on May 7, 2008

1200

I just saw the movie - finally - and I wish they had left the original ending! It was so much better, although I do agree that the emotional impact of Neville dying does make you remember the movie. It also showed how the impact of losing Sam, the dog, unraveled him. He had nothing left to live for so blowing himself up to save the "family" he had, when he couldn't save his own family is poetic. I am going to read the book though so thanks for doing this and I really liked the alternate ending!

Thea on May 7, 2008

1201

I would have to agree with the 90%+ people who have left comments here. This is a MUCH better ending than the one in the movie. Thanks, Alex!

Dan on May 8, 2008

1202

You really have to read the book to truely understand the title of the book and what the theatrical i am legend did was totally trick people into thinking that him finding a cure for his legend. this is wrong, this guy has it, he is the legend, not his work. i like the Alternate ending better because that's what the expell. He is the legend. on a little side note, i hate how they made the WB ending all about god and christianity. "How do you know this town even exist." - "God Told me" and then he says some stupid shit about how he believe in god again and blah blah blah... watch the ending movie and see if you catch that. it's a bunch of bullshit, the original story had nothing to do with god or christianity, except with explaning the reason the crosses work against the Vampires. shit, i'm a christian and i think it's BS.

Chaz Lane on May 8, 2008

1203

Neville borrows his life-motto from Bob Marley's mission in life: to "Light up the Darkness." He wants to be as dedicated as Marley in bringing good, or light, into the world. One obvious spiritual theme in I Am Legend is Light vs. Darkness. Will Smith has made a personal commitment to his grandmother, and too his audience to "hold it down" as far as what films he does, what energy he sends out. In other words, he will only take on positive material, with positive messages. He proves to the world that he can still be a millionare, and still be successful, without "selling out " his beliefs or his faith. Never have I seen a horror movie that made me feel good or inspired at the end. Good job Will... "keep on holding it down" "keep lighting up that darkness"

" Light up the Darkness " on May 8, 2008

1204

I haven't read others comments, so I apologize if I'm repeating this thought... I wouldn't be surprised if this ending was held from the theatre's movie for a good reason. The "studio" would be right in believing that ANY ending will be OK as long as it stars Will Smith and has a scifi storyline! Plus this way, you in the media, will talk up this "much better" DVD ending so much, that it can actually cause many more DVD sales, even from those that saw it already at the theatre! Usually extra DVD clips are unimportant bits, but not THIS time... (perhaps by savvy design??)

MTheory on May 9, 2008

1205

I personally like the original ending more in the movie, and especially for a movie. The self-sacrifice was more elegant and personal. The end narration was more powerful. I like the alternate ending to a degree, but it just wasn’t as… mm let’s see… rich as the theatrical ending, at least in a movie-sense. The original ending would have been a disappointment to many movie lovers, I believe. It wouldn’t sit so heavily on them. I say that because many movie lovers that I know don’t read and don’t strain their heads with the deeper level thoughts. I gave up on reading a book and then seeing a movie or vise-versa. I hold both works as two separate things now because they were made, in a sense, by two different people with different ideas in most cases. So, I never judge a movie by a book. I may like one over the other, but it has more to do with the execution of the story. If both are wonderful, then fine. If one is horrible and the other isn't, fine. But I do not put them into relation any longer because the disappointment is not worth it. Never go into a movie based on a book and expect to live up to what you read in its purest form. Accept both as art forms in their own rights and judge them against their own categories. Books against books and movies against movies.

Sarah on May 9, 2008

1206

I'm not sure about this alternate ending - it still wasn't true to the book but the hollywood ending was more 'satisfying'. I supposed that's why they have released the DVD with both endings. If they wanted to do it properly, they should not have introduced that irish woman as a survivor - she should have been a vampire, and WS should have been executed as the 'serial killer'. 28 days and later are more of a 'living dead' type of flicks. I liked Legend because of the way WS had to survive on his own - they should have kept it that way, with no other survivors. They should have kept the dog alive somehow - it was too predictable. The shadows creeping up with the night dogs towards WS during that scene when he got trapped, was my favourite, on-the-edge, part of the movie. The vampires were not that scary looking. Some bits of the CGI looked like the fake i-robot robots getting thrown around by vehicles - looked like a video game.

Jess on May 10, 2008

1207

I didn't like the alternate ending. It was too predictable. You knew he took the leader's girlfriend when the guy burned himself in sunlight. And it was very silly that the zombies didn't kill Will Smith for all the killing he has done to their kind, and for kidnapping the girl. If I was a crazy zombie and someone stole my girl to experiement on her... I would not be so nice to the kidnapper when I finally confronted him. Don't you agree? It was just all too corny for me. The theatrical version was much better. Who cares if it doesn't jive with the book. It's a movie... deal with it. If you like the story that the book tells, go read it again. Over.

frorule on May 10, 2008

1208

When I finally saw I Am Legend I completely dismissed it because of the ending. Will Smith was very, very good, but the ending was so terrible that it didn't matter. Now that I've seen this alternate ending, my view of the movie is completely different. This IS how it should have ended!

Loupis on May 10, 2008

1209

The Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridges were blown up. Both bridges span from Manhattan to Brooklyn. The bridge the drove over in the end was the George Washington Bridge spanning across to New Jersey.

Jennifer on May 11, 2008

1210

I just saw the movie on DVD for the first time yesterday, and was disappointed with the ending much like I was with the ending of 'War of the Worlds'. Tying off a movie like those seems hard, but I liked this alternate ending because it defied Neville's logic that the vampires had lost all human instincts. I still think it was a bit empty and a little too much 'happily ever after', but it was a nice twist.

Andrew on May 11, 2008

1211

i liked the original ending better. its alot better then the one it had.

mary on May 11, 2008

1212

Too many comments. Too long page. And nobody has yet even mentioned photoshop 😀

John Smith on May 12, 2008

1213

I just downloaded the film but could not watch anymore as it was too scarey for me. I've missed the theatre ending but caught the one on this site which was nice. Will smith's character finally finds someone who he can relate to. Don't we all look for that one person in a sea of zombie like personalities and characters, shooting down egos and pinning resigned relationships to a dusty notice board in the back of our minds.

Lorraine Kitchin on May 12, 2008

1214

Forget that they slaughter people, these mutants deep down are just good guys. This ending is bullshit, either they're monsters or they're human, the movie can't have it both ways due to its own rules: they're monsters. The ending in theatres didn't appease me and neither does this one. It was a downward slope from the moment they introduced the woman and the child, I simply could not understand why they did that. I guess they must have been under real pressure to get a feel good, PG, hollywood ending.

Omar Samson on May 12, 2008

1215

Thank you, thank you for sharing. I bought and read the book and still haven't found most of the answers to my many questions until now. We all agree the girl and the "pet" boy have no place in the film, serve no purpose, and only take away from the "Castaway"-like intrigue and courage of filming a solo man in the midst of "Monsterville", which is the concept that brought everyone to the theaters in the first place. If only this ending would've been him driving alone into the unknown territory with endless potential (a la the original Terminator) since he has no more bonds or ties to anyone, and the city is "occupied." The movie already forshadowed this ending (when he captured the girl as mentioned by comment #5), which is part of the reason for all of our postings. Something was wrong, and we sensed a last-minute add-on. Shame on them , and good on us. This "original"ending has a little "Alien" feel to it, but is far more fresh, true to the title , and would've brought an ironic "Sixth-Sense" appeal resulting in far more revenue, acclaim, and potential for continuing storylines.

Syd Molenkamp on May 12, 2008

1216

This is a MUCH better ending. I thought all along that the male vampire was trying to get his female back, so the theatrical ending left me missing something. The sappy happy we-have-a-survivor-camp ending was too contrived. Yuck.

Heather on May 13, 2008

1217

Having seen both endings to I am Legend, read the book and seen the 2 previous films based on the book I am not sure which ending I prefer. The alternate ending is slightly closer to the book as in 'who is the real monster', but its still a long way from the book. The original ending to the film I am Legend is a better spectacle whereas the alternate ending changes your view of the vampires, and to a much lesser extent, your view of Neville. I am not a film-maker, but I suspect the I am Legend book ending would have been hard to translate effectively to screen (i.e. having the same impact as it did in the book). That said, I would love another alternate ending to the film I am Legend that is genuinely based on the book, just to see a visualisation of the meaning of 'I am Legend' as the book intended.

Hugh on May 14, 2008

1218

I didn't read the book, but I''m cought between a wedge. I liked both endings even though this one was kinda gay. Well, not gay, i guess corny would do the trick. Yeah corny. Anyway, I just think that this one needed a better ending like I think that in the real movie, it was awesome when he blew himself up and the lady gave people the cure. But in this one I like that it shows how the diseased people are really people. Not just nasty looking monsters. But all in all, I wouldn't give a crap which one they put in the theaters. 'Cause, come on, we all know Hollywood.

Ashley on May 14, 2008

1219

Re. all the 'how did they manage to drive across a bridge' points and the answers that some must have not been destroyed. Presumably some hadn't been destroyed, or the lions and deer must've just swum over from the Bronx zoo on a day trip?!

DC on May 15, 2008

1220

For the comment wayyy up there.. the bridge only blew up in "cloverfield", not this movie.

dwang on May 16, 2008

1221

to DC and Dwang. Deer can definitely swim and they're native to New York State. You don't have to go far from Manhattan to see them, that's number one. Ok, there are many small bridges that connect Manhattan to the Bronx, and that would explain the African lions, but Surely it wasn't in just Cloverfield that the Bridge blew up. If you really saw the movie, when Will Smith and his family were evacuating Manhattan they said that they were sealing off the island. You then saw the bombers fly over and blow up the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. When they said they were sealing off the island and then blew up two bridges connecting the island to Long Island, you would have to assume that they also blew up the bridges connecting the island to mainland North America. It helps to know the geography of New York. Although there aren't any lions there (at least not the last time I was there), there is a zoo in Central Park. About twenty years or so ago a polar bear ate a boy from Harlem. Just a little extra info I suppose. Don't climb in the polar bear exhibit.

Brian on May 16, 2008

1222

Half the movie was very good. Which is the beginning with Neville roaming the streets of New York alone. Then the mutants appeared. What a disppointment. The CGI is crap. They look fake. And as with the novel, they should have been vampires, not mutants. Also the mutants were like animals, no thought and no intelligence. In the book and also 'The Omega Man', they taunted Neville every night. And who is the idiot who liked the alternate ending. That ending doesn't say anything about the title. He has to die, that is the whole point. And even his death was a bit weak. When I heard this was coming out and they were going to use the true title of the book, I thought there would be as close as one could get to the book of which is superior. This was a clear exhibit to compete with the far superior movies, 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later. Well, it didn't work.

Mick on May 16, 2008

1223

1224

lotsofcomments on May 17, 2008

1224

I honestly didn't have that much of a problem with the general premise of the original ending (although I should note that I have not read the book), except for the idea of Neville killing himself. I felt like seeing the butterfly should have brought hope back into his life, allowing him to continue living, rather than sacrificing himself. Additionally, he could feasibly (within the logic of the story) have used the grenade to kill the invading infected without dying himself. That said, I think that the "alternate" ending was still superior. I feel like the entire film was building the image of the infected (sorry if I sound like I'm talking about 28 Days Later, but I don't want to call them "dark seekers," and in this adaptation they weren't really vampires) as "human," and that nothing ever happened with that line of development in the theatrical ending. Additionally, this ending did a lot more with that sense of hope he gained from meeting Anna & seeing the image of the butterfly. The one thing that I didn't really like about this ending is that it really didn't tie in the title of the film. Of course, the intended meaning of the title of the novel was doomed to remain unspoken from the moment the first infected person appeared on screen. Meanwhile, the theatrical ending came up with a rather corny interpretation of the title that was severely lacking in depth. Unfortunately, this ending, in choosing the middle ground between these other two endings, finds itself without any ability to use the title, which is really unfortunate. Additionally, one personal problem I had with the film: the fact that the kid's lack of speech was never addressed. I think that it could have been an interesting point to add into the mix that would have lent some complexity to those characters that were thrown in in the middle of the film, but, without explanation, it just ended up seeming pointless and silly. For example, I could have definitely seen Neville, in his argument with Anna about God, saying something like "If there's a God, how could he let a kid see such horrible shit that he can't even talk anymore!?" Sorry, that was just bugging me.

power1990 on May 18, 2008

1225

yeah thats a much better ending, i dont think they used it cause they wanted a 'happy human winning ending' and well the theatre ending was a bit to religious for me

arkz on May 18, 2008

1226

I quote the very first comment. "When I saw it in the theater, the last 10 minutes ruined the movie for me. I thought the ending was too abrupt and did not touch at all on the original concept of the book. This ending was fantastic. I especially like how Smith glances at his wall of photos and realizes that he must appear to be some sort of serial killer, with photos of his "kills" displayed on his wall. Very cool."

seth on May 18, 2008

1227

Usually, I hate alternate endings. I admit it, I like to watch a movie, see the end, and feel fulfilled. But this- this was amazing. I acutally felt better about the movie after this- thanks to whoever posted it. I really didnt understand the concept at all of how smith was a legend- but now i get it totally. Oh yeah, Neville can build a bridge at the speed of light! its amazing!

Meg on May 18, 2008

1228

Good movie... both good endings... Too bad there's what Hollywood considers good, and what regular people think is good... 'layman' movie goers eh? It's all relative I guess.

Matt S(#2) on May 18, 2008

1229

Noo, don't you think this alternate ending, although VERY breathtaking indeed was a little bit too much? I say this because there really is no way that he could get into that close of contact with the infected without them attacking him & Anna & Ethan, (realistically). True, it would have been nice for a main character to come out alive but not that way. There is no way that (realistically) the infected would leave Neville to be alive after taking the infected girl & doing multiple experiments on her. Also, do you think that knowing he found a cure he would want to leave? If anything, it would cause a whole nother part 2 with how he would take the survivors back to NY to try to get the infected, treat them, etc. In a way, Neville went a little psycho because he did think he was alone, do you think he would change his sanity just like that? I don't think so. I do believe WB chose the right ending, even though it was SOO obvious that he, indeed "was a legend" they should have had Anna say something else. There are a few other things I would have changed like how Anna &Ethan got out alive & what happened after Neville blew everything up. but still, it was a lot better ending than that shiznit ^. but nonetheless, the most amazing movie ever! It makes you think about the future, & what's going to happen when someone does find a cure for cancer? Are we gonna take it? haha

Chase Borke on May 18, 2008

1230

i loved the film and thought Will Smith was great, but I did not like the original ending I much prefer the alternate ending!!!!

sandra smith on May 19, 2008

1231

This ending was pretty good. It brings a nice change I suppose, but either way both endings are dishonest of the books story and message. While I enjoyed the film for the most part, my biggest complaint was the "vampires." Yes, I specualte as to their nature because they seemed like dumb, jacked out, sick people rather than the vampires from the novel. In the book they are intelligent, they have a mission (i.e. kill Neville), and they are VAMPIRES!!! Fangs, blood lust, aversions to crosses and garlic, and they slept like vampires even. Even the Omega Man, which has its own flaws, gets some of these things somewhat accurate. The vampire virus is not the byproduct of a cure for cancer, but is an ancient virus that is mutated by biowarfare in the book. This movie could have been better. What would have been cool to see was the original Mark Protosovich (google it) screenplay on the screen. His story had the vampires attacking Neville's house, they were intelligent and pure evil, and they were vampires!!!

Cory Dupont on May 19, 2008

1232

This is getting ridiculous. It's not the book. It's not supposed to be like the book. It's not a FILM VERSION OF THE BOOK. It's a film . . . BASED on the book. It didn't have the same ending as the book because it's not the book. The characters were not the same as the book, because it's not the book. Get over the book. Set the book down. Walk away from the book. It's not the book. The film's ending was suitable for the film . . . NOT THE BOOK. The book's ending was suitable for the BOOK. This is not the book. GET IT? Can someone please close this thread? Good lord.

Lupo Tazler on May 19, 2008

1233

the alternative ending did give the movie a more unified and fulfilling conclusion, because the cinema cut ending finished too abruptly. however the movie became to lovely-dovey, rather than scare you pants off, while having specular cinematography and being stylish. the mutant humans need to be scarier.

shaun on May 20, 2008

1234

I actually just rented this from netflix. I had no clue that an alternate ending even existed. I too, was intrigued by the head monsters relationship with Will Smith's character. You clearly observe the head monster risking his life (heading into the light) when his assumed female mate was taken by Neville. He even comments on this in the next scene and mentions that there doesn't appear to be any human connection left. I thought for sure he would be proven wrong on that one later in the film! That moment never came. It also was obvious to me that Neville had been living in Manhattan for quite some time, never really having any trouble with the monsters, that is, until he captured that particular female---again proving the human connection bit. Then all of a sudden he is being stalked by them and finally, them showing up at the house---hunting him. It's personal. So the ending I saw left me like......WTF? Very anti-climactic. I then came to the computer, not sure what I was looking for and found that there was an alternate ending. One that actually made more sense to me. That whole aspect of the film was left unexplored. Weird. Thanks for putting us straight!

Kelly on May 20, 2008

1235

I like this ending because I think the theatrical ending looks more cheesy than thrilling, hahaha 😀

Alanda on May 21, 2008

1236

I think this ending is more profound then the theatrical ending, and I feel that it made more sense that the "alpha zombie" would rather get the female back then kill Robert Neville - it's why he came after Dr. Neville in the first place. I thought the interaction between Dr. Neville and the Alpha Zombie was interesting, at the end it was almost like they came to an understanding. I prefer this ending to the original ending, although the movie in itself was awesome.

Jeremy on May 21, 2008

1237

I loved this movie. One of the better ones I've seen in a long time. I'm torn between the endings though. The one in the actual movie was pretty good, but this one was good too. They could have went with either ending, but I think the one in the movie was just a bit better because they have the cure, eventhough he dies, they still got the cure. Plus, the grenade scene was pretty sweet.

T on May 21, 2008

1238

I thought the movie was really let down by the original ending shown at the cinema, they didnt play on any of the characteristics shown by the shadow people. I was actually really dissapointed with the ending. I can't believe they didnt have this as the real ending its far far better!

HEJ on May 21, 2008

1239

I more prefer the theatrical ending, maybe it's due to it gives me more impressive feelings. Too much interactions between Neville and the mutated human beings in the laboratory in the 2nd ending, it only makes me feel that i am watching another Will's dramatic & heroic film which purely made by Hollywood and not a affecting one that could impress people much.

Cbs on May 22, 2008

1240

I liked this alternate ending, after having read about the original plot. However, they would have had to include even more skipped elements from the book in order to make this ending work with the newly adapted plot. If I understand, in the book the girl was actually an "evolved" creature who is used as a vice to communicate the concept of Neville being the outsider. In this adaptation, she is just another human so you're expecting to find other humans and a cure for the disease, so this ending is out of place. I think the theatre version makes sense for how the rest of the movie was written. But they would have been better to forget the idea of a cure, let the girl be an actual creature who befriends him - in fact he could have maybe had the girl he partially cured communicate to him. That would have given the audience a chance to understand the concept of him being a legend to the creatures.

Sarah on May 22, 2008

1241

I think the decision to tart up the theatrical release so it would play better in the Bible Belt was a travesty. That is to say, I hated the heavy-handed religious imagery of the theatrical ending -- the shameless mirroring of 'good' and 'evil'...culminating in the moment when Neville and his Nemesis are literally shoulder to shoulder before being consumed by fire...the idiotic 'butterfly' comment becoming a message direct from God...the opening of the survivor's door immediately revealing a church -- so this is a vast improvement that respect.

Jordan on May 22, 2008

1242

I'd just like to point out that this "Scott" figure posting in the beginning is a complete idiot, and mabye you should recognize the spiritual and philosophical value of this movie instead writing it off simply for some random details.

Erich on May 23, 2008

1243

i have yet to read the book but i thought this ending was much better. However, there is no reference in the film to these monster/vampire things having any emotion or social connections to each other what so ever. They appear to be cold blooded killers for the rest of the film with no suggestion that they have feelings and they are attacking him out of revenge or to stop him from killing more. If only the film had subtlety picked up on this and used this ending, i think it could have been much better.

Alex Fezovich on May 24, 2008

1244

i like the ending that you didn't show because the gye doesn't die so the girl and the gye can fix the problem

unzzy on May 24, 2008

1245

I hated the original ending. I thought that ending ruined the entire movie. I would have enjoyed this ending better. It just made more sense. WB should have chosen this ending and people would have enjoyed the entire movie, instead of enjoying the movie up until the last 10 min.

Jess in Lakewood on May 24, 2008

1246

Beautiful! The theater ending of this movie ruined the entire film for both of us. My sister saw it first and highly recommended it to me, but once the movie ended I was wondering what she saw in it at all. Then she showed me the alternate ending, and it completely changed the movie for me. I think this is a wonderful film and I'll probably read the book as well. The theatrical ending that WB chose presents an ok story and all, but that's it. It's really just a story. The alternate ending, however, sends so much more to the audience. I was blown away not only by the 2nd ending, but also by the fact that they could ever have chosen the other one over it!

Sisters in NJ on May 25, 2008

1247

I appricate this end much more. I shows the humanity of man and the hope of one person to give back and not destroy his WORLD, because a mistake was made. I all, who see this alternate ending can believe in the future of mankind, then why can we not now see this as the most logical answer now. We do not have to continue to comdem and hurt each other over religion, polical nonsence, provierty or greed. Will our world come to the end of this story. Thank you for providing this clip.

Kmitcsun on May 25, 2008

1248

Funny how non-religious people can't stand the religious overtones in the original ending...yet they're all too happy to embrace the idea of vampires with superhuman strength. It's really telling how quick they are to dismiss religion but embrace their personal fantasies.

Brian B. on May 25, 2008

1249

i actually thought the ending they used in the movie was better than that. in the movie he makes his video diary thing and explains how human behavior is completly fled from the infected, and the scene at the end kinda goes against all that. still, i havent read the book, so this all might be completly irrelevent

hockeyfreak on May 25, 2008

1250

The ending left it just like in the Charlton Heston "Omega Man" movie. I really prefer this alternate ending. It's a thinking man's ending... it sticks with you and you wonder... will they survive, will the creatures moderate, will "Man " survive to rebuild the world. Also, the alternate ending creates a door so that a second movie can be made, with Will Smith in the movie.

Chuck on May 26, 2008

1251

Awsome, thats pretty much all I can say, this is way more deep and where on the first ending you get the feeling that something is missing with this one the movie becomes complete somehow.. Thanks for sharing

Egitan Robles Diaz on May 26, 2008

1252

I just watched this movie on a rented DVD, so I didn't know about the original ending. I loved the first three-quarters of the movie, but the mindless-vampire/Neville-suicide ending didn't make any sense, especially given all of the clues throughout the film...the 'test subject' photos, and how supposedly infected people with 'no trace of humanity' could set such an elaborate trap for Neville. Included on my disk were the animated shorts that show plague scenarios around the word, which I highly recommend. These had more clues about the true nature of the vampires, so I knew there had to be a better explanation about why the film took such a bizarre turn. I'm glad I found this page. This ending may be slightly more 'Hollywood', but at least it ties the plot points together, and it much better explains the title. Dear Hollywood-types; films like LOTR do amazingly well for a reason...they stay true to the source material.

JD Thompson on May 27, 2008

1253

The alternate ending definitely should have been the blockbuster ending; however, Neville should have died in both endings (as well as the book) to make it fit the title -- legendary.

m on May 27, 2008

1254

Yeah, this ending was much better than the one in theaters! Its rare that I "wish" for a sequel, but had they kept the original ending, then yes, I would line up to see a sequel.

Adam on May 27, 2008

1255

the theatre ending is way better it makes more sense because he is a lgend is story (life) is a legenda nd we are his legacy if he lives then the movie is just stupid it should be called i am gay

harris paki on May 28, 2008

1256

I really enjoyed this ending and would have preferred it much more. I came online looking to see if there would be a possible part two and found a better ending, BONUS! I do agree that because of the name "I am Legend" those left alive are his legacy. However this ending brought about a human eliment as they showed feelings and reinforced why one of them attempted to come out in the light as they were once human themselves. Not to mention I would have loved to have seen Will in a sequel.

Heaven Sent on May 28, 2008

1257

Oh geat alternative ending, but on this way he doesnt end and dont got to be a legend . but all the endings are good, atleast the orgiginal everyone will still speak about.

Djurre on May 28, 2008

1258

I loved the alternate ending sooo much better than theater. When we left the theater we were disappointed in the ending. NOW I wished they would have used alternative. Just so much more visually and emotionally charged. HOW could the big bucks have soo totally missed out, was someone asleep in the cutting room?

dahlsal on May 29, 2008

1259

I completely agree that the cinema ending was incomplete, and for me the most significant part of the film was the revelation that these beasts had some humanity left. It was clear to me the second I saw the male creature follow the female that Neville caught into the sunlight exactly why he followed her like that, but in the cinema ending the only explanation given was Robert Neville's misinterpretation. The alternate ending is clearly more complete and emotional in terms of giving an understanding of the creatures' behaviour.

Heather on May 29, 2008

1260

I was disappointed in this movie when i discovered that neville was NOT the last man on the planet...it would have been cooler if he was and if he found a way to cure the vampires.

Jameson on May 30, 2008

1261

I agree entirely, that ending was much better. I was going to argue that they would need to change a lot of the movie for that part to work... but as soon as I started my arguement, I kept finding holes in it. It would have worked fairly well actually. There are rumors of a 2nd movie coming out, so hopefully they'll attempt to make up for their mistakes. (The idea that the zombie/vampires hasn't been dispelled in any way) So they might take that as an opportunity to change the creatures evolution into a more sentient feeling being.

Kyp on May 31, 2008

1262

I prefer this ending to the original!!!!

Melissa on Jun 1, 2008

1263

What is more emotionally powerful? Both of the survivors living and just giving the girl back, or him dying to save Anna and Ethan? I prefer the sacrificial ending.

Mitchell on Jun 2, 2008

1264

I agree it wouldn't have worked, but for a different reason. The 'intelligence' of the CGI creatures continually bumps up and down. At the end, we are to think that suddenly they are the Omega Man intelligent beings, whereas the beginning of the movie they are Zombie intelligence? Just doesn't float in my book.

Don on Jun 2, 2008

1265

My TWO Cents I enjoyed the movie for what it was, but it wasn't the "I AM LEGEND" anyone familiar with the novella would expect. The Vincent Price version was closer to the book. For this movie to proceed to the "blaze of glory" ending, several clues had to be discarded. That trap that Neville walked into, wouldn't he have recognized it? Where did the random puddle come from. What a strange place for that cab to be. How did the woman happen to be in just the right place at just the right time? If she were more like the evolved vampire in the book, her presence would have made more sense. They had to keep the vampires bestial and superhuman in the movie because it's the Hollywood way. Both endings work,but both fall apart. Would the woman and boy really have lived through that explosion in the theatrical ending? Would the head vampire (as a bestial vamp that the movie portrayed) really have been so forgiving as to not only let Neville live, but to make the other vampires let him live? The alternate ending hinted that maybe some vampires weren't totally insentient killers, but it would have taken a longer or different movie to work this out. Like I said: a decent movie, but crippled by Hollywood using the title "I AM LEGEND."

Zack on Jun 2, 2008

1266

All through the movie I waited for Will Smith to realize that he was looking for his mate. There were times when I couldn't fathom his NOT figuring it out. I sincerely wish they had stuck to the original concept of the book (despite not having read it), but this ending is still about 1000x better than the crap we got in theatres. I was pretty thouroughly pissed by the ending they did show us. It was so easy and...cowardly...to go the route they did.

Nicole on Jun 2, 2008

1267

although i didnt like either endings i think the origional cut out ending would have made less money but satisfied the people that actually like "i am legend" because it followed the book more closely with the vampires becoming intellegent. in my personal oppinion i didnt like Richard Matheson's ending either. maybe im picky about endings i dont know but i think the ending they used would have made more money because it has vampire killing and grenades in it but any way they do the ending someones not gonna be happy

nate spanier on Jun 2, 2008

1268

I loved the movie in the theatre until the ending. I was like What? That's how it ends. I was not at all happy and wondered if I wasted my $$. I would have been way more pleased with this ending. It just makes more sense. I think I would have left thinking it rocked.

Tim on Jun 3, 2008

1269

all in all it's a visually pleasing movie, but not very good. this alternate ending is much better than the one they used. If you set something up, you have to knock it down. Throughout the movie, there are hints that the vampires are not merely mindless creatures, that some humanity still exists, they embody these hints in the lead vampire character. but the ending they choose never addresses this other than with hints. it's much more satisfying to have this idea flushed out as in the alternate ending. still a more believable ending would have that aspect and Will Smith and the girl and kid still die. They were annoying, shallow, boring characters anyway. liberal use of deus ex machina and jesus syndrome make this movie boring.

Josh H on Jun 4, 2008

1270

I would like to point out that this movie actually sucked a fat one. They never pointed out that the monsters were vampires, instead they were a bunch of opaque CG monster-men with abnormally large mouths. This movie butchered a wonderful book. In the end, a movie adaptation should not be just about the "director's vision" but should be about the story that made the movie a possibility. This movie missed the mark bigger than Michael Bay missed the mark with "Pearl Harbor" and is in no way deserving of the title "I am Legend".

David on Jun 4, 2008

1271

I saw this film and the original one (L'Ultimo uomo che visse sulla terra, The last man who lives on the earth) made in italy (by Usa producers) and i must say that the original one is more similar to book and really Claustrophobic... is in black and white but really powerful. Without this excess of CG and with the same sense that Matheson research with his story. I think they could call the Will Smith one in other ways, like Bad Infected Boys or something similar. Is a good action movie for the rest.

Francesco on Jun 4, 2008

1272

That Ending was 1000000 times better than the one actully put on the film..

Wizdom on Jun 5, 2008

1273

As knowing what it takes to transfer a story into a screen play, i was fairly upset at how much the story deviated from its original premise. In the book it was clearly demonstrated how much the vampires had not become less human, but instead were altered into a new type of human. It was also too much of a change to make Neville instead of being something of a horror story type legend to the vampire society, to having his death being legend among the other human survivors. So i guess what im saying is the alt. ending was more moving, and made it seem more like Neville was a legend to the vampires, especially as we see the wall of all the vampires that had been killed by him. I still think he should have died, and the book was better than the movie, and the alt. ending was better than the theatrical.

Aidhne on Jun 5, 2008

1274

I think this ending is much, much better than the other. I hated how the other ending was. This is more dramatic, shows a side of the creatures that they didn't show before. I think it is a much better ending this way.

Tim on Jun 5, 2008

1275

WOW that is the ending we wanted not that rubbish one they did in the theater release. Its as I said it should have been to the other half. BANG ON!!

jeremy on Jun 6, 2008

1276

This is a much better ending. As other said I was totally shocked about the other ending and personally I think it ruined the whole movie for me. My friend to. So I think this is better, Shows the story in the book, and just generally better

Lukas on Jun 7, 2008

1277

whats the title for? (i am legend) if will smith did not die! the 1st ending is much better than the new one!! @@

laurenz on Jun 7, 2008

1278

I like this one better xD but they should have put like both, like the first one than pause , "this would have happened if he didnt realize or do this or stuff that they make up" then play this one xD

Angel on Jun 7, 2008

1279

As a person who saw the movie then read the book i did enjoy the alternate ending much more because i picked up on all the human traits the vamps. still showed throughout the movie and i think this endign would suit alll of us better because it shows that you have ot look beyond just the cover to fully understand things in life. But hey what do i know im only 16 and one of the movie industries main targets

Jerry G. on Jun 7, 2008

1280

thank you for uploading

skatofas on Jun 8, 2008

1281

Better, but still a bit like the awful movie "Signs".

ouini on Jun 9, 2008

1282

I was really disappointed when I watched the movie because they didn't elaborate on the human aspects of the vamps even though they were so clear with the trap, the leader jumping out in the sunligh etc. This alternate ending is a hundred times better and would have saved the movie. I think at least half of the people who saw this movie thought the ending was shit. This one would have been avesome.

Sune on Jun 9, 2008

1283

while i think that this ending is great, i still believe the cinima version of I am legand is better with the ending seen in theaters. No, it doesnt corrospond with the book, which is a drawback, but the version seen in theaters makes the veiwer think more about what they're seeing. While if it would have been a happy ending, anything that average veiw desires, the movie would most likely have been forgotten easily. The version seen in theaters will be remember for a very long time, even if the majority of the people think it was suckish. Everyone makes a good point.

Floyd on Jun 9, 2008

1284

Great ending! I feel as if the vampires could've allowed Neville to cure them though..

Blank on Jun 9, 2008

1285

I think either ending would have been acceptable if they didnt include the woman and the boy, this was a story about the last human on earth, and the moment we found out he wasnt the last human the entire story fell flat.

Jason on Jun 9, 2008

1286

i went to the movie without readign too much up on it but reading the book, and when that ending happened in theatres, i was FURIOUS. I mean the whole point of the movie was in the ending. how could they shit on such an awesome theme like that. Im glad they made this alternate ending. To me this is the actual ending and i'll never watch that cheesy other crappy ending ever again.

ash on Jun 10, 2008

1287

This almost cover up of the ending by WB has inspired me to read the book, i thought i am legend was truly awesome. but only thought of it as another zombie/vampire film for example 28 days later.... I never realised the diversity of the plot!!! ( i also thought the theater ending was very wastefull of Will Smiths' acting skills which he premoted brilliantly in this film, probally his best so far)

lewis on Jun 11, 2008

1288

I am shocked, only found out about this yesterday, this ending is great, Soooooooo much better than everything blowing up. The film is so emotional and this just how it should have been

Noely on Jun 13, 2008

1289

This ending is far better than the cinematic version. Im sick of the steriotypical "happy ending", which leaves the viewer with the implication that there is hope and humanity will find a way to progressivly survive.

Brodie on Jun 14, 2008

1290

If that's your feeling, Brodie, how did the ending shown here please you? It's even more of the steriotypical "happy ending" than the other, in which Neville sacrificed himself for Anna and Ethan to be able to survive. In this one, they all survived. I don't understand your reasoning there. In both endings they head to the camp, so that doesn't change the idea that we're left with that humanity will try to find a way to survive.

Kristi on Jun 14, 2008

1291

When I first saw the movie I Am Legend I wasn't particularly moved by it. What I probably disliked most about the film, in fact, was the ending. This alternate ending has actually changed my view of the movie. I really enjoyed watching this.

Alanna on Jun 14, 2008

1292

I had not known about the alternate ending at all when I first picked up the book. Since I know how much can be lost in a movie that was present in a book, I was looking forward to learning more about Robert, the woman, and just the subtle nuances that a written story can provide. Needless to say, by the end of the story I was floored. Not only was the much needed explanation of the virus present (mutated measles virus my ass), the ending was ten times as enjoyable than the movie ending. Without the idea of an intelligent society of vampiristic beings, the entire movie falls flat. There's too much pressure to make money and nothing to art. Not as if that's a surprise. You can see the blatant changes in every character design, which makes you wonder why it's even given the book title at all. Only one black man mentioned in the entire story? No problem. Just change the Aryan, alchoholic main character into a black, morally pure man who is willing to sacrifice his life. The only woman is a lying vampire vixen? Make her immune, give her a child, and make her the hope of all humanity! Even then, I just chalked it up to complicated ideas and costly expenses. Only when I read on a website about blatant disregard for an alternate ending did I decide to do some investigating, which brought me here. How can I describe what i felt as the two lovers were reunited? Not only did the woman's delighted croon pluck at my heartstrings, the passionate embrace they shared moved me in a way that the action packed explosion never could have. I know I'm taking a chance here, but I honestly believe that the alternate ending could have brought in a few more women besides the ones just there to please their boyfriends or the ones absolutely obsessed with the action demographic. It churned my heart even as I reminded myself these were suppossed to be the villans. A completely true to the story movie would have been best, but all things considered the alternate ending was more than enough compared to the first. Because peace is controversial and all that

Mackenzie on Jun 15, 2008

1293

Thank you for the alternate ending. I haven't read the book, but I could see that the ending was not right. This alternate ending was more like I expected. It seemed fairly obvious to me that the lead dark seeker was trying to get his mate back. Earlier when Neville concludes that "because he was overriding his self preservation instinct the dark seekers had lost all that it meant to be human", he was just wrong. The vampire was expressing love. Anyway, I though the conclusion would be that they would reconcile and work on propogating the cure. But this ending works too. And much better than the theatrical release.

Paul M on Jun 16, 2008

1294

has anyone compiled the responses into some data on which ending people preferred?

frankp on Jun 16, 2008

1295

Well that would have been fantastic on the big screen. I always thought the film was great and Will Smith's performance brilliant but the ending always niggled at me. I think WB made a mistake on this one. The alternate ending would have book ended the story brilliantly. So tense and so much more rewarding.

Shane Ferguson on Jun 18, 2008

1296

IAM LEGEND fans everywhere--Greetings from Hollywood! I am the CGI Model hired by Sony Imageworks to pose as the prototype for ALL of the male "infecteds" in I AM LEGEND. I have worked as a life drawing model fpr years at the major studios as well as local art schools, colleges, and for private portrait and sculpture artists. I got the job without even trying--they heard about me and called. At the time I knew nothing about the movie, and the Sony folks just called it the "Zombie vampire movie," When the check came, the return address said "I Am Legend," and I thought "What's an I Am Legend?"... Speaking of checks, as Will Smith's cyber co-star, (or was "I" the star?) my total compensatiom amounted to a grand total of $150 plus lunch. The film made half a billion, Smith probably took home twenty mil, and I am currently sleeping in my van in the parking lots and alleys of L.A. I'm not complaining; they're nice alleys and parking lots, and the L.A. weather is the best. I simply got my rental house sold out from under me and, perennially struggling edgy visionary ahead-of-my-time genius that I am, had no bread to just go out and get me another pad. Thanks to my friend's support and not having to pay rent for awhile I've gpt something saved up now, and I'm going to check out a place tomorrow that may be the situation I've been waiting for--a guest house on a Bel Air estate. Here's hoping for karma credits kicking in... In case anyone would like to see more of my work as a REAL Hollywood model--as opposed to the Paris Hilton pretender types, check out a little website my geek friend put together as a present for me: http://www.errhead.com/imaginaryman Please feel free to drop me a line: I'm happy to hear from you, and will be glad to get your comments, feedback, and questions you may have about my life and work. I will respond! Cheers, Mark

Mark Snyder on Jun 18, 2008

1297

This ending truly makes this movie amazing. the WB ending just made the movie dull and boring but this ending brings thoughts and questions to me....

ana on Jun 18, 2008

1298

I was very disappointed with the entire movie as it played in the theatre, but the ending was particularly weak. I just watched this alternate ending and I agree that it is somewhat better just because it eliminates the Hollywood sacrificial hero scenario, but it still doesn't live up to the premise of the book by any means. They should have saved themselves the re-write and just stuck with the original, unique, and interesting ending as it was written. Maybe next time...

Brooks on Jun 18, 2008

1299

i think the ending in the movie was better... this ending was really great, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't...seem...realistic enough these 'vampires' are starving, consumed the population, along with animals, and both of these characters in the movie have killed many of them your telling me this vampire could convince the starving ones to not eat (or whatever) him with a shout, because he wants to be with another dead one, which by the way is she dead or not? if he made her normal again wouldn't that do nothing? why not just give her back normal? well...normal to them tell me one movie with any kind of monster where they >brush up< against a human??kill em and get that girl back! and this movie is also supposed to be a different view isn't it? this ending seems too cheesy... we all agree on liking the radio broadcast, then they have to do a rip off and have ana do it?why? o and the cheesy smiling at each-other was a nice touch, too... i personally think that the movie-theater ending was MUCH more realistic, and showed a new view, which was what the movie was about, but, if they could've pulled off a "will smith to the rescue" and he cures things that would've been better oh and i-robot???? seriously?? your insulting his intelligence when you cant see OBVIOUS differences between an entertaining movie and an emotional movie? i robot brought up the point that AI could form opinions and things of that nature and this is a vampire-ish movie about someone trying to survive uhm...tell me ONE SINGLE similarity in these two movies, other than will smith plays in them

ty on Jun 19, 2008

1300

Ok. Theatrical ending sucked because he could easily have survived and still killed all those zombies with the grenade. throw it get in the hole thing with the other two. if it's just because he wanted to be "legendary" that automatically makes him gay because hes a selfish guy who just wanted fame and wanted to be a hero. plus i really dont think ALL the zombies in new york could fit in his house...theres definitely still TONS of them out there. second one was way better. had a ncie twist

usasasa on Jun 20, 2008

1301

I perfer this ending to the one in theaters. It took me a minute to get the concept but I understand it now. Before I went to see I am Legend I looked up and watched The Omega Man and The Last Man On Earth. Each movie is slightly different, but I feel they all touch on the idea that the main character is "the legend".

Sam on Jun 20, 2008

1302

I prefer this ending to the theatrical. There is far more suspence and on the edge of your seat anticipation. Yes the human side of the vampires is clearly visible with the depth of emotion shown between the male and female vampires. I wanted to see the good guy win.

Anna on Jun 21, 2008

1303

I really didn't like this alternate ending. While you say it did match the book better, wasn't it said earlier in the movie that the creatures lost all human-like characteristics or something about social level? To have the man bad guy that shouldn't be human-like rub up on his girlfriend and lose pretty much all interest in killing Will and the other two, just doesn't seem at all realistic.

Michael H. on Jun 21, 2008

1304

Good ending, but the film is called 'I am Legend'. SO he has to do something to make himself a legend, and running off with a cure at the end doesnt quite cut it. Killing himself in the process of tryin to save the cure makes him a legend. Origional ending is better.:D

Kyle Mattison on Jun 22, 2008

1305

I was so glad to see this alternate ending, though only the first half of it. When i watched the cinema ending, with the vampire trying to break the door down, i was thinking to myself 'he wants the girl, he wants the girl'. it seemed so obvious to me, i was a little confused when it didnt pick up on the 'humanity' of that emotion. I liked this ending better. Its good how the vampire actually makes the butterfly mark with his hand, instead of Will smith just seeing it in the glass. it shows there was some sort of intelligence, some sort of connection between what they once were and what they are now. I also liked the pictures on the wall: it actually gave me a sick feeling when he realised he'd been murdering creatures who had in fact not entirely lost their sense of human purpose. My problem is the final part where they all drive off into a rosy prospect of hope. it was the 'survivors colony' all over again. it was a good movie. Great movies are dependant on their endings. It had the potential to be phenomenal. one thing is for sure; ill be reading that book.

Emma on Jun 22, 2008

1306

The moment the lead vampire came into the lab and pushed aside the others, I was expecting him to be coming for the girl, which would, of course, turn out to be his girl. (Just based on certain previous scenes this seemed to be the idea.) I thought "oh good, he'll stop the others and they'll talk and work everything out. They won't have completely lost their humanity, good, good." But then they simply continued to act like raving, inhuman maniacs. I think the theatrical ending lost an element that this original ending has and uses. I would have been more satisfied with the original, thought a morbid part of me is a fan of stories in which the main character dies, since that has impact too. But the last part of the theatrical version just seems very detached from the rest of the film. This ending made much more sense in my eyes.

Sylva Knight on Jun 22, 2008

1307

Totally prefer alternate ending. The one used didn't even feel natural.

David Duncan on Jun 22, 2008

1308

First of all, they're not called vampires creatures. They're infected humans, or mutants. Not vampires. I'm not exactly sure which ending I like better. The movie one with Neville sacrificing himself was really deep because he had devoted his whole life to finding a cure and survived for that long, and for him to kill himself to save the cure and the only people who could deliver it was decent. However, this ending left a lot of things unanswered. What happened to the infected when they left? Did they ever find a camp? Did the cure work? All in all, great acting on Will's part, and in this ending I especially liked how he kept his cool when he was out there and the infected humans were an inch away from biting his throat off. I just can't decide which is better.

Nate A. on Jun 23, 2008

1309

wow amazing! this should of been the ending! but i agree with the last comment.. there are alot of things to think about.

Amie on Jun 23, 2008

1310

I think that this ending was a lot and should have been used in the theatrical release...but if they choice came about then I would say neither of these ending work and what should of happened was Neville (Will) should have got into the vault/safe with the other 2 and waited till the main infected human got through and then thrown the grenade and closed the vault (or rolled the grenade closed the vault aqnd when they smashed through it would explode) because then he wouldn't have to die...it would be more realistic because human instinct is to live and so he wouldn't want to sacrifice himself if he didn't need to, i think the only reason WB did this was because they had to make the ending have a bigger impact and so he died.... Also I would like to say that they shouldn't have gotten into the cellar that easily (it should have taken them longer and in this time they could of figured out a plan of action ( and isn't glass/plastic less likely to hold than metal and concrete if we're talking about realism and therefore they wouldn't of even got into the cellar because by the time they did the sun would have came up and so it wouldn't work One more thing...this ending was cheesy and I think the only reason I liked it is because I didn't like the theatrical ending...the infected humans would not feel love, compassion or even humane conscientiousness if they did then they would have let Smith cure them... Thanks for showing us this though and I would like to say that I enjoyed the movie up to the point where the creatures found the house or i liked it up until Smith went on a rampage and tried killing himself. P.S I am left with this puzzling question... how the hell did that model (toy human/model human/fake human/plastic) end up on that bridge...the infected wouldn't have put it there because they weren't clever enough to think like that...I liked this part because it was fucking well mysterious...

Nathan C on Jun 23, 2008

1311

You all seem to love this other ending! It does have some very powerful moments but frankly I am sick to death of films and other drama which cop out at the end and go for some rather cloying end which contradicts everything we have been led to believe for the previous 90-120 minutes. This approach has been done to death ! This ending made "the infected" who have been fully established as vampires and hunters and basically animals who have feed on the few million survivors are suddenly revealed to be "the misunderstood"! Having Neville restore the infected woman strikes me as the most appalling piece of cowardice. Lets examine what he is doing here.... he is taking a woman who used to be a thinking talking, intelligent human being with a future and a mind and is now a raving blood drinking animal functioning on little more than basic instinct and having discovered the cure after years of trying and having begun to restore her humanity he realises the "error of his ways" and returns her to life as an animal ! The original novel as most of you know has been adapted at least four times now (and has inspired any number of other apocalyptic fiction books, films and dramas). The 1971 adaption "The Omega Man" was closer to the novel and seems to meet with the approval of most of you but really the infected in that movie are still basically humanish.....the creatures in this adaption aren't.

Jason on Jun 24, 2008

1312

Just have to say to the previous poster, I agree, Jason. I have never read the original book this movie is based on. So my only frame of reference is the movie "I Am Legend" itself. Based on that, I would say the theatrical ending is more satisfying and am glad they made the change from the original. It just works with how we have come to know the character of Neville throughout the movie. By this original ending playing like he was wrong all along with what he was trying to do and then having him, Anna, and the boy all drive off together, it just doesn't seem to make all the emotional investment that I as a viewer have made into Neville and his story all worth while. Ok, let's spend the whole movie seeing what Neville's perspective is and being in his corner as the hero and then at the end make the character himself saying, "wow, I was wrong to do what I did the whole time.". And then as he drives off, he's not even dead, so how is he a legend? It's not as if we see the infected as being sympathetic characters. The movie played them like the bad guys and animals for the most part and now we're supposed to think they aren't so bad after all? Pretty anti-climactic. In the theatrical ending Neville's character comes full circle and ends up making the ultimate sacrifice. And that's the road it felt like he was on the whole time anyway. And the cure he had been trying for the whole movie is finally discovered and can be used to save the rest of humanity. I thought that killing the hero at the end was a bold move and it had the most emotional resonance. It made the story in the movie complete and I don't think it was all happiness and roses, but it was full of hope. That's not a bad thing. If the general public can use anything in this day and age, hope is it.

Stephanie M. on Jun 24, 2008

1313

Disagree with last 2 posts. People don't need polyanna nonsense. This alternative ending invokes the true theme of the story: that Neville is superior to all the other fools because he is capable of what they are not. This is a metaphor for our world, and the blind masses who subscribe to and are seduced by pathetic slogans and lies which flood our airwaves, and transparently serve the interests of evil men at the expense of human society. The vampires are the masses: (weak, pathetic, foolish, but, full of misplaced hubris, believing the opposite) Neville is you (strong, alive, good, alone) Completely disagree that the general public needs hope. The public needs to start facing reality and asking themselves hard questions. They need to start taking responsibility. This "misplaced optimism" that we seem to want to sell people only reinforces the false belief that everything will "be alright" and we should just let things "take their course." We should trust our leaders, and have faith things that will work out. Rubbish! People need to take PERSONAL responsibility. Neville can't die because none of us are dead. We are alive, and we have personal responsibility for the future, to pay attention and to be wise. It WILL NOT be okay without us. YOU are important, and what YOU do matters, that is a message that means something.

mdh8b on Jun 25, 2008

1314

this ending was much better than the one they used, idk bout everybody else but i saw the theatrical one comin for ages it didnt surprise me at all, i would go see i am legend 2 if it came out 🙂

Dan on Jun 25, 2008

1315

Having hope isn't exclusive from taking responsibility. I agree, people have to be active to make things happen. I don't like the idea of pointing the finger at the neighbor, the government, whatever the scapegoat may be. But when things are at their worst and you feel like you have lost everything, friends, family, home, even identity, as I think Neville has, you have to have that belief that things will improve and that can give the energy a person needs to be strong and want to live and not just give up. Not everybody can truly be a rock all the time. As for the whole metaphor idea, I don't really see the movie going there. My impression is that it's about how the individual deals with massive loss of identity and facing the product of human hubris (the infected) how that person deals with these elements and in the end is able to end his confusion about his purpose and does the right thing. Again, having never read the book, this is what I took away from it. Certainly some interesting ideas around here though.

Stephanie M. on Jun 25, 2008

1316

I don't think there's anything left that hasn't already been argued in favour of one or other of the endings. The 'controversy' has sparked massive debate on this page and elsewhere, so isn't that a good thing? One thing to consider though, especially for those people who thought Warner Bros made a mistake in using the theatrical ending: is that "deleted scenes" "unseen footage" and "contraversial alternate ending!" are things that they use to SELL DVD's. If they gave us everything at the cinema, perhaps less people would rush out and buy it the moment it got released. I guess their ideal plan was that they could keep it off youtube, and webpages like this. Then, (be honest) how many of you would have been desperate to find out the true ending to the film....? Yep, me too.

David B on Jun 25, 2008

1317

The movie as it is (ie without the original ending) feels to me like Planet of the Apes without the final twist about the identity of the planet, which is nothing more than an action/horror/survival flick. I don't mean to bag the theatrical version. However, to me the movie's meaning would be much more profound with the original ending: Dr Neville comes to the realisation that the Infected are in fact not a product of devolution but a new species altogether who have truly adapted to the new post-apocalyptic world and rightly deserve their place on Earth. The fact is, there is no such thing as "de-volution" because evolution is not-directed (i.e. species don't evolve to be higher or lower). Through the hubris of the modern man, a virus was created thus changed the ecology of the earth, which leads to changes in natural selective pressure. The Infected are not humans, they are the species that succeed humans. In the new environment, they survive better: there are more of them. They hunt in pack, possessing basic skills such as animal training (the Alpha Male can control the infected dogs) and learning (the Alpha Male learns how to lay the trap from Neville, or better still he "invents" it). They're adapted to the night, have enhanced physiology (they run faster, jump higher, more resistance to common damage, etc.). In a world where manufactured food becomes increasingly rare (Neville is saving his bacon in the movie) and wild preys are abundant (the deers). A Lt Colonel/scientist of the US Army in a sports car and an automatic weapon is in fact less "evolved" than a hive of Infected. The "You are not alone" speech in the original ending also means a lot. On on hand, it can simply be a call to the other Immunes; on the other hand, it's the announcement/ acknowledgement that the Immunes are not alone, i.e. we humans, as well call ourselves, are no longer the only dominating species on Earth. It's a brave new world, opening up to untold possibilities. That humans have lost their place in the world is entirely due to their own actions. Human beings have become a legendary monster: like Cain (the outcast, and interestingly seen in a number of fictions as the first vampire) or Loki (the mischievous Norse god), banished from their own home because of their sins. The Immunes with their powerful technologies, are in fact the destroyer of the world that come out stalking the Infected when they are a asleep. Thus to the Infected, the Immune should be hunted down and destroyed like the humans hunting down vampires in other fictions. (I can imagine that to other Infected, the Alpha Male would be analogous to a Gabriel Van Helsing - the vampire hunter :P). I regret that I didn't buy the two DVD-version because I had no idea what the ending would be like (I never saw the movie in the cinema) :(. I wish they would release a version with the original ending intact instead of tacked on as a bonus feature. I never read the book so the title "I am legend" didn't make sense to me at first and even after finishing the movie the title still doesn't make much sense: I mean, who actually says "I am legend"? Dr Neville? That would be pretty damn arrogant of him to say that and completely inconsistent with the character Dr Neville. With the original ending, however, I can imagine Dr Neville as saying that in a sarcastic tone, something like "I am -the- legend...a legendary monster!" And that would be way better. I can't help drawing connection with Planet of the Apes. I mean, imagine Planet of the Apes in which the planet is just some far away planet and the apes are just some aliens and the main character is just some astronaut...the movie will be linear, single-dimensional and totally unimpressive. I am legend (the theatrical version) has some great moments but stops short at being totally awesome by betraying its philosophical roots. Still, it's worth seeing but the alternate ending is a must! Thanks for posting the stuff.

DuCKN on Jun 28, 2008

1318

Oh btw, I forgot to mention that the Infected are not "infected" if viewed as a separate species, they have in fact, totally assimilated the virus and are not destroyed by it but "enhanced" by it. It's just perspectives. Also, when I mentioned Planet of the Apes, I meant the book or the very first version of it, not the sequels or remakes. I'd also like to say that I find the connection between the movie and Bob Marley (raised by a couple of old posts before me) very interesting indeed.

DuCKN on Jun 28, 2008

1319

I really missed the tie in to the book and films you never really get the meaning of the title with the way it is portrayed, I would think someone who didnt know the history of this left the movie going "wtf did I am legend mean?" but anyhow the movie ending blew i thought figures like 1315 all about the money and making people buy dvds

johnathan on Jun 29, 2008

1320

Wish I had time to read all the replies here! I got the DVD edition with the alternate ending and was mostly displeased. I felt the ending was somewhat insulting to the intelligence. We already knew that the Dark Seekers were not just raving monsters, We already knew Neville had misjudged them and his blindness to what he was really doing was quite obvious. This had all been previously established throughout the film (e.g when he doesn't shoot the lions at the start) you just need to pay attention (active viewing as I like to call it) I didn't feel this wrap up was needed at all, I find it breaks the pace of the film and is no where near as emotionally powerful. I am ultimately glad why this ending was not used, especially since the end gives me flashbacks to Bladerunner's original ending *shudder* However as a fan of the book I do like the aspects you discussed about Neville becoming the Legend to the Dark Seekers. However I don't even think this ending really does it that much more justice than the theatrical ending does. I feel this ending suited THIS ADAPTION of the book much better. This film was more about the character than the overall situation, unlike the book. I felt with the theatrical ending the character was more drawn out and it showed him as being truely detached from society and understanding his inability to rejoin it. He has only ever seen these creatures as evil and something that needs to be fixed. I think it makes a much more valid point where the humans never even think of the Dark Seekers as intelligent than for them to come to this realisation at the very end. I think that sums up humanity pretty well. I like the film as it is, powerful and engaging with some great social commentary. Truely great Science Fiction. It doesn't need the alternate ending at all, It's great as it is. Although I'll admit his suicide does seem a little hasty in the theatrical cut. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and nobody here is wrong (cept a few trolls) I think most people here have made very valid points for liking either ending, this is just mine. Also as a side note, I notice a lot of people bag out the CGI in this film. Whilst I agree it's nothing to rave about and could have been done better, does it really affect the film that much? Seriously it's still a damn awesome movie regardless of how special the effects are. Sorry for the length. 😛

Mike Crick on Jun 29, 2008

1321

In these days of digital projection, how far off are we seeing BOTH versions in the THEATRE? The theatre I saw this movie (first time I went to the actually movie theatre in a LONG time) showed the movie on several different screens. Why not make 1/2 of those screens have the original ending and 1/2 of those with the "alternate" ending? That way paying moviegoers can pay to see both without waiting for the DVD/BluRay version? Maybe even giving people who saw the first one at the theater a 1/2 off coupon to see the other version?

Aaron on Jun 29, 2008

1322

i liked the theatrical version when i saw it, but i saw it with a person who had read the book and held the true intent from me until after the movie was over. i think the original story is much more profound and although this ending still allows for the human race to continue, it is much more eerie and gives the story more meaning. my favourite movie of recent times is Pan's Labyrinth, partly because the ending is so atypical. i think it's high time Hollywood learned that "happily ever after" isn't always what the audience is looking for.

air on Jun 29, 2008

1323

This is exactly the ending I was thinking of and hoping while watching the movie. I love this movie and was disappointed with the theatrical ending. The alternate ending would've made this a perfect movie for me and i would remember it for years to come. Thank you so much for posting this ending!

Nid on Jun 30, 2008

1324

I saw this film for the first time last weekend when I was given it as a present. I loved it! However I did feel that after Sam had died that it started to rush to the end. The end was not what I wanted to see. After all Robert Neville was a survivor he had lived that long. The next day I found I had lots of questions. If Robert Neville and Sam were in fact only a food source why had the mutants set the dog mutants on them, when they could have had them for breakfast? Why did the head mutant expose himself to day light if it was not for the love of the female? Why start a mini war for three people when you have deer running round who don't fire guns and have car bombs? It seems silly to show the head mutant head butting his way into the glass tank like a savage, for just a meal when they had showed that he had planned this all along with intelligence. Why didn't they put the cured mutant girl in the safe with them? they had time, and she was cured! So I came on the net to see if anyone else felt the same. I found that it had a different ending! So much better in my eyes. After all didn't his wife ask him to give it up and come with them? Being Legend is fantasy its never as easy as light and dark. I loved the thought of him facing up to everything not just the death of the mutants but the way things were too. After all they were once human. I loved the fact the head mutant let him live. It is harder to live with what you have done than die. I hope they release a dvd with this ending as the ending its much more emotional and fitting.

Jane C on Jul 1, 2008

1325

Lets see: In the theatrical ending, Neville sacrifices himself to save the cure for KV. In this, he just gives up the cure, which is what he risked his life for the past three years to get and worked tirelessly to achieve for ALL mankind, and just drives away into the distance. Saying that he looked at the pictures of all the dead infected as if he was a serial killer is moronic. Bottomline, book or no book, theatrical version is superior.

Steven on Jul 1, 2008

1326

in response to Steven's comment, from what i have been led to believe about the book (and please correct me if i am wrong because i didn't read it), the reason Neville gives up the cure is because he is not the human race anymore. the idea of the title is that he is legend because vampires once were legendary and now he is the one human left doing terrible things to the new prominent race. as a scientist, he has to accept evolution and let nature take its place. so in the book, it almost is like he is a serial killer as he feels it is right to kill these beings in the search for a cure so the human race can go on, and ignoring the fact that this is the new human race and he is their new legend.

air on Jul 1, 2008

1327

Dear everyone who didn't like the ending to I Am Legend that was shown in theaters,

Patrick Ryan on Jul 1, 2008

1328

I thought that the ending shown in theaters was much better than the alternate one shown here. The one in the movie was a strong ending because it further portraying Robert Neville as a hero set out to save humanity from the deadly virus. By sacrificing himself and killing the zombie/vampires (I don't know what their called), Neville was able to protect the cure and save Anna and her son. This action also saved humanity. In the alternate ending, Neville simply surrenders to the zombie-like creatures, gives up the cure that he worked so hard to create, and risks dooming humanity. Also, if Neville were to survive, the title "I am Legend" would be less meaningful because the title portrays Robert Neville as a legendary figure, and one that will be talked about by humans for the rest of time, one that some may not believe in because sttories about him would get misinterpreted over time. I would also like to respectfully disagree with "air" who said that Nerille gave up the cure because he wanted nature to run its course because in ther movie, Neville clearly stated, "God didn't do this to us, we did." This means that Neville would have believed in curing humanity because he thought the epidemic was humanity's fault, then he would not be interfering with nature by seeking a cure. If the alternate ending were to be used instead of the theatrical one, it would have ruined the movie by making it seem that humanity was doomed. P.S. sorry about my last reply (#1326). I hit the wrong button by mistake.

Patrick Ryan on Jul 1, 2008

1329

I'd like to support the alternate ending team. The movie presents an "everything that is different is evil" approach throughout the story (and most of us fall for it) then eventually turns around and makes us reflect on our thinking. I love this idea, it is quite an important message. Also, i hate animal TESTING, of course its more complex than that, but i hated how the cinematic version passed over all the ethical problems of killing rats/people in order to find a cure that doesnt work for humans/works but is not needed. So thats a second important message, the "justified torture" that is in fact never really justified. As for the ending used in cinemas, all the message i got was that there is a god, or let coincidences decide for you... er, if i do believe, its not gonna be because of a story that told me about butterflies.

mariann on Jul 3, 2008

1330

I agree completely, after having watched this for the first time. I think they should have either had Mr. Nevil throw the grenade throw the hole and jumped in with anna and her son. If not then I truly agree with the version show here on this site. This ending actually makes sense where the one where mr. nevil kills himself makes none.

Troy Champion on Jul 3, 2008

1331

respectfully as well, in response to 1327: i was trying to say that this ending is more true to the book, and thus better in my opinion. in the book, Neville wasn't a hero at all. he was the only human left on Earth and was viciously killing these beings. he had no respect for which one had been which human. sure, he wanted to save mankind, but didn't care which people he saved in the process. i do agree that in the theatrical version his actions are more heroic, but in the book he comes to realize that these beings deserve to be here as much as mankind did and they just out-competed us. the title refers to the fact that he was legendary to the new beings for his brutal acts against them, as they had once been to man for the same reason. the legend had nothing to do with survivors because in the book there were no survivors aside from him. i take a different stance on the quote you cited, because he is a scientist and probably wouldn't separate man from nature. that we did it to ourselves could be the reason he gave up the cure, because this time we lost. although it could have been taken either way because it would have had to fit both endings when they made the movie.

air on Jul 4, 2008

1332

I think they could edited it so they could have done both ends. My gathering of the film was that as the vampires started to come out into the opening the virus would gradually dye out. This could have contributed to Neville finding the cure. This alternative ending shows that they still had human traits. By find a good moment to put in the alternative and cleverly cutting back to the ending as we know it, there would be a strange twist. A twist were Neville is the still the film hero but in a strange way to the viewers he is actually shows mankind as been somewhat negligent and impatient. Hence why the disease hit in the first place.

Patrick McCoy on Jul 4, 2008

1333

The theatrical version was better in that it fit with the rest of the movie. It would have made no sense to paint the vampires as sympathetic while there is are existing humans such as Anna and Ethan. However, the concept of the novel is better and more original, and if they had followed that more closely (depicting Neville as a legend to the vampires) than the alternate ending would have been better.

Chris on Jul 5, 2008

1334

This was a great ending! I like it about the same as the original, maybe a little better oh and by the way scott! U are the stupidest idiot I have ever seen online GET A LIFE! I am Legend was an incredible movie and Alex has every right to love it.

Caleb on Jul 6, 2008

1335

iv seen both endings and i have never read the book but i really thought this was the better ending out of them both as its more emotional

gina on Jul 7, 2008

1336

andyhepburn666@hotmail.com. Its here 'cos the box wouldn't blank-out and obscured the address. Yes this is a better ending! I have just watched a standard DVD as I never did get to see it in a theatre here in the UK. Why oh why do studios not credit audences with the ability to think and accept "real" endings and assume simple is better?

Andy Hepburn UK on Jul 8, 2008

1337

Sorry, just a thought. Why didn't Emma Thompson get a credit?

Andy Hepburn UK on Jul 8, 2008

1338

1337 Posts! Well done Andy Hepburn! And I prefer this ending to the theatrical version 😀

Adam Hirst on Jul 8, 2008

1339

Just a couple of thoughts. First, even though I now know how the book ends is it still worth reading, or is the ending the best part and reading the book with ending in mind will totally ruin it? Second, in the original ending if the virus couldn't survive the cold wouldn't people be infected during warmer seasons? Also, wouldn't everyody living in cold climate survive? (Including all of Canada and Northen Europe not to mention Alaska and Antartica and Greenland and... you get the idea)

Jonathan on Jul 8, 2008

1340

I agree entirely with your comments above, Alex. I've watched this alternate ending now at least 5 times! I can't believe how moving it actually is. The original de-humanisation of those darkseekers has been completely over-turned as it shows an aspect to them that would never have otherwise been portrayed. Also, it is now clear that the subject lying on the table is actually the alpa-male's mate. With the current theatrical ending, this is never known and thus his rage at the end is not fully understood; he's simply portrayed as a sensless, enraged blood-thirsty beast. It's definitely the ending that should have been cut. It would have left a much greater emotional impact with audiences.

Shiraz on Jul 8, 2008

1341

For all the people who enjoy this ending I urge you to buy the DVD or Blu-Ray and watch the WHOLE movie with this ending. This is where I think the ending really fails, as part of the whole movie it doesn't fit at all and I think this is what the Producers and Director saw in the ending shown here. Don't forget the amount of effort that went into the Theatrical ending in terms of shooting an entirely new scene with a totally new backdrop. As a film maker this to me doesn't scream of something which has been tacked on at the end to fill seats in the cinema. I still find this ending much more obvious and very anti-climatic. This is a brilliant film best I've seen in a while now (in the Sci-Fi genre at least) and I'm very glad they used the other ending over this one. I'm actually annoyed that they've put this ending on the DVD because now there will always be debate about which version is better.

Mike Crick on Jul 8, 2008

1342

I've just watched it again a couple of times (admitedly after a couple pf drinks..) My conclusion: it's the ending that changes the entire film. Weird. but that's how it feels. Really wierd. It almost teaches you about what it is to be essentially human. If there's anyone (somewhat more sober than me), then please feel free to correct me...

Shiraz on Jul 8, 2008

1343

I didn't go to the theaters at all to see this film I watched it on my computer...I heard from others that had went to the theaters that it was not as fullfilling as promised and they wished they had had this version to view...I surely will send this website to as many as people as I can to let them view the correct ending thank you.....Lynne

Lynne Smith on Jul 8, 2008

1344

#1343 I completely agree on your point about the ending changing the film. After hearing about the alternate ending, I had to view the film again because it had been such a long time ago that I'd forgotten some vital parts. Now that I have the whole film fresh in the back of my head, I can agree on all of you who say this alternate ending fits the whole concept much better. Even though I haven't read the book, I've done some research by reading about it and asking friends who've read it, and I now understand this ending. This gives me the opinion that the theatrical ending was just a simple way of making the big bucks since WB and other major companies like them think that everyone loves big explosions and action heroes, not knowing that people appreciate a emotional mind-blowing ending. I guess I'll look up a book store that has I Am Legend and go buy it first thing in the morning. Greetings from Sweden!

Miran on Jul 9, 2008

1345

i think that both endings are brilliant.....on one hand we have neville as a legend who sacrifices himself for humanity ...something that would appeal to anyone watching the movie, weather they read the book or not.....on the other hand the alternate ending shows the true origin of the movie in which neville is a legend to vampires a phantom hunter to be feared by all.......so basically with just a few differences his status is changed from a savior to a villain.........on a more personal note i think the vampires all should die or be cured because theyre savages and all they really are is empty vicious shells of their former selves who, without humans or other things as food , would eat themselves -so either no more life on earth or a cured/repopulated civilization that could stop the wrongs we no longer have the power to stop

Hillman on Jul 10, 2008

1346

Hillman, if it was reality there is no way the mutants could be cured, sure Neville can see success with his vaccine on the woman, but after 4 years or so they have lived in the dark, on what food source? While their bodies are so ravaged by this virus, that would lower their immunity, they wouldn't be able to breed. To end that movie (with no consideration to the book, or previous movie versions) I was expecting that Neville, the girl and the young lad would hide safely behind the steel door, to open it the next day to find them gone and taken their mutant girl, then it would have been good to have a slightly longer process of the three of them getting to the other "normal" humans. Good movie, I give it a 6 out of 10, better than most of the "end of the world, and humanity saved by the americans" CRAP movies that are produced, for once why isn't there a movie where all the americans die, and some other group of people (in Iceland maybe...?) be the ones who "save the world" Cheers Ted New Zealand

Ted on Jul 10, 2008

1347

Iceland to save the world? A country that is basically a welfare state, no natural resources, and no military is going to come up with a way to save us, ha ha.

Brian on Jul 11, 2008

1348

I saw the movie on a bootleg Chinese version, but knew of the book concept/alternativ ending, so I ended up just pausing the movie and seeing the alternative ending first, and it was a thousand times better, more emotional, meaningful, just superior in every way. Thank you for posting it.

Kate on Jul 11, 2008

1349

I have never read the book and never seen the theatrical ending. I have only seen the movie with the "alternate ending". I HATED IT! I absolutely loved the movie up until the end. But the ending made absolutely no sense. The monsters' behavior at the end was totally out of character with how they were portrayed in the rest of the movie. They would have eaten him alive. It seemed to me that they tried to wrap it up with a bow, but it just didn't make any sense.

beth on Jul 12, 2008

1350

I just finished watching "I Am Legend" on pay per view, with the alternate ending. This was my first time ever seeing the film, so I had never seen, or explained the ending seen in theaters. After finishing the movie, my first reaction was WOW. I thought, how and what did they replace this "alternate ending" with? So i had someone explain it to me, and I was shocked to find out what it was. So in a nutshell, for not seeing the other ending, the alternate ending to me, seemed to fit perfectly with the movie.

Keegan on Jul 15, 2008

1351

I totally agree, and so does my wife. We have just finished watching the film on HBO on Demand, and this ending is much, much truer to the original Matheson book!

Charles Willingham on Jul 17, 2008

1352

Think about it for a minute, about all the movies that were based on a novel, like Jurassic Park, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and many more. All of these movies, including I am Legend, were somehow changed when they hit the big screen. Its normal, and this type of thing happens a lot. It may dissapoint some people, but others may enjoy the change because they don't want to see a movie that they have read about and know what will happen in it. In my opinion, the theatrical ending fit in well with the movie, because Will Smith sacrifices his own life to save humanity. When he gives Anna the cure, she takes it to Vermont with her and I assume that the soldiers cure the infected. What I don't understand is how they get to the infected without them getting infected themselves. Another thing I don't get is if they did use the alternate ending, and the infected got the vampire Will Smith captured back, than what ever happened to the scene when Anna tells Neville that the cure he gave the captured vampirewe had worked and she was human once again? In conclusion, I don't think the alternate ending would have made much sense, and scott, get a life. It seems like every time someone puts down a comment, u r on this website waiting for it to come so u can say something about it to make it sound like ur cool.

John on Jul 18, 2008

1353

my bad scott,that was my friend who wrote that when I was in the bathroom.

John on Jul 18, 2008

1354

this is cool

noemi on Jul 19, 2008

1355

This ending gave me goosebumps....I loved the movie (and the book which I read even before the announce of the movie) but this ending was better than the other. Thankyou for posting this video.

Mark on Jul 22, 2008

1356

I think the problem here is that you keep comparing the film to the book; as always, books taken to the big screen are changed into what the director's or screenwriter's think it would be more atractive, I watch this movie a few months ago and I just got the dvd, and I have to confess I was not aware of the fact that there was an alternate ending, after seeing it, I found the theatrical ending better, and its because as you keep saying, the movie is far different from the book, and the original movie ending seems to fit a lot better into the whole story line. I haven't read the book, but if I ever do read it, I'll try not to make any comparisons, since it looks like they are very different from each other...

alice on Jul 22, 2008

1357

Although I'm still a little irritated about the whole "look at the butterflies daddy" thing being still in their and although I still feel that the ending still doesn't live up to what could have been done with the property, I feel like this is a much better ending and makes alot more sense with the rest of the movie.

Angus on Jul 23, 2008

1358

I loved the movie so much, but at the end I got disappointed. I definitely want the alternate ending.

Yaki Chan on Jul 23, 2008

1359

In the ending or the movie,Where he dies and gives her the blood sample,She gose the those gates where the city is... Thy shuld of had that on this ending to. To sho that there where survivors.;p But I Still LOVED IT.

Brandon Hazelwood on Jul 24, 2008

1360

The movie ending in theaters just makes will smith more of a bad ass.

bob on Jul 26, 2008

1361

I love this ending.. The feeling I had trough the movie was that the vamp just wanted his girl back

Morten on Jul 27, 2008

1362

i just heard Mark Kermode talking about an "alternative ending" on the BBC. this ending is SO much better than the pathetic cop out the theatrical release went with. the cinema ending destroyed the film for me. thank so much for putting the alt vid ending up. much much better!!

Andy on Jul 28, 2008

1363

i love the alternate ending. i haven't read the book either but throughout the movie after the capture of the woman and the man coming into the light because of it... then neville's reaction saying that they've given up survival instincts and not recognizing his rage was because Neville kidnapped her... then with them being clever enough to lay the same trap for him and have their own leashed dogs, and finally he called her it instead of her and the pictures of the others he's captured as though they are rats he's experimenting on. well, the theatrical ending made the movie "night of the living dead"... this one made it human!

e on Jul 28, 2008

1364

I'm in shock. The alternate ending should have seen the big screen. With the right ending in place, the alternate one, this movie is an A+.

AJ on Jul 29, 2008

1365

Both endings suck. I am Legend is still better than Omega Man though.

Josh on Jul 30, 2008

1366

This ending is much better, but not because it is a happy end with a romance to expect. But because first this ending, in which the alfa-male draws a butterfly, fits much better with the intelligence the dark-seekers displayed by copying Neville's trap. Second it clearly shows, that there are two aspects to each situation. The dark seekers might hunt humans, but they still display feelings and are capable of generosity (by sparing Neville's life). So they are no dark creatures abandonned by God, they are simply different from us and as such have a right to live. Neville honors this fact by leaving the city. This alternate ending might be too subtle for some to fully understand or simply to accept. In a time where the fight against the axe of evil determines the mindset, this ending might not seem adequate. Everything is much simpler when we are good and the others are bad with nothing in between. Is this the reason why this ending was chosen and the movie successful ?

Chin on Jul 30, 2008

1367

The alternate ending is far superior to the theatrical release. It remains more true to the short story's (sorry, folks, it isn't really a book) concept, though not the outcome. Ending two adheres to the story by showing the aspect of humanity, and intelligence in the dark seekers. I don't understand why Warner Bros. chose the ending they did. I came out of the theater, though having enjoyed the movie as a whole, feeling unfulfilled by the ending. It just felt sort of empty. However, seeing this, I did not have trouble understanding the ending. The subtle clues are simply food for thought; why did he look at the photographs, why did he not draw any blood. My feelings are that, in doing these things, he recognizes the legitimacy of their kind.

Logan on Jul 30, 2008

1368

The Omega Man with Charlton Heston was still a MUCH better movie than I Am Legend...more meat and closer to the book even if it was made in 1971.

old school on Jul 30, 2008

1369

I didn't see the movie when it first came out, deciding it wasn't really my thing. But I have just seen it after reading the book, and am one of the annoying lot who moan when the film differs from the novel! Honestly, I wouldn't have watched the film without having an interest in the book as I rather enjoy the comparison between film and literature. The alternative ending is still different from what Matheson wrote, but it is far better than the decided grenade scene, which still left us with the conception that the 'vampires' were just mindless killing machines. Thankyou for showing this proper ending!!

Liv on Aug 1, 2008

1370

Let's be honest here, the theatrical version ticked off a lot of people because it wasn't what they expected. Good! A great film should not be formula 101, monsters, hero, PLOT TWIST, end. It should move the viewer. This film is an incredible success, the released version, because people did not walk out of the movies saying, "that was great, National Treasure sucks!." Instead people left with one idea in mind, If that really did happen, what other circumstances could have changed its ending? It is this alone that makes a good film, not a simple ending that everyone accepts. The theatrical ending works in an amazing way, but you have to see the film twice. At the very beginning is a poster that says "God still loves us". Above this poster is a butterfly. Before Sam dies, a butterfly is seen flying around him in the cornfield. The butterfly is a concept that is used over and over again, but it is no motiff. A motiff is a symbol that illuminates a particular concept. The redemption of mankind, Will Smith's faith, and hope do not fit this motiff, because mankind is not redeemed, Will Smith is plunged into despair, and hope is never restored in New York. The butterfly only works in one possible way, a sign from God. With this view in mind, it is all too easy to see how well the ending fits. Will Smith is pushed too far, becomes suicidal, and is saved by God. He is then so convinced by his own system of belief, that it takes a truly hopeless situation to finally see the symbol of God's plan for him, the butterfly. He sees it on the "random" girl's neck, and finally realies that she is not so random after all. He sacrifices himself, a very Christian ideal, in self defense of the cure. The alpha male can only be described as an exceptional monster, who was pushed over the edge to destroy Smith, much like a Satan figure. So in the end you can clearly see how God works in everything, and how evil attempts to uproot Him, without success. A lot of people wanted to go to a movie and watch a book, but I went to see an epic film about Good guys, Bad guys, and how God helps the Good guys win. Two thumbs way up for the theatrical cut!

Case on Aug 1, 2008

1371

I like how they make the vampires seem intelligent and like they are "human" and not just crazy monsters. It is really a different spin on the whole movie. However coming from the point of view of someone who never read the book, I found the theatrical ending much more powerful because I really grew to love and admire Neville throughout the movie and he was an amazing character that I really adored. When he killed himself it was very dramatic and heartbreaking and I was truly moved by him taking his life, and the part where he saw the butterfly and thought of his daughter was so touching too. So then to see Anna make it to the community made me feel better in the end, because I was so torn by Neville dying. I thought it was perfect, coming from the point of view of someone who never read the book. The theatrical ending actually brought tears to my eyes. I'm not saying that ending was better, I'm just saying I thought it was really moving.

Tiffany on Aug 3, 2008

1372

I agree that the alternate ending should have been used and is much better. I kept thinking damn Will! You could have fit in that crawl space too! or you should have thrown the grenade and then jumped in. anyways... I was talking to my buddy who was at the screening with the director and they originally tested with the alternate ending and it did well. He said th directors told him that he didnt want to do the 2 additional sequels for some reason that I dont remember but then decided to change to the ending we all dont like. Still good though. Be a RockStar in Your Life! Dr Dan http://www.MakeTheWorldYourStage.com

Dr Dan on Aug 4, 2008

1373

I hate to say it but as much as I hated seeing Neville die the end in the theatrical cut, I thought the alternate ending was kind of corny. We all want to see everyone live happily ever after but this has become so cliche that I have personally been enjoying the return to shakespearian tragedy type endings, like dances with wolves or the perfect storm, braveheart etc. I think I would have enjoyed the alternate ending a little more but I was too busy trying to figure out if the creatures still had a tiny bit of human emotion or love in them, or if it was because they realized they were ill and wanted to be cured, or something else altogether. I have not read the book but after reading some of the posts and the opening of this website I think I will, and then I wouldlike to watch the movie again, and try to decide if I still prefer the first ending.

james on Aug 5, 2008

1374

Unlike you, I thought the original movie was garbage. The best part about it was the 6 minute IMAX trailer for The Dark Knight. The ending that played at the theater was awful. The alternate ending makes so much more sense and actually could have made this move go from a D to a B in my book. Thanks for dumbing it down Warner Bros!

Dan on Aug 6, 2008

1375

Fantastic - the alternate ending was far superior to the theatrical one. I wish that Warner Bros had had the moral courage to go with this version - we don't need to be spoon fed the same 'safe' experience, and the film was guaranteed to make money anyway with Will Smith in the lead. The final ten minutes of the film in the cinema were ruined by the OTT ending; after seeing this alternate version I am going to go out and buy the DVD to see it over again, but with the alternate ending in place!

Duncs on Aug 7, 2008

1376

I could comment on how the film didn't deliver, but really I think this is just a good reason to read Matheson's original.

Failsafe on Aug 9, 2008

1377

i did not read the book, and i must say, i would have been really disappointed if this ending was shown. the original made more sense for the movie. her's why. Robert Neville said the "vampires" had no higher brain function, they couldn't love, hate, only kill what's not one of their kind. since Robert fixed the girl, the "vampires" would have just bitten her once more, then the ending that was shown in the theatres woiuld still have been played, not this one.

I AM LEGEND FAN on Aug 11, 2008

1378

A legend is a story, that is probably about someone that did exist but has been twisted to seem more interesting and fascinating ( c ) Wikipedia. The Legend in this movie is Will Smith, so if he lives he isnt a legend... and that doesnt make sense with movie's title. I also like alternate ending but that doesnt match with this movie

wazza on Aug 11, 2008

1379

I AM LEGEND FAN i agree with you especialy becouse of this : Robert Neville said the "vampires" had no higher brain function, they couldn't love, hate, only kill what's not one of their kind

wazza on Aug 11, 2008

1380

Hi, ad 1377 and 1379 - ever thought that Neville could be wrong ? that is exactly what the alternate ending is showing. The dark seekers are no vampires or wild animals, they are simply different but Neville has never cared much about this fact. By the end of the alternate ending, when watching the pictures of all the dark seekers he had killed while trying to heal them, Neville realizes he might not have been right doing this. The title refers to the fact that the dark seekers rule and that people like Neville are an almost disappearing minority. This is why he is legend. Because he represents ancient times, long gone, probably never to return. Bye Chin

Chin Tonic on Aug 12, 2008

1381

Ten times better, at least. Yet another case of Hollywood bowing to the dollar instead of the point.

Zalpha on Aug 13, 2008

1382

I like this ending better but he should have been killed. I mean a sort of "thanks and all but we can't let this slide" attitude on the vampire's part would be cooler

zwenkwiel on Aug 13, 2008

1383

I'm not too sure which one is better. I haven't read the book, but from what I have read here, the book ending would have been better!

Cool Todd on Aug 17, 2008

1384

A much better ending. Why they didn't use it is beyond me. . Hopefully they'll re-release it with this "proper" finale

Sam on Aug 17, 2008

1385

although....on second thoughts, the human population rebuilding themselves with the assistance of Neville's cure is a more positive perspective in the long run...

Sam on Aug 17, 2008

1386

This is truly a breathtaking ending! I really enjoyed the movie (minus the look of the infected but that's another story) and having this ending in the theaters would have been MUCH better. WOW!

MZ on Aug 20, 2008

1387

I haven't read the book, and I too felt that the theatrical release was missing something, particularly the fact that Neville never really figured out that the mutants were getting smarter or evolving in some way. I don't really think the alternate original ending fixes that completely. While Neville finally figures it out, it's a bit too sappy. Having said all that, I also have to point out a serious logic flaw in the way people approach the "evolved" mutants as they were presented in the book (again I haven't read it, just going by what's being said here). The common opinion seems to be that they're just as much good guys as they are bad guys, and that Neville is the bad guy for hunting them and killing them, and thus a legend to them. Sure fine, from their point of view. But from our point of view they are and always would be the slayers of mankind as we know it. Let's not forget the beginning of the story where all the mutants ran around eating up the humans.

Annadeus on Aug 23, 2008

1388

In the book Neville was a depressed alcoholic who spent most nights drunk, stumbling about listening to music and falling over! He spent everyday just repairing his house and restocking for the nightly attacks. He does find and kill vampires in the day but the book gives the impression it is a futile task and he is just surviving but with no real purpose. The whole idea of the plague creating two separate societies, vampires and daylight vampires (the latter being the superior race) was never touched on. Plus Ruths (the girl in the book) sudden appearance and Nevilles total distrust of her was never played out. The book never gave you hope apart from all humans will infected but this new race still have humanity and the need to protect their existence which is why they kill Neville. The movie takes the very basic concept of the book and creates a theatrical wonderland complete with superheros, zombies and the a happy ending regardless of which version you prefer. Incidentally, I prefer the alternate ending, only because it briefly touches on the concept that Neville has become the feared, the monster and the legend - but it was weak and they still should have killed him.

Tracy Jerram on Aug 25, 2008

1389

I prefer the theatrical version. Alternate version didn't fit the rest of the movie. It was cheesey and out of place. Most don't like it because it didn't match the book ... so there is sort an anti-hype type deal going on. Theatrical version was great. 8/10 easily. Smith was phenomenal.

buck16 on Aug 28, 2008

1390

Has anyone out there seen the alternative ending BEFORE the original (theatrical) endning AND not have read the novel? (Or learned about the original story in the novel by any other way, like discussion boards..) What's your opinion? I havent read the novel. I liked both endnings, both givning me interesting angles of the story. They are hard to compare, the alternative one though harder to understand if you havent read the novel.

max on Aug 30, 2008

1391

I personally rated the movie about 7/10, but with this ending the rating surely goes to about 8/10. Thanks for sharing this!

Gautam on Aug 31, 2008

1392

Thanks for posting this - I think it works because it shows that Neville has finally let go of his need to save everyone (including his wife and child). His guilt (I think) had been his driving force and when he was able to release it, he was able to begin living again. It is a powerful moment I think. As for the rest of the film, I think the whole legend concept was clouded by the Bob Marley reference (to his album Legend). It threw me off track a bit - I did not relate legend to the race of vampires (or suriving humans) as I think the author intended because I was all wrapped up in Bob Marley metaphors. This was just a distraction I think. I guess you could make the connection that Marley was a legend amonst a dying race, but that would be a little heavy, don't you think??? Also, the fact that the vampires set a trap for him did not really sink in for me until the movie was over. I guess it is obvious now that I think of it, but when I saw it, I thought it was supposed to be about him going crazy - that he had set a trap and forgotten it. As for the vampires lying in wait, well, they were always sort of lying in wait. I just thought this was weak, and with the theatrical ending, was not tied up cleanly. If I had seen THIS ending, I would have gotten that it was them - otherwise, there is no real reason to think the vampires would be smart enough for such things. This was sloppy to me. Thanks for posting the video!!

Karen on Aug 31, 2008

1393

I can't believe I am the only one to fully understand the movie. Can't you tell the signs ? Are you all blind ? Or nuts ? I did not read the book but I read the bible. Neville's situation is similar to that of the first christians: alone in the Colosseum (New York) amongst wild godless beasts who seek to kill him. But Neville is Jesus ! During the final scene we see him preaching and evil would not listen. So Neville is left with no choice but to die in order to destroy the bad - he dies and takes all our sins (the man-made demons) with him, just as Jesus did on his own cross. The holy fire kills the demons the same way it was used to purify heretic souls during the middle ages. Yes, after all these years God is still on our side and supports our cleansing actions. Now that Neville is resurrected he leaves hell. Together with his tribe (the woman and the boy) he searches for the promised land from where he will lead the fight against the demons. Neville's never coagulating blood will drown the demons just like the red sea washed the egyptians away. Neville will prevail because God hates the demons. Neville is a legend, because in 2000 light years from now, humanity will remember his deeds but question he ever existed. Neville is the light that endures. Remember we must first be on God's side, so that God can be on our side. Now let us support Neville with our prayers and help him save the world. Amen

a true believer on Sep 2, 2008

1394

i liked that ending awhole lot better then the one that was shown to movie goers

tim lee on Sep 4, 2008

1395

Wow... lot of feedback. I actually like the theater ending better too. It was more of a surprise, it was faster paced in the writing, and less warm and fuzzy (if that can be said about the vampires). I can see how, in the book, this alternate ending could have played very well by opening up doors for lots of thoughtful narrative. But I stick with the theater release. Either way though, glad to see so many others liked the movie.

John F. on Sep 4, 2008

1396

Well, I actually prefer the theatrical ending. This one is nice, and probably is somewhat more related to the book and the original story (which i have not read, but i hope to in the future), but i feel that the theatrical one really tied it up for me. The idea in this one that the creatures have feelings, and take mates, seemed to be a little too human for them. The idea that they are completely inhuman in their vampiric/zombie state seems more appealing, and more hopeless, which adds to the apocalyptic nature of the movie. The idea that they can be reasoned with and still retain a human sense of respect turns them into something a little too human for me. Also, this ending seems to change part of the original movie storyline (Neville thinks that the reason that they have tracked him own is because of his scent, however, in this version, it would be because he had captured his mate, and that they were going to seek revenge [another human characteristic]). Classifying Neville as a martyr for the human race further shows us how much he can sacrifice for humanity, further creating the idea of him being "predestined" to do it, and it creates a stronger flow to the story. You feel a deeper feeling of loss for him, because you know what he has been through. It makes the movie infinitely sadder, but that is balanced by Alice Braga's character (forgive me, I forget her name) reaching the human outpost and delivering the serum. It makes the ending feel so much more whole to me, and I felt much of a deeper connection to the original than the alternate ending. I'd like to hear what you guys think of this.

Dante on Sep 7, 2008

1397

I liked this ending MUCH more than the one used.... The main reason I was really disappointed w/ the movie is because everything with the Alica Braga character seemed monstrously, terribly, and unnecessarily Deus Ex Machina. This ending discounts her role a bit or at least takes some of the focus off of her role in the story and makes her appearance seem less out of the blue and less mindlessly placating. I agree, the focus SHOULD be on Neville because of the "I Am Legend" aspect of it and yes, he SHOULD be the legend to the vampires/monsters rather than to the small pocket of survivors (not that he can't be both, I just see it as a more interesting and powerful phenomena if the concept is used the way the novel intended... it is, after all, why the novel has survived as a good piece of reading and literature to this point). Thanks a lot for posting this entry/ending. It's such a huge difference that I might now even consider picking up the dvd.

Ghoast on Sep 7, 2008

1398

Before I make my comment I would like to point out that I have never read the novel version of I am Legend. When I went to see the movie I was very impressed by the story right up until the ending. It seemed to me like the film completely changed the entire theme of the story at the end and it left me feeling very annoyed by the very unfufilling ending to the story. However this new ending works much better and shows a far more bleak version of the future. The idea of Neville giving up the woman and realising what he has done shows how he has essentually given up on restoring humanity and leaves a much more powerful ending as, despite the idea of giving up on humanity sounds horrible, he does it for the right reasons.

Michael Corbin on Sep 8, 2008

1399

Wow, this ending was truly breathtaking. I prefer it to the theatrical version because it makes you think, who was the monster? Dr. Neville? Or "them"? I'll be watching this again XD

Mike on Sep 9, 2008

1400

well, i have to say that this ending isn't really better, it's just different. I hated the fact that Neville was a Dr AND a Colonel. It's was just lame. In the book, i liked the fact that Robert was an ordinary man, with some war experience but nonetheless, learnt everything about the vampire 'Infection' by reading books. It just doesn't make sense to me that he was a DR and a Colonel. The other thing that bugged me, was that Neville in the movie wasn't really a murderer. He was trying to cure them. In the book, Neville would try to develop the cure, but at the same time he would kill all he could find in the day time. also, on another rant, the vampires shouldn't have been so animalistic. In the book (here i go again) there was his neighbour (Ben something) who called out to him every night to come out, rather than just yelling haha. Yeah, i liked the movie, but a DR Colonel. Lame. As for this ending, it was certainly better because it had more substance, but Neville should have died, that goes with being the legend.

Adrian Levet on Sep 11, 2008

1401

When I first saw "I am legend" I thought it was one of the best movies I've ever seen. It's not the actual acting, or the budged and how well the movie was done but the whole idea behind it. I really don't know if I'm the only person that got this unique and very rare feeling after watching this movie that before has never happened to me and no other movie has done the same. Just thinking about the whole idea of being alone on the planet earth or just to even think that you are has so much more in it and I can talk about it for hours. My point is that the ending which I've seen in the theater was just very, very disappointing. Like someone has mention before the whole concept of Will Smith being "a legend" has just no meaning in the original version but the alternate ending made the movie a master piece. I just hope that film makers don't repeat the same mistake that was done in this case and that focusing strongly at what the "audience" will think isn't what will guide the other movies that could of been so good if not changed.

Pawel on Sep 11, 2008

1402

I just got around to seeing the movie a couple of weeks ago. The beginning of the movie held my interest and was a good story line up until: The vampires/mutants or whatever they were. After the first mutant, I felt I was in a 21st century remake of 'Dawn Of The Dead' or the 'Omega Man'. It got bogged down with the same dreary scenario. Last man in the city after a plague rides around blasting everything in sight with his automatic weapon, while getting free DVD's in abandoned stores, and talking to maniquins. Shades of 'The Omega Man' Except Charleston Heston got free men's aftershave if my memory serves me. Anything but more man eating vampire/mutants! How about.. Outlaw Bikers.. Crazed escaped mental patients. Warlords who want to be Emperior of Manhatten. All the above. But please, no more vampire/mutants. It's been done so many times I can't take it anymore! Three things that bummed me out. The dog dieing. DON'T EVER KILL THE DOG!! And, the ending. Yes, same as the Mega Man..the hero gets killed and hands his blood that is immune to the plague to another person to save the world. The alternate ending was much better done. Thanks for showing this. But the has the same overdone plot. Plague, people wiped out, one man left, mutants, man kills a bunch of mutants, mutants kill man.. Let us not forget the woman who just sort of shows up out of nowhere (Like in 'The Omega Man' ) and never really does anything except show up. The movie had potential of a good survival scenario after a plague. But again, the vampire/mutants and the girl shows up everytime.

Joshua on Sep 11, 2008

1403

I love this ending. I would like to see it re released with this ending. Although I did like the non-happy ending of Neville dying, I can't justify it against such an intellectual thought-provoking ending, even though it may seem the 'happy ending' there is no conformation that anyone else is alive. I usually go for the more sombre endings not because they are 'sombre' but because they are thought-provoking. It just turns out that the happier ending is the better and less shallow, in my opinion - it gives you more to think about when the film ends, instead of the usual oh he sacrificed himself, I mean that ending is as old as the bible.

San on Sep 12, 2008

1404

For those of you who are fans of the alternate ending and think it should have been released, I believe they did this on Dish Network PPV recently. I own the movie and have seen the alternate ending, so I didn't rent it myself, but based on the previews, this is the ending they used. They called it a "spectacular twist" or something like that. Not 100% on the terms they used. Heh. After reading post after post on this thread, it seems that the majority favorite seems to be the alternate ending showed here. I am still a fan of the theatrical cut, myself. It was powerful and enlightening. 🙂 That one man would dedicate his life to save what was left of humanity (not even knowing if any existed anymore) and then giving his life to protect it is something pretty special, fiction or not. 🙂

Kristi on Sep 12, 2008

1405

That was much, much better. It makes me want to read the book. Thank you.

M on Sep 12, 2008

1406

Honestly, I prefer the original movie (Omega Man) with Charlton Heston as Dr. Robert Neville.

Eddie on Sep 13, 2008

1407

I would be happy with either, both are as moving as each other.

Kadence on Sep 14, 2008

1408

i dont know if anyone had caught on to this..but i also saw it in a more ethical note...when i saw this alternate ending.///especially when he looks at the wall of the killings and such..it made me think of humankind...in this movie will smith THINKS hes doing everyone a favour by trying to find a cure..but is really still testing on a being....the main vampire things reaction to him and superiority to will makes even the audience seem submissive...it made me feel like i had no right to even think he was doing something beneficial...its almost as if he was telling will he had no right to test on her.....makes you think of human kind...do we really have a right to place tests on anything....even if we may think its beneficial...? are we really bettering the situation? or trespassing on something that is a decision or a power far greater than our own?

kelly on Sep 14, 2008

1409

I would have much preferred this one instead of the one they used!

holly on Sep 14, 2008

1410

Wow that is a pretty good ending... but I feel like this was more of a 'hollywood' happy-ending; they both have incredible shock value in very different ways. And I can see why some people would have wanted to see this over the one that made it to the theatre cut. I'm happy enough with both endings...

fragileheart on Sep 16, 2008

1411

Much better ending than what WB gave us.

peter on Sep 17, 2008

1412

this ending is so much better...warner bros was stupid to think this wouldn't work..

yogi on Sep 17, 2008

1413

Dang! I like this ending better than the theaterical one. Where is the love? The hero of the movie? The happiness at the end? But it's good I didn't pay to go watch it at the movie or I would've been so upset and mad because Will Smith's character died.

Blia on Sep 18, 2008

1414

When i first saw the movie, i got all the points alluding to this ending and then when the ending int he theatrical cut was shown i thoght it was pretty shitty, and i thought i had wasted 2 hrs of my life even though i was rly hopeful. So i did some research ha and found this ending and thought it was unbelievably better. I feel like warner just underesimated the viewers capabilities and im not smart or anything and i got this so i ws a little insulted yet grateful that they made this ending and pissed it asnt the theatrical cut... atleast its fixed better late than never

Zaidi on Sep 19, 2008

1415

THATS BETTER

Siriquelle on Sep 19, 2008

1416

that ending was way better than the original, still wondering why they replaced it.

MTran on Sep 20, 2008

1417

This ending is better than the original. We say that because we haven't seen it in the movie. But the women that acts in the movie doesn't really show Neville That humans still exist in the original finish.That's the only bad thing about it.But the dying part is cool. It really relats to the name of the movie(I AM LEGEND) THAT'S MY SUGGESTION (THANKYOU!!!)

fabregas on Sep 23, 2008

1418

This ending is AWESOME! Definitely better than the original. I didn't know that there was an alternate ending out there until I just happened to run across this site. I cannot believe that they didn't use this ending. It's mind boggelling to see both of these endings and know which one was used. The alternate ending leaves wide open room for a sequel, it leaves room for something different, something more, and above all, it leaves room for hope.

ACRobbins on Sep 25, 2008

1419

Ive never seen i am ledged and never will, endless violence has gotten a little old to me. Saw and other such films are Pathic its not ok for Joe terroist in iraq to drill through ppls feet and saw off heads But its fine to watch on tv. Its not real no harm done NOTTRUE Just Think about how many ppl in the USA actully give a crap about the ppl in iraq being tourted. These are real ppl children men woman girls horribly tourted and dumped in the street.

Retard on Sep 25, 2008

1420

definitely much better than the theatrical ending 🙂

Mike on Sep 25, 2008

1421

Scott is clearly an asshole, and probably lives in his mother's basement.

Chris on Sep 28, 2008

1422

Redge, It's "superior to," not "superior than." And the dog was female. And the reason that happened to the dog wasn't because it was a "blockbuster," it's because that's what happened in the book. People, you all should probably read what you've typed before you post it on the Internet. Over 1400 people have written on this page, that's not to mention the nameless people who have looked at it without commenting. You make yourselves look stupid and make me sad to see that people don't know how to express themselves with their own language. Idiots.

Richard on Oct 4, 2008

1423

This ending was much much better.

Denise on Oct 5, 2008

1424

The book is better than the movie. The alternate ending does make a lot more sense.

Jazzattack on Oct 7, 2008

1425

I really like the alternate ending it would been alot better if they use that one for the original theater movie. Hope the hav some kind of another movie i would definetly watch it.

juan on Oct 7, 2008

1426

I just saw this movie last night. This was the ending that should have been in. It fits much better than the other.

Ash on Oct 7, 2008

1427

I couldn't stand the origanal ending it was just to sad. but this i liked better because he didn't die and there still by themselves at the end of the. i think they should come out with the second one where there in vermont and all crazy things happen

Abbey on Oct 7, 2008

1428

As you state, "And he has switched places from our reality of what we perceive as legend, to actually being the legend. " Perhaps legend is symbolic for a major change in values. In this case a drastic change due to a man made disaster (at least in the latest movies) Just as in Fahrenheit 451, there is a change in values that translates to a change in culture due to some political upheaval. The fire department becomes the arm of government censorship and in a perverse future burn books. Burn books using all the images and paraphernalia of firemen. Neville ends up in a new world due to a catastrophic world event - a plague – a new world and a new people with new values and hence culture that Neville does not see, can’t see. I do like the second ending. I also want to see neville win, we share the same values after all.

Louispz on Oct 8, 2008

1429

Dude? Why didn't they use this ending?? I think this one made more sense. It is sad that they killed him off instead of him being the one who takes the antidote to the people in the camp. I am so disappointed with the producers and directors now that I have seen this original ending. This ending would of made up for a good second movie. Picture this: -They get to the camp with the antidote -THe people are pissed off, but accept them anyways -Dr. Neville meets new and intersting people who have stories to tell -There, they begin a new, yet very challenging life together and -Try to build a new life and world, with problems and consequences of course. How about that directors? Peace and love, and Vote on 11-4-08!

rocky on Oct 16, 2008

1430

I didn't like that ending very much. The reason for being is that this man, will smiths character, lost EVERYTHING. He lost his child, he lost his wife, he even lost his best friend (the dog). Throughout the movie you begin to realize the infected peoples' objective is to infect others. The alternative ending seemed as though they struck a deal. Which contradicted what their objective was throughout the movie. The infected didn't need to strike a deal to get their familly member back. Alll they had to do is break the glass, get their family member back, and infect the three uninfected people. I think that the ending that the director chose for the movie was FANTASTIC! Here is a man who lost EVERYTHING and is sad and depressed constantly because he thinks the infection is his fault. You know that even if he did live he wouldn't be happy and probably would wish he were dead everyday. But I guess that's why they call it A MOVIE.

Linda on Oct 18, 2008

1431

i dont completely understand this ending, but im actually gonna read the book because the concept seems really interesting. i do like this version though, and i probably will like it better once i understand it, but i still love the original version. i heard some religious references in it and thats why he died and stuff and that was interesting too.

bekah on Oct 19, 2008

1432

Wish I could "unsee" the movie and then watch it with this ending. I remember seeing the seeker close to Will Smith in the promos, but kept waiting for that scene in the movie. This ending is everything the movie should have been. Incredible. The theatrical ending absolutely ruined the movie for me (that and, although I understand it, the Shrek movie scene). Fantastic ending...

Cortney on Oct 21, 2008

1433

Sorry to spoil your fanboy fest, and I do understand different people have different tastes. My issue with I Am Legend is the fact I ever watched it in the first place. I'm sure that part of my life could have been better spent than watching a truly depressing story from beginning to (no matter what it was) the ending. It was something I wish I could "un-watch" and pretend I never saw it. I like to watch movies to be entertained, not tortured into wondering when the end is and hoping it comes sooner. No, I never read the book, nor is it on my list of things to do before I die. Each to their own I guess.

SuperSparky on Oct 23, 2008

1434

the alternate ending is so much better, it has so much more meaning and it leaves a lot for expansion. warner bros. you made the wrong decision of endings

Kevin on Oct 23, 2008

1435

The ending shown here, which approximates the original ending of the book, is far, far better than the theatrical release version. 'Nuff said.

Dave on Oct 23, 2008

1436

I personally really didn't like the film, both independently, and as an interpretation of the book. It lacked so much subtlety compared to the book. I much preferred "The Last Man on Earth" staring Vincent Price; I think he makes a much more convincing and intense Neville than Will Smith, plus the ending is much more true to the book.

Chris on Oct 24, 2008

1437

Hollywood has enjoyed so much popular success with endings where "IT BLOWED UP REAL GOOD!" that they're not going to fiddle with their formula...even if, artistically, it makes for a better movie. And, in this case, yeah, it sure did. I'm 50 and I'm burned out on blowing stuff up, even if it gets BLOWED UP REAL GOOD!

Timmy O on Oct 24, 2008

1438

Finally a sensible end the movie! The whole hollywood hogwash of sacrificing yourself for the greater good is so often shown in situations where its just not needed. Thats what annoyed me about the original ending of the film. The scene where the vampire girl is taken by the good doctor, and the head vampire comes out of the doorway and gets burnt, the doctor says something like "they are completely animalistic now, based on their behaviour". If you notice the behaviour of the vampire as it leans out the facial expression and mannerisms doorway it appears to be trying to get the girl vampire back, rather then trying only to kill the doctor. This just suggests to me, with this ending, that the original plan was to show there not unthinking monsters, just different, and possibley the "there completely animalistic" line was just stuck over to make the "new and crappified" ending make sense. Just something i've been mulling since i saw the film

Daekle on Oct 24, 2008

1439

way better

Jeff on Oct 24, 2008

1440

well the movie sucked, but this would have at least given it a proper ending...

neko on Oct 24, 2008

1441

please can someone tell me what the i am legend music is... you know... the sad piano music? please reply to wildborn@hotmail.co.uk

Sam Bowen-Wid on Oct 25, 2008

1442

I loved this ending. Just like the thousand or so others up there, I would have much rather seen the hero live and the "hope" that they would find a cure. Instead, they ending we get is a dead dog, a dead hero, dead creatures and the "heroine" taking the warm bottle of blood to a colony where I am sure they have the latest medical technology to process it and start a massive distribution of it. I am really ticked off now. I would have given the movie an 8 if this had been the ending. The actual ending earns a 4 from me.

TJ on Oct 25, 2008

1443

I prefer the alternate ending!! Interesting from wikipedia: Will Smith stars in the film directed by Francis Lawrence, released on December 14, 2007. This movie also deviates from the original novel. The infection is caused by a virus originally intended to cure cancer. Some vampiric elements are retained, such as sensitivity to UV light and attraction to blood. The film takes place in New York City and in the year 2012 instead of '76-'79, and Neville is given the dog by his daughter as she and the mother were about to escape. The ending is completely different, with him discovering a cure and killing himself to allow another immune person to take the cure to a hidden sanctuary. Presumably then, the cure is spread and man-kind is saved. In an alternate ending viewable on the film's DVD, Neville releases the captured female creature after confronting the Alpha Male and realizing he's become an interruption to their existence rather than a savior, an aspect retained from the novel.

Steve on Oct 26, 2008

1444

What everyone fails to think about is the fact that this movie wasn't supposed to be the same as the book. It was intentionally made different, which is clear. I still think the theatrical ending is better than the one shown here to fit the movie we saw. If it had been made to model the book, then this ending would have been better. Everyone has an expiration date, people. Everyone has to die at some time. I think to go in a heroic manner is pretty honorable. I like the theatrical cut because he was willing to give his life so that humanity may live on. Why is it everyone says that because he died there was no "hope" for humanity? He gave them that hope by putting his life on the line for it. That's my two cents. 😉

Kristi on Oct 27, 2008

1445

Way better ending....leaves room for a part two.

Mike on Oct 27, 2008

1446

I enjoyed what I saw the first time. Yes this is a little more close to the book. But ehhhh. I didn't think the movie itself was that great.

Movie Review on Oct 29, 2008

1447

wow.... This is WAAAAAY Better! That is the best ending I have seen.

Snicket on Oct 30, 2008

1448

This movie was great. I have seen I AM LEGEND countless times. I hated the ending. Everyone i knew hated the ending. Now what was the point of being the last human survivor, hunting down infected humans to use as test subjects, finding a cure, and when finally Dr. Neville found the cure, he killed himself when he could have easily fit into that little box like shelter he put the woman and her kid. Why did he not go in there as well? Whatever the case, the new ending is just perfect, and i have no clue as to why the producers of this movie would choose the ending that was played in theatres. Its all about the $$$ for them, so they dont care, but it truely would have been a true blockbuster if they used this new ending.

Mandeep on Oct 31, 2008

1449

hey just wanted to say that this was a great ending but most of you are confused you should research the book first..... the whole idea of this ending was that dr neveille relized he wasnt helping them he was hurting them, because to them He was the darkseeker and they were innocent

sam on Nov 1, 2008

1450

oh yeah one last thing... I AM LEGEND means that instead of vampires just being a silly legend to scare kids..... he is just a scarty LEGEND to them..... dont beive me? read the book!

sam on Nov 1, 2008

1451

I was very excited to see I am Legend brought to the big screen. But i was disapointed. The book is one of my favorite pieces of literature, and in my view, one of the greatest novellas ever written. The hollywood version completely re-writes the ending and strips down the "Vampires" into adrenaline pumped humans who hate sunlight. And for those of you who are about to read the book, im about to spoil it for you. So don't read this section In the Original Neville is captured by the Vampires thanks to the manipulation of friendship. The Vampires saw his connection with an injured dog and manipulated it with a seemingly uninfected girl named Ruth who helped the process of his capture. Neville finds out that most infected have found ways to halt the full process and at night hunt the real vampires, the ones that have completely turned into bloodthirsty relentless monsters. While awaiting his execution Ruth visits him and informs him that the half infected are creating a new society. And in this society they view him as a monster, myth, a Legend. Just like Humans viewed Vampires, hence the title. This is shown when Neville looks at the infected through his jail cell window and the ones that notice cringe in fear. Ruth hands him pills that will make his execution painless. Then Neville glimpses a future society wherein infection is normal and he, is a murderous biologic deviant. As he turns away and swallows the pills, Neville grasps the reversal that has taken place and that, just as vampires were legend in pre-infection times now he, as obsolete exemplar of old humanity, is legend in the eyes of the new race born of the infection. This isn't I am Legend turned into a movie, this is a goreless 28 Days Later with emotional infected.

Philip on Nov 12, 2008

1452

im a serious movie buff and i've watched this movie at least 20 times and loved it all the way up to the ending(i got the cheap version) but had i saw this dam ending this would be on my top fav movies....the SHYT WAS HOTT

ill will on Nov 15, 2008

1453

This alternate ending was far superior to the ending in the theatrical release. It seemed like a no brainer to me the twist on him being a legend to the vampires. I just don't get Hollywood sometimes.

Another Voice on Nov 23, 2008

1454

i love the comment about a retarded spider monkey (y)

Emma on Nov 24, 2008

1455

I have a couple of questions about the creatures themselves. If they devoured all the uninfected, leaving Neville alone, what do they eat now that keeps them going? And while I like the alternative ending's romance, I have to say it's too much of a coincidence for Neville to have gd the one creature that is loved by the leader of the creatures. And why isn't he more surprised when he gets up to find a strange woman and boy in his kitchen? How has she found his house, and why meet him there instead of where he broadcasts he will be? And how does her reliance on "God" telling her everything fit in? Also, Neville's purpose has been achieved in the vaccine he gives to Hannah to take to the colony of survivors. What's left for him, since early on the creatures were responsible for for the deaths of his wife and daughter during the evacuation and even his dog is dead? In the theatrical ending, he takes out himself and as many of the creatures as he can with one grenade. Will Smith was absolutely superb. His emotions and his expression of them are what you would expect a real person's to be under such circumstances. He's no no ruthless , hurt-but-sublimated-the-pain sort that litters too many movies. He suffers, he fears, he's brave, he's a wreck, but he keeps trying, he succeeds, and he makes a last shattering decision that will ensure his legendary status among those creatures that survive, as they obviously couldn't ALL fit into his lab or even his whole house. I noticed something for which there's no excuse. In "From Dusk until Dawn," the creatures were all sort of beige and looked a bit like mummies. So did the creatures in this movie. Is this the look that the chic corpse cannibal sports these days? I did like the gaping mouths and the sounds the creatures made with them.. Such small strokes of genius were genuinely frightening! In a video on YouTube about reconstruction of the horribly disfigured, the "before" scenes of one man whose face was half bitten off by a bear appeared as you'd imagine these creatures would leave you looking with those mouths. So, I have to say I see the point of each ending

bryony1 on Nov 24, 2008

1456

Would it still be a legend if he lived....or a hero? he'd be praised as a hero if he lived and got the cure, but because he died it was a legend a legacy he left behind for the survivors.

Corro on Nov 24, 2008

1457

I wish I'd seen this movie at a theatre. Instead, I watched it for free online, and sites that show movies online really need to improve their presentations. Only one site has dialogue loud enough to hear without holding the computer to my ear, and this wasn't the one. Also, most sites have either terrible copies of films or don't know how to properly show them, since they're usually blurred, stop and start, stop and start, freeze for seconds to minutes, and generally make viewing a disappointment. I've tried both my browsers, so it's not them that's creating the problem, but the sites themselves. If they're going to show free movies, at least make them enjoyable to watch -- and hear. Does anyone know the best sites? Most are from one Asian site whose techs don't seem to give a damn how the films appear and sound to viewers. Just because it's free doesn't mean it has to be bad. And I still don't know how these creatures survive, now that they've eaten everybody. And where do they get the supernatural strength and speed? Also, I have one new question: Why does Neville hunt deer from his vehicles' noise frightening them to stampede away from him? Like any good hunter, he should sneak up on them. I found the dog's death very sorrowful. Neville was really alone after that until the woman and kid showed up. And what was she doing exposing her child to danger in that fashion, anyway?

bryony1 on Nov 25, 2008

1458

I wish I'd seen this movie at a theatre. Instead, I watched it for free online, and sites that show movies online really need to improve their presentations. Only one site has dialogue loud enough to hear without holding the computer to my ear, and this wasn't the one. Also, most sites have either terrible copies of films or don't know how to properly show them, since they're usually blurred, stop and start, stop and start, freeze for seconds to minutes, and generally make viewing a disappointment. I've tried both my browsers, so it's not them that's creating the problem, but the sites themselves. If they're going to show free movies, at least make them enjoyable to watch -- and hear. Does anyone know the best sites? Most are from one Asian site whose techs don't seem to give a damn how the films appear and sound to viewers. Just because it's free doesn't mean it has to be bad. Also, I have one new question: Why does Neville hunt deer from his vehicles' noise frightening them to stampede away from him? Like any good hunter, he should sneak up on them. I found the dog's death very sorrowful. Neville was really alone after that until the woman and kid showed up. And what was she doing exposing her child to danger in that fashion, anyway?

bryony1 on Nov 25, 2008

1459

"Honestly, I prefer the original movie (Omega Man) with Charlton Heston as Dr. Robert Neville." Eddie on Sep 13, 2008 The original was from the '50s with Vincent Price, called, I think, "The Last Man on Earth." It's worth a look. In fact, one of these free sites advertises the 2007 movie but shows the Price film instead. Forget which, so you'd have to Google and try them all until you find it.

bryony1 on Nov 25, 2008

1460

The origanal ending they picked was way better.

john on Nov 26, 2008

1461

First of all, I know probably nobody will get to this point to actually read my comments, but I'm going to add them anyways.... LMFAO, Chad, I loved your comment here way back in comment #847 - "And those forum contributors who are angry profanity spewers should be understood here, of all places…they just have the KV virus. They are upset by the uncomplimentary depiction the film is promoting, and are currently pushing a lawsuit through the ACLU. Their boycott lines only occur at night." Lol at the KV virus comparison... that was cute! (and an eerie observation at that!) Oks, firstly I know this is going to piss a few folks off but nonetheless... this is a MOVIE review, folks, please stop quoting actual story plots from the book... it makes no sense to keep on comparing this film to a book that most folks here haven't even read and I have purposely skimmed over the subsequent comments about the film being based on the book. Earlier another poster here mentioned that the film was BASED on a SCREENPLAY which had been an adaptation of the book... in no way was this film even trying to show us the story as it was written in it's originality... this film was an adaptation of a screenplay, NOT the original book, so I duefully ignore the books vs film comments. (I wrote this little spiel for those of you who are obssessed with being anal retentive about this). Now that we have that out of the way, lets get into the MOVIE storylines and plots. Most of you (who have read the book) are so biased in the view that these infected people are "vampires" or "monsters" when in fact, there is not one reference in the film to these previously-human folks being vampires at all. Never mind the fact that they are "darkseekers" or "nightwalkers"..... the film clearly explains this as the effects of the virus on the people that were infected with it. Although the cure for cancer story of the virus mutation is a bit far-fetched, it doesn't take a genius to imagine how skin cancers, etc (many of the cancers they sought to cure) may relate to the reason these infected folks are sensitive to UV rays. Robert Neville even goes on to explain these phenomena as he is researching the animals in his lab for skin, eye pigmentation changes and he does mention their "rabid" and aggressive natures as a result of this terrible KV virus. I also note that he names it KV after the original Dr... Ms. Krippen (the woman scientist who appears on the news show in the beginning). I know I'm being a pain in the butt with details here, but it has made me so annoyed to see folks referring to the infected people as creatures or worse, vampires, when this was not at all what the modern film was attempting to explain. And yes, I am only referring to the film, not the book which seems to have featured vampires rather than virus-infected humans. It is far easier to see how this alternate (or should I say, original?) version of the ending makes much more sense than the trumped up hollywood trash they did end it with. I, too, was impressed with the alternate version displayed here on the site and after viewing the film last night, I just had to find the REAL ending to it, as I was not at all convinced. As I have already made the point above, just as the film did - these people were infected human beings, not vampires with nothing left but bloodlust. Yes, they did evolve into a more animalistic state and seemed to have developed a taste for blood, but they were also once human beings who were forced into a state of unnatural evolution. It makes sense that they had some semblence of human intelligence, considering their previous human state. It also makes perfect sense that the Alpha Male was upset that Neville had captured his love and that he wanted revenge by laying the same trap for Neville to fall into by placing "Frank" within the trap. Again, the original ending we have viewed here on this site shows that these infected people are still human in some sense. They were capable of unity and bonding within their own community and although I tend to disagree with some comments here about Robert Neville ending up the "monster" in their eyes, it did bring into question how much of his own humanity he had sacrificed in trying to find a cure for the infected, whilst living in almost total isolation from other human beings. The Alpha Male was indeed after his loved one in the basement, otherwise what would have been the point of him risking exposure to sunlight when Neville captured his love? The ending we are seeing here perfectly encompasses those important plot points and shows Neville that he was wrong in his assumption that the infected had lost all socialization abilities. The cinema ending did nothing at all to explain these things and made it appear that Robert was right after all. Also, what was the point in wild deer and lions roaming the city if they were not food for the infected? It seems the infected went after Robert Neville for more emotional reasons than that he was their next meal. For all intents and purposes the film did nothing to show us that the infected were even aware of where Neville resided until he was "rescued" by Anna and Ethan. And had they been aware, why hadn't they already scaled his home and torn it to pieces looking for him and Sam as another meal? Someone else mentioned this earlier, that they had not torn apart all the buildings and homes in NYC looking for food, and the film also justifies this truth with the scene in which Neville and Sam go food-hunting in abandoned homes. Again, I was not convinced that the infected were just "hungry" when they followed Neville home. As for folks wanting to dispel the idea that the ending we saw at the theatres was not a typical Hollywood ending in that the hero kills himself, don't any of you remember watching "Armageddon"? Indeed, the main character, played by Bruce Willis sacrifices himself to save humanity by staying with the nuclear weapon to blow up the meteor, though in this case it was justified as the remote control for the weapon had been destroyed and so it was needed for someone to be there to set it off. I am in agreement with most folks here who commented that it was dumb of Neville to kamikaze it with the grenade and it certainly makes no sense that Anna and Ethan survived the blast to reach their car without being attacked by the infected ones, only to escape to a colony of survivors. I was also impressed by another comment here someone made about the butterflies... I too realised there was a reason behind Neville's daughter talking about the butterfiles in the back seat of the car in his flashbacks, and that it was her voice in his mind that made Neville understand that the Alpha Male was trying to communicate with him about his love and her tattoo. It was a way of bringing the humanity into this film that it needed to have to please the audience. I believe this was also the reason Neville was not killed by the infected ones... they had not followed him home to eat him, they were there for the infected girl or revenge, whichever happened first. I feel the cinema version was made to appease the religious folks by focusing on the "Us vs Them" rubbish of good guy(Jesus type) vs bad guy(Satan type) which has ruined a lot of perfectly good films for athiests/agnostics and others who are not religious. Which brings me to my next, and final comment - This next comment is also going to upset a few of the religious folks here who so loved the God aspect in this movie. If you are really religious and love God and Jesus, please DO NOT READ THIS. It is my opinion and only my view, I can not speak for all when I say these things. For me, this is yet another film which had some really interesting scientific points ruined by the mention of God and Anna having faith that there "just was" another colony of human survivors out there. I know this will upset a few folks but I'm going to say it anyways cause I am not religious and for good reason... believing in God is akin to believing in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy. No living man has ever proven that there really is a God out there who loves us and I admired Robert Neville for saying it in a similar way in the film. I was also incensed by the ending where Anna reaches the destination "God told her about" and there is an obvious steepled church within the walls of the survivors. Yes, this does smack of American puritanism and as someone else mentioned earlier, Scientology, which is also a rubbish religion based on aliens... Why bring religious shit into a film that was based on human science? This film was about science and the reality of what could happen if we tried to mess with the natural order of things. Again, not a lot of folks would like to hear this, but there is a reason why we have cancers - it is one of nature's ways of controlling the human population, like it or not. I think this film serves as a good warning to the scientists of the world to be very careful with what they try to change/correct for humankind... not all things can be fixed by us humans, even as evolved as we currently are.

Angie on Nov 30, 2008

1462

Thaaaankgoodness you posted this

wj on Dec 2, 2008

1463

I think one important point is missing across these posts. (By the way, I didn't read the book and didn't watch the movie in theaters, I watched the Blue-Ray DVD Alternate version FIRST. I then scanned through the Theatrical Version, not knowing what would be different, finally realizing that it was the end!) The Alternate ending is certainly better because there is hope from two ends. Will Smith's character in his desperation records that there is no humanity left in these creatures. In fact, these creatures do love, they do organize, they do think and adapt. Because are willing to risk their lives for love and because they are able to devise plans to follow Neville home, they clearly exhibit some human characteristics. This means that they could eventually evolve back into something that resembles their original form. At the same time, Smith's character has been freed from trying to perpetually "cure" these creatures, to just leaving them be, realizing that they have a life of their own, and his presence only disrupts it. We then, are free to wonder if the three "survivors" will find other humans who were immune, and so there will be two parallel societies existing on earth, one of the immune humans, and one of the infected humans. And one will not be superior to the other. I almost think that the message in the alternate ending is that of tolerance, equality, and acceptance of other people, cultures etc... Clearly, the entire film was set-up for the alternate ending. The man running out right after Smith captures his love, the butterfly on the arm, the trap, the night dwellers showing up at the house, and proceeding to the basement where the girl lay. It is almost silly that at this point in the theatrical ending that Neville does not realize what they are there for! He could have still taken her blood "for the cure" and then given her back to them. In the theatrical ending he is being most intolerant, by essentially saying, "none of you get to live, only us, real humans will survive". In the alternate, he doesn't even think to take her blood for the "cure", because he realizes that it's ok to be what they are. They do not need to be altered or cured, and that is the beauty of that message!

Lisa on Dec 3, 2008

1464

This alternate ending is much, much better that the one they showed in the theatres. I felt when I first watched it that the humanity of the creatures was hinted at over and over again, but ignored directly. This ending not only is truer to the book it brings that plot line to the surface. They really missed out by putting it in when they should have. To me the alternate ending IS the real ending.

Will on Dec 8, 2008

1465

I knew it! The theatre version ending felt just so wrong, that it made me search for other people's opinions on it. I'm grateful you summed it all up, actually posted the alternate ending and finally put sense in all this. Amazing how they even kept a title, that no one had chance of understanding from seeing the theatre version. The only other movie I remember, where the director's alternate ending was this much better than the theatre ending, is The Butterfly Effect.

Daniel on Dec 12, 2008

1466

When I finally rented the movie, I was very into it and loved the movie until the ending. It was so un thought through to have Neville kill himself when he could have set the bomb off and jumped in the safe. If he thought Anna and the boy would be safe until morning why would he have not been safe also. It would be totally fine for me for Neville to kill himself off or some version if it was required. It was like they killed him just to make a point that Hollywood can kill off the main character. What a dumb reason. This ending was much better not because Neville lived, but because it added so much dept to the night seekers, and helped to make people think that just because people are different than you does not give you the right to make them conform if they don't want to change. It broke my heart when the head vampire finally got his "wife" back. And it was very deep and moving when Neville realized how many vampires he had killed. The only question that neither ending answers is if the vamps really had killed all the other people to eat them, why would they let Neville go when he gave the woman back. Basically, they are either evil or not!?

Tina on Dec 13, 2008

1467

I have to dis agree the alternate ending was fantastic but then they would have to make a few changes to the rest of the movie this ending was great had nothing to do with LEGEND though but it was nice in order for it to work they would have needed to show something different not sure what but something. one more thing the alternate ending is for an older audience for people who have seen or read the original as far younger generations such as myself the ending works fine because we have never seen or read it and it did work out for the best in the long run ecause it did show the directors alternate vision and did fantastically well, the alternate ending leaves story open while the theatrical ending brings it to a close what didnt with the theatrical ending was the fat that he could have simply dropped the grenade and went in the manhole with the, in the end of it all the best ending would have been a combination of both self sacrifice with compasion the vampires could have killed him and he cold have given the antidote to the girl anyway and as he is being eatin to death pul the tick out of the grenade

Keith on Dec 14, 2008

1468

I think that the theatrical ending is makes alot more sense than the alternate ending, for the theatrical version as a whole. The alternate ending wouldn't make sense at the end of the book or the movie. The theme of the movie is one of faith in the face of hopelessness, as we see when the Dr.'s situation get's worse every time he denies God's plan. The ending is just showing that his folly throughout the entire movie is that he he thinks he can rectify the situation himself, that he as a human being can be a savior. Of course he is sort of a savior by the end of the film, but only after he expresses his willingness to listen to God. All this can be seen from the beginning of the film, when he insists he can fix things, through the middle as he stays fixated on that idea, until the end when he gives it up, and puts it into God's hands, by expressing belief that the woman was sent their by God to receive the cure from him. So the book and the film are really two different stories, both good and powerful, that need two different endings. The tittle I AM LEGEND even takes on a different meaning in the theatrical story. And to Angie, I can see you were not a fan of the religious overtones of the film, but what makes you think a religious person would not want to read it? Your acting a bit bigoted there. First of all there are many religious people who are not Christians who would not have taken offense to that. And many Christians (like myself) that are actually quite interested to here your point of view. Don't be mad at the writer(s) because you don't like the theme of the story, and don't assume that it's part of some American "Puritanism" that inspired it. Just because you are not religious doesn't mean you can't empathize with characters that exhibit religious views does it? Perhaps expand your horizons mam, It's something that most people (including Christians) need to do more of. Matt

Matthew on Dec 16, 2008

1469

this ending is much better

john bass on Dec 17, 2008

1470

i didn't like this one. I didn't understand it...that diesn't make me stupid, i just didn't get the butterfly part... it was the ugly things wife?? who cares? robert lost his...& what were the pics about??

brittney on Dec 18, 2008

1471

It would have been a much better ending at the movies. The ending changes everything about the story.

Gene on Dec 19, 2008

1472

When I watched the movie, at the end I was like "what the hell...??". I couldn't believe that such an amazing movie could have such an insipid ending. I was very disappointed, I didn't expect it to be just another of those disaster films where the hero finally straightens it all out. On top of that, the story just didn't make any sense to me, as in the plot there were seemingly crucial hints that still vanished into thin air. This alternate ending definitely suits the movie's mood far better: the point of view shifts drastically and Neville's figure develops from hero into executioner, forcing you to reconsider what you've seen by far. This is what I call an ending with guts, the one chosen by Warner Bros made the whole movie fall apart.

Monica on Dec 20, 2008

1473

I've been waiting to see this alternate ending. I read the book and also the graphic novel. I watched the theatrical version on HBO and when the ending came I was a little in shock. Neville died, but not like in the book, to save the woman and the little boy. The two of them "riding off into the sunset" to find the sanctuary was very Hollywood-ish, happily ever after-ish. That was not how the book ended at all. In this alternate ending, even though Neville lives, it makes more sense. To be honest, I cried. This alternate ending is definitely more powerful that the theatrical version. Hollywood needs to give the movie goer a little bit more credit for being able to handle things and not sugar coat so much. This ending was so much better and even maybe Oscar worthy. JMHO

Susan on Dec 20, 2008

1474

Crap film. Any ending would bring relief to me. The film was a mix of 28 days later and blade, but not as good as either. One of the worst films i have seen.

Craig Harrison on Dec 20, 2008

1475

Sorry, you can't put a cherry on a pile of crap and call it apple pie. I just saw the movie tonight (DVR from HBO). Then googled the alternate ending on line. I've seen all three movies and this is by far the worst (and that is saying a lot - Anthony Zerbe in that zombie make-up, OUCH!) I did like Will Smith, but the Dark Seekers are SO OVER THE TOP crazy that the alternate ending is completely ridiculous. The original concept is quite breath taking and if followed, Will Smith would have been in a good movie. As it stands EVERYTHING IS WEAK. The healthy woman & boy & unseen colony fuck up the story big-time and suck Neville's aura as humanity's last hope. That being said, the theatrical ending was the better choice than the alternate on the DVD. This 'original/alternate' ending creates 2 BIG WTF moments. First, these creatures are portrayed as a RABID, UNINTELLIGENT MOB through the whole movie. They barely skim the surface the Lead Ghoul's character (Is there thought behind it's eyes? You know it's angry!). There is no thought to their attacks, only chaos and then in the lab you're supposed to believe the two rabid ghouls are just gentle lovers separated by Neville's experiments and then Neville is allowed to LIVE after they retrieve the boss's girlfriend. Bullshit. And second, am I crazy or are they DRIVING over the George Washington Bridge at the end? WTF? Does Hollywood have such a low opinion of New Jersey that they figured for the movie all they had to do is have the military blow up the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg bridges, etc heading to east. The residents of Manhattan would NEVER, EVER lower themselves by escaping into NJ. The alternate ending simple stated misses the mark because the movie NEVER uses the actual premise of the original story. To bleak for Hollywood or Will Smith. But it would have made one hell of a movie. It's a pulled punch from start to finish. Sure this movie might have made millions for the studio and they might consider that success enough, but no one will quote it like we do 'Shrek' or remember it.

Bill on Dec 20, 2008

1476

in the cinema, the last 15 minutes ruined the whole film for me!! it went so quick he dies and thats that. in this ending it is much more chilling and it ends on a cliffhanger thats what people want! not a short quick ending and no cliffhanger! those movies r rubish ..

Siannn on Dec 22, 2008

1477

Actually it wasnt done that way "to make money" as you say. Its that way because thats how the previous 2 versions of this movie were done. Last man on earth and omega man, both had the same ending. And how you can be moved by a bunch of poorly done CG monsters is beyond me, the movie was good expect for them because they detracted from the movie by looking so awfull.

Frank on Dec 25, 2008

1478

I do agree with Bill: The alternate ending doesn't make sens. That the creatures are finaly human is totaly ridiculous: They ate all the remaining poeple the desease didn't kill or transform and when Neville entered their lair, their only reflex was to eat him too. It's very hard to imagine how they would spare Neville's life. Sure Neville understanding how he was a monster himself after he killed so many creatures is imterresting, but let's face it, these peace-and-love ones were eating humans for lunch. For the alternative ending to work, the creatures shouldn't have been the crazy man eaters at the first place. They obviousely were able to eat other things otherwise they wouldn't have survived, yet they were hunting humans to the end. Not only Neville because he stole the boos's girlfriend. Poeple from the red cross boat also were eaten. No sorry I feel no compassion for Neville's expriment victims. That being said, I didn't like the "theater" ending neither. Neville who is not an idiot should have survive the attack and shoot them all. How comes he does something as stupid as blowing the propane tank, or get short of amunition and adequate weaponry? Then he finish them with one grenade!? Why as a former army officer, he didn't manage a better line of defense?

Fred on Dec 27, 2008

1479

a year later and we are still talking about this movie...i enjoyed both of the endings and they work either way with me. Its called I Am Legend not I Am A Living Legend...like i said, either way I enjoyed it...

KyB on Dec 31, 2008

1480

now thats a ending i rele wished they left that in the movie there could of been another one which would of pleased me

tom d on Jan 1, 2009

1481

I completely agree to this ending being the better of the two. The ending of the book is good too, it makes you think about how the roles could swap.

connor on Jan 4, 2009

1482

I have to mention that I usually, I read the book first, but then I am always disappointed by the movie interpretation. We all know you just can't communicate a whole book in 2 hours. This time, however, I went straight to the movie as an 'uneducated viewer'. Now, I want to read the book to see what they left out. That said, I was TOTALLY moved to tears by the movie's original ending. I cannot recall being that deeply moved by a movie in a very long time. I can understand how the readers would think that Hollywood blew the intent of the meaning 'Legend', but it struck dead center for me. Then I saw this alternate ending, and was also moved to tears. I consider the alternate to be much more romantic, whether that female was the daughter or the wife of that vampire. Either way, the movie as a whole was extremely thought provoking, and I much prefer the original ending, as I felt it explained the title to me in a very emotional fashion.

Ed H on Jan 4, 2009

1483

Okay, now a hero defends the good guys in most movies. Being the ONLY person around he doesn't have much to protect or leave his "legend" behind for "people" to remember. What hero goes around killing people he's trying to save that's no good? Whoever asked about photon bombs is pretty stupid, "sure let's kill everybody so I can be lonely the rest of my life because that's always fun." Wake up, you WANT people to survive not blast them all away, and whoever brought up the fact that a bridge magically fixes itself for Neville to cross in the alternate ending I love you, you're a genious. There's too many conflicting ideas in the movie that don't add up, one is love and the human instinct in these infected humans and that the head honcho of the infected is after his girl the other is gods plan and the third is fighting to save an infected race of humans and leave your mark on history. Now in the theatrical version two of these conflicts gets answered, Neville follows gods plan and he left his legend behind. The whole "love" conflict is totally forgotten and that whole "Daddy look at the butterfly" confuses me because there are so many "butterflies" in this movie and I don't see how they connect and why it has to be a butterfly, who came up with that? Anyway, those two "people" at the end of the movie play a big role in the movie. They remind Neville what he is fighting for and it gives him someone to leave his legend with. With out them he might as well wander New York at night until some hungry vampire finds him. There is no point in living without a purpose he was becoming delusional and weary from not having a purpose or anyone to protect that's why he wants to find a cure so badly. He can't complete it by himself though because he does need gods help because one man cannot do it so the theater ending is fine for the overall point(s) of the story line. They need to revise some parts of the movie so they don't lead to a whole other point that doesn't get answered in the end like that boss infected looking for whoever that girl vampire is to him. Other than that it was an EXCELLENT movie, well written, great plot and good setting and Will Smith is the number one actor on the charts as of today because he can really put you into the mood the movie is looking for. Good job to the Warner Brothers for another great movie that doesn't have the greatest end just like the Matrix where it's just the Oracle, the asain dude and that Middle Eastern girl, quite confusing huh?

Brandon on Jan 6, 2009

1484

The release ending ruined the film for me. UP to that point, it was far better than the first two versions of the film. Watching the vampires slowly learn to use Robert Neville's own tactics against him was great! And the original ending is far, FAR better than the release ending. Still, the impact of the story is in the realization that the character we've been empathizing with all along is actaully the mass murdering monster. Even the original ending soft-pedals that fact a bit. But this ending works. The one they used ruined an otherwise enjoyable film for me.

Victor Venning on Jan 7, 2009

1485

I was so pissed when I watched this movie -- it left me with several questions about the plot that just ruined my mood as I left the theater. The parts of this movie just didn't add up -- in EITHER ending. I'm still not sold, and I agree with a lot of what Bill (comment #1475) said so I won't go on about it... I *did* feel like Will Smith did a good job in this role -- I just don't feel like the story itself was worked out enough in pre-production. In short -- this movie tries to bite off more than it can chew, then asks the audience to swallow that too-big bite and love it. Someone, somewhere in Hollywood needs to process these stories for plausibility -- to invite a group of "devil's advocates" to help clear up some of this crap BEFORE the films go to the theaters. We'd have much better movies. And... vampires? Really?! They were zombies! They eat people; they don't suck their blood. Stumbling around and avoiding light are zombie traits. Vampires are generally thought to have coordination, skills and speech. I am glad the movie incorporated a learning curve into the zombies -- them using some of Neville's tactics to try to catch HIM -- but disagree with the lovey-dovey "give me back my girl and I'll let you go" ending as seen in the alternate ending. WTF?! Also -- Neville having to kill his dog in one scene, and then immediately in the next scene has a BRILLIANT THOUGHT to ice down the zombie girl and EUREKA! thinks he's found a way to save her?! Bullsh!t! What? Two years of exhaustive research and then there's NO IDENTIFIABLE reason for him to make a breakthrough?! Whatever. I also hated the fact that (in the original ending) he's so concerned about a SERUM, but the chick at the end drives off with a vial of blood and (when she arrives at the compound) says she has the key to saving people? What makes her think that ANYONE WHO IS LEFT ALIVE has the skills necessary to evaluate the blood and figure out what took Neville two+ years?! Shouldn't she have found and stolen away with the serum, or the code for the serum? Again, whatever.

Jen A. on Jan 8, 2009

1486

I know why they chose to make Robert Nevile cliche " go out with a bang " instead of follow the book. Where he was a vampire hunter... Anna was a daywalker trying to kill him..:. because will smith is used as one of many actors to portray what the illumaniti wants to make a reality. and the first ending gets you more pumped up. hancock, I am legend, i robot, Men In black, Enemy Of the state... all Starring will smith as a hero . he was supposed to be neo in "the Matrix" but turned down the roll to do "wild wild west". When he saw how much money was made he had Jada pinket co star in part 2 and 3. Other Good movies end of times related are... The Omega Code 1 .= this movie is a prequal to "change" obama talks about. The Omega Code 2 = very very good! Edukators, Pans labryinth , The simpons movie 2008, hellboy 1/2 , I heard womens rights was for 2 reasons. So women could be tax'ed and so they would have to work, and not be a mother. So then the corupt schools become parents and ruin kids lifes. and i can only imagine why they'd let obama be preseident, REAL reason because everyone will go along with anything he will want and now its ok to love obama and hate bush? because there closer than Kobe and Lebron . <- 21st centuray propaganda

Andrew C on Jan 13, 2009

1487

I think I found a flaw for the alternate ending! If the infected male had planned to rescue the infected female all along, why, when they caught robert in the trap, did they try to kill him?? If the dogs had killed him here and also at the pier, the lead infected male would never have found his female friend?

Donal on Jan 13, 2009

1488

I think i have found a flaw with the alternate ending!!! If the infected male had planned to rescue his female friend all along, why, when they caught robert in the trap, did they try to kill him?? If the dogs had killed him here or at the pier, the infected male would never have found his female friend!!!

Donal on Jan 13, 2009

1489

Wow!! I think the alternate ending is much better than the original, I loved the film, but thought the ending was a bit of a let down, the alternate ending is more emotional and in my opinion would have been a much better finale.

loops on Jan 14, 2009

1490

I preferred the original ending, this ending was a little boring in my opinion. Just the fact that the infected leader would make a butterfly on the window instead of smashing it down is pretty lame.

Tyler on Jan 29, 2009

1491

I really enjoyed this movie and the fairly brave decision of the director to include some of the slower paced practicalities that were such a huge part of the book. Where it went wrong for me was from the moment that the woman turned up - I was thinking perhaps this was the female character from the book but sadly that was not the case. My biggest problem was that the theatrical ending (apart from fizzling out) suggested Neville was a legend among the surviving humans for his unnecessary sacrifice rather than a feared vampire/bogeyman type figure amongst the infected. Another huge mistake I felt was the choice not to include Neville's best friend Ben Cortmann as the infected's leader. His unexplained higher level of intelligence and his taunts of "Come out Neville!" were what I was looking forward to seeing most. Neville's obsession with destroying his former best friend in order to get some peace, and the taunting that was driving him mad was one of my favourite elements of the novel and would have worked extremely well cinematically. Why do film makers always choose to ignore this kind of fantastic source material? Why do they even buy the rights to books when they virtually ignore most of the story? They could have just called the movie independence day 2 and explained that the virus was the alien's last attempt at destroying us and saved themselves a lot of money. I don't see any reason why the proposed prequel couldn't feature Cortmann as long as he meets his demise before the end of the movie. That would at least tie the movie back to the book.

Owen on Feb 1, 2009

1492

I prefer this ending to the original ending, but then again, if this was the original, and I saw the other one, I might of preferred that.

Sean Thomas on Feb 5, 2009

1493

YES YES YES!! I LOVE THIS ENDING!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

Maria Kaiser on Feb 5, 2009

1494

Without having read the book or know about this ending, this is almost exactly the ending my friends and I said SHOULD have been there after seeing this movie. The film as it was shown in thearters never acknowledged that the vampires are displaying far more intelligence and emotion than the doctor seems to realize. This ending is better, not just because it is more hopeful, but because it fits better with the first portion of the movie. And I think not showing the human enclave was a good idea, as it looked too perfect for the film.

Jamie Wildstein on Feb 13, 2009

1495

This is a crock. Both endings were shite and your post is bollocks.

Crubb on Feb 14, 2009

1496

WTF!! both endings have nothing to do with the book. the whole film has barely anything to do with the book!! this ending doesnt show how the vampires had begun a new society or that robert is feared by them, thus becoming a legend. are they even vampires in the film? what about the dog, in the film its his pet dog, in the book its the first living thing he has seen in months and it takes him ages to befriend the dog, the film took away the emotional journey robert has to take to connect with something living. the scientist, what scientist? in the book he is just a guy who happens to be left as the last man alive on earth and it takes him 5 or 6 months to start thinking about researching the vampires. even then he knows very little and has to break into school science labs and librarys to learn how to use a microscope and learn all the terminology. this ending is rubbish, just like the rest of the film. on its own its an ok film, but when you put it next to the book and give it the same title, its a crock. tis film just shows how lazy scriptwriters are, replacing an amazing idea with a bland hollywood turd with no concern for the real subject matter. as for all of you who like this ending,or the film, read the book, then have an opinion

hed on Feb 17, 2009

1497

this movie amazing? are you kidding yourself? i am legend wasnt a movie, it was a 2 hour long ford commercial.

bullls on Feb 21, 2009

1498

Whatever bridge was blown up aside, did anyone else besides me find them blowing up the bridges to be extremely offensive? I know it was just a movie, and I don't go on crying about 9/11 all day, (members of my family were in the '93 bombings) but I found them blowing up those bridges to be like watching a terrorist attack. It just didn't go well with me.

EFB on Feb 21, 2009

1499

"While an ending that direct wouldn't have worked at all in this interpretation of I Am Legend, the way this original ending plays out actually caters much more to that concept than the one we saw in theaters." Hits the nail on the head, and i agree 100%. This was purely amazing, i cant send this to everyone thats seen the movie fast enough. I think they chose the right ending for this adaptation, but from your description of the original works, i think that would have been all the more stunning.

Saemundr on Feb 23, 2009

1500

I liked this ending better. After reading your comments I need to buy and read the book. Sounds like a more amazing book. I would love to make movies about my favorite books so I could do them justice. Movie producers always look to make a Hit movie that will make bank, and I understand its a cut throat business, but they really need to understand that the movie watcher of today is hungry for great story telling. People don't read much anymore and watching movies has replaced reading as a pastime. I would watch 10 movies of this story line to see the whole thing done right.

john on Feb 24, 2009

1501

I agree the last ten minutes sucked this is much more how I thought it should go.

sooz on Feb 26, 2009

1502

I always wondered why the lead ghoul was so angry. It's good to learn that it's not me who's crazy but the studio idiots who did the final cut.

woundedduck on Feb 27, 2009

1503

For he record i love the comments that the churchies make. every time i see a comment by someone who is quite obviously obsessed with his or her religion they just sound so stupid it makes me chuckle. not just on these comments but on all of them across the web. i thank you all for the daily amusement you provide me.

bigherm on Feb 27, 2009

1504

Hi all, I have had a change of heart about this film. It stunk to high heaven. The whole ending was bogus... for the best version of this story just read the book. Of the three films versions of this story check out the original film with Vincent Price as that one was the film that was the closest to the original story. OMEGA man rocked but was not true to the story. This latest version was some eye candy that had potential but then "they" blew it in the end. Adios.

Sean Tobin on Feb 28, 2009

1505

wow what a fantastic piece of emotional film i would have cried like crazy if that was the ending they used in the final cut, i found the one they used to short and blunt but still it was a brilliant film.

Cat on Mar 6, 2009

1506

wow I really dig the giant 'First Showing' logo slapped on the screen for the original ending. not distracting at all.

Dave on Mar 15, 2009

1507

When I first saw the movie, the scene where he captures the female vampire and the male runs out screaming... I had it immediately figured that she was his mate and he was pissed off. I have never actually read the book but the alternate ending was what I had figured after that scene. So the theatrical ending not only ruined the movie for me but also threw the entire movie out of balance since the vampire's motive were never explained. They pretty much started a backstory which they turned into a mindless rampage. Watching the original ending was perfect! If they make a director's cut with the original ending I would buy the DVD immediately.

Ares on Mar 16, 2009

1508

I just watched the film this evening, and this ending is far superior, and leaves you with both a sense of the circle being closed (between Neville and the Alpha Male), and with a reasonable level of ambiguity but with hope. Maybe Bethel is there; maybe not. But there *are* other people. The thing is, this was the ending I was *expecting* as the movie went on. When the Alpha Male risked sunlight, and then later we found out the subject was female, the obvious thought is, was she his mate? And when the Alpha Male duplicated Neville's trap, it is clear that they are more human than Neville perhaps thinks, *and* reaffirmed that the woman subject was important. *This* ending closes that plot loop; the other, not so much. Sometimes, studio execs can be such boneheads. Everyone remembers the tacked-on ending of "Blade Runner"

Douglas Moran on Mar 23, 2009

1509

I liked the alternate version more because it flips the antagonism of the story to the dr. For me, it would have done the trick if they had cut the reel when Neville is sitting in front of the broken glass...

AP on Mar 23, 2009

1510

heard about this ending so i got the dvd !! no told me it was only on the 2disk special dvd AAHHHH !!! i think this is a great ending! what the hell were they thinking ! its a christmas blockbuster and u come out of the cinema thinking ...oh ...he died in the end !!! the last ten mins of it ruins the whole movie...if they had this ending in the real movie i would of gone home wit a smile on my face thinking wat a bloody great movie!!!!

philip slattery on Mar 25, 2009

1511

Fact of th matter is, this movie is a hell of a lot better, im no movie critic or nothing but i though this ending brought me close to the edge of my damn chair!!

SC on Mar 26, 2009

1512

Thanks for posting the alternate ending. I had recently seen this film and wasn't even aware of the existence of a different conclusion until reading about it on IMDB. I absolutely agree this version is superior to the theatrical one, but from what I understand WB screened both and the one which tested better was the one released to the theaters. In any event, it is a good movie that could have been great, and I look forward to reading the book. Thanks again for the clip!

Jennie on Mar 27, 2009

1513

i feel that this ending is better BUT, it is slightly abrupt. Like when the dark seekers left, they should like have a montauge about what happened after. For example, maybe during the credits or something. i still appreciate the person who posted it as this will allow people to see the REAL ending(p.s. which i think is 10 times better). The one that is shown in the theatres is more... well it is slower as in it has a SO CALLED better ending. This one is a bit as i have said before ABRUPT sorry for being a critic heehee ok. (p.s. I thought that they were called dark seekers not vampires. 😀

Koko crunch on Mar 27, 2009

1514

this ending is so good 😀 i was like whoa and somemore i think that the theatrical one is like ...they build up the story line to show that those vampires thingys still have feelings and robert is not "listening well enough" so when they blew him up i was kinda dissapointed. SO THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS ONLINE:D

Koko crunch on Mar 27, 2009

1515

Thank you! I can't understand WHY anyone would have used the other ending over this one. (Note, I never read the book) When the movie ended, I was left going "Huh? Why bother to show that they were developing socially (aka following his commands, controlling animals, showing interest in the well being of another) if you're not going to DO anything with it. They are like a new creature now, not just sick humans aren't they?" But none of that was addressed. This ending is a big abrupt, but much much better.

Lisa on Apr 9, 2009

1516

doood lyg dis iz sum fugged up shid ey. lyg in IM A LEGUND willie smyth is fulli syk! i rekan dat dis cunt willie need to loose some mudafugin wait! ya reken?

derk crabfugger on Apr 12, 2009

1517

When I viewed the original movie I was very disappointed with the ending; however, this ending was great! I think it would have gone perfectly with the theatrical version and should have been the one chosen to show to audiences.

konstantine on Apr 12, 2009

1518

I loved I am Legend in theaters but as many other people have said, the end just didn't do it for me. I'm not sure what it was that I didn't like about it, but I think it was Will Smith's character died. I never read the book but I am positive that the alternative ending was worse than the one shown in theaters. It is a neat concept that these creatures have feelings, but I would prefer the ending I saw on the big screen. At least that way, the cure would still be a goal of humanity. But I do agree, this alternate ending does make more sense since at the beginning the alpha male creature exposes himself to sunlight after the female is captured by Smith. Anyways, that's my opinion!

andirox on Apr 12, 2009

1519

I feel let down by the film now that you have kindly explained the book. I think if that 'semantic flip' of 'legend' had been kept too and made more prominent in the film, It would have been a whole lot more memorable than this some what (on the face of it) basic story. Undoubtedly, Mr Smith's performance was captivating and I genuinely felt gripped and edgy all the way through. It definitely tapped into that primeval fear of being chased. But, the substance was somewhat lacking, you could just about accept the heavily SG vampires which would have suited a more make-up effects look I think. I am now going to read the book because it sounds great! What an original idea, shamefully underplayed and badly interpreted by WB and scriptwriters alike. An excellent entertainment piece that should have had the edge the original source story was given.

John Doe on Apr 13, 2009

1520

This ending made alot more sense. It made the butterfly symbol more precious sign of humanity to Neville, and they used it. It was what I was expecting actually. Better ending!

Eloi on Apr 15, 2009

1521

I liked the original ending better. I don't like to spoon fed and I don't always like a happy ending. Sometimes things don't end nice and neat. Altho, I was kindof annoyed when other survivors managed to drive onto the island of Manhattan after all the bridges were blown.

electronic cigarette on Apr 15, 2009

1522

I thunk that it would be great if they would have kept this althought the ending they currently has leaves room for a sequel where the humans take a stand agianst the vampires.

thurmont on Apr 21, 2009

1523

Alternate ending sucked! Suck my cock! I live in Lebanon OR/ 97355

Steven Howser on Apr 29, 2009

1524

I go to lebanon High school

Steven Howser on Apr 29, 2009

1525

Mos Def, this is a better ending for how the movie had alot of sad scenes, like the memory of his family dying, to his dog getting infected trying to protect him, this ending would have tied it all together PERFECTLY i still loved the movie

chalz on Apr 30, 2009

1526

i simply prefer this ending, but that is just because a read the book! or not? ... i prefer this one.

giovanni on May 2, 2009

1527

Damn, no matter what ending, the film was total crap, boring. Not one of Smiths better performances.

HissyFit on May 4, 2009

1528

One if the best movies i ever saw , and this ending was 10 times better with this you see that the first choice is the best. 😛

Dentie on May 5, 2009

1529

I perfer the orignal ending as it were in the book. Hollywood executives only care about the profit margins. The big BANG for what they think people would like. I think if people like the original on paper, why not keep it the same on the screen.

Ken on May 8, 2009

1530

wow i never read the book, and just watched the movie on dvd last night, talked to some friends who read the book, and said to see the alternate ending, something i usually don't do, but this was amazing. Even for someone who never read the book and didn't know what the message of the movie was, i would definatly have prefered this ending in the movie

matt engel on May 8, 2009

1531

I had never read the book, however I felt that the ending did not sound right, that him dying and taking a whole platoon of infected out with him some how did not fit. I heard from a friend that there was an alternate ending and decided to check it out, I ended up here. I should say that I watched it all before I read your post and I was like "You know, this is more like it, why did they take it out." as for WB making money on the ending, they should just know that because it was Will Smith event if the ending had been that he kissed the infected woman and she got up in a sleeping-beauty like fashion, we'd still have gone to see it and so would have millions more. -- withness the fact the hancock of itself is just another Disney like movie but millions went to see it, why? Smith man, Smith!

pedro on May 14, 2009

1532

OMG this ending is SO much better!!!!!!!!

Emma on May 14, 2009

1533

I haven't read the book, but I rented the DVD when it first came out. I was going along, enjoying the movie, and then, like you said, Alice's character showed up. Things went downhill from there. I went from being entertained to being irritated, to "oh, FFS!" When Will's character died, and we were stuck with "the horrible chick who got them into this in the first place," it was the last straw. But this ending would have totally saved the movie for me. After watching it just now, I said (out loud to the computer screen) "oh my god, it made it not suck!"

Heidi on May 15, 2009

1534

come on, the theatrical ending is much much better. it's all about being ready to sacrifice for your loved ones. could you be loved ? wouldn't you be ready to sacrifice. what do you think our troops are doing out there in in iraq and afg ? that's what this is all about. fighting the evil. winning. allowing your race to prevail. this is what we'll do !

Chin on May 17, 2009

1535

When I first saw I Am Legend I liked it until I saw the ending. The ending killed it for me. But now, when I saw the alternate ending I started to wonder why they didn't use this for the final cut.

Vinny on May 19, 2009

1536

One thing I noticed in the theater is that scenes were missing from the trailers they had been showing for months leading up to the film... funny that most of the missing scenes were in this alt ending. They must have switched it at the last minute for who knows why.

Rob on May 23, 2009

1537

I guess most of the people who liked the movie didnt read the book. I admit I didnt read through all 1537 posts before mine, and Im only now seeing the movie. Even though the 'alt' or original or whatever ending is the better of the 2, the whole concept of the book is lost. To not spoil the book for anyone who might read it after reading it I'll keep t brief, but the whole I am legend point is lost, as well as various other major points in the book. Im not saying the movie sucked mind you, it was pretty good, but considering I am legend is one of my all time favorite sci fi/horror/whatever type books (I first read it when I was like 10) the movie is a total fail to the book.

badtz on May 27, 2009

1538

ok my first point, 1. vampires are blood thirsty animals who want to kill for blood 2. they dont love 3. normal ending is better when Robert Neville dies(gives more effect, and most of all thats the hole idea of i am legend) 4. although ive never read the book i bet if i did it would be a hole lot better than the film they always are, books play on your imagination, everyone gets a different picture in there head 5. i dont mean to be sinfull but it is really shit that robert survives i mean when there driving off in the car all happy and normal and then bang end of the film, nah crap.. robert sacrificing himself for a boy and his mother also for a cure to this deadly virus to save humanity, awesome! there are so much more pionts i could explain but oh well in my opinion the ending with the grenade is the best 🙂

matty on May 28, 2009

1539

First of all the entire movie is totally different from the Novel. But anyways, I dont have time to read the entire 1539 feedbacks. But if you notice, after Robert catches the girl for experimenting on her, this lead vampire comes out from the dark but returns as he is helpless. Again, the same thing happens when Robert gets trapped after going for the maniquin. The lead vampire tries to send the so called vampire dogs to attack him which ends up Sams life. As matty said, if vampire are just blood thirsty animals, they wouldnt have any feeling ie love neither hatred neither revenge... So what you said there is pointless now. So the entire point of the lead vampire to get back to him is nothing but to get his vampire girl friend back... Which is what they show in the alternate ending... Well there is nothing wrong in a good ending... Infact I love this one, rather that just a death...

Jacob John on May 31, 2009

1540

I'm halfway through reading the book, and as always it's much better than the film. Having said that, I really enjoyed this film, in particular the desolation and bleakness of the city at the beginning of the film. I preferred the alternate ending. I think it at least alluded to some of the ideas expressed in the book, but I think that people are right when they say that it still loses something when they all get to drive off together, happily ever after. Unfortunately, as the movie bears little relation to the original novel, it clearly was unable at the end to suddenly and cohesively pick up on the true meaning of 'legend'. I'm thoroughly enjoying the book and would suggest that if Hollywood is making a film based on a novel which has been chosen because the story is one that worked so well for so many readers, they might do better to stick to the original story in the first place. If the story can't make the transition from print to screen without major rewrites then leave it alone. Thanks for posting this alternative ending. Like most others, I was totally enjoying the film until they blew it with a sub-standard ending, and this one would have been much better.

Rachael on Jun 4, 2009

1541

THIS IS BULLSHIT! THE REAL ENDING WAS BRILLIANT!! NO HOLLYWOOD HAPPY ENDING BULLSHIT!! THANK HEAVENS THAT IT DID NOT END THIS WAY!!! YOU RETARDS DONT UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT OF SACRIFICE!!!

The real deal on Jun 5, 2009

1542

personally, this ending was both good...and bad to me. i'l explain bad first. in this version, the cure itself isnt' found, and humanity hasn't been saved yet, while he lives to keep studying, the cure for darkwalkers is lost. i think its good however as it shows more emotion, more depth, it shows that his thoughts of their social level de-evolving to be false, as what really went on here was a lover stolen away. the ending is more emotional and "romantic", but the theatrical cut actually "ended" the movie. unless the book was actually left open for a sequel and a sequal to the movie was made, this original ending has no sense of completement. its briliant, but not satisfying

Jeremy on Jun 5, 2009

1543

@ The real deal: Read the book before throwing your attitude over a public forum... Then you will come to know what they meant by this novel or the movie...

Jacob on Jun 5, 2009

1544

HAHAHAHAHA!! the book!! so naive!! Happy ending are for children so thet can sleep at night! its nothing more than a fariytale in this life!! all great movies have a sad ending with the main character dead! Gladiator Braveheart Passion of the crist now i am legend!!! if it had this craooy ending, it would have been forgotten with the other movies based on the book (OMEGA) And my "ATTITUDE" is passion for sharing the directors veiw! thats why he ended it the way he did!!

The real deal on Jun 6, 2009

1545

MISS JEREMY: IF THE BOOK HAD THIS ENDING THEN THE BOOK SUCKED!! HAAPY ENDING IS OLD FASHION, USED TO DEATH!! IN REAL LIFE THERE IS NO SUCH THING!! AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE MOVIE MUST AGREE WITH ME AND MY "ATTITUDE" SINCE HE REMOVED THE "HAPPY ENDING" AND PUT A MORE REALISTIC ONE!! hOLLYWOOD HAS MADE YOU A SLAVE TO HAPPY ENDINGS,..FORGET THE BOOK!! GLADIATOR=SAD ENDING= GREAT MOVIE GREEN MILLE= SAD ENDING=GREAT MOVIE BRAVEHEART= SAD ENDING=GREAT MOVIE (TRUE STORY!!) PASSION OF THE CRIST=SAD ENDING=GREAT MOVIE(TRUE STORY) AND NOW I AM LEGEND= HAPPY ENDING=RANDOM MOVIE!?! IS THAT WHAT YOU WANTED? ALL GREAT MOVIES HAVE SAD ENDINGS WHICH THEREFOR MAKE THEM MORE REALISTIK!! GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE DARK VOID ITS IN AND SMELL THE FRIKEN ROSES!

The real deal on Jun 6, 2009

1546

The book never sucked my friend. You are still speaking without understanding what the author wrote in the book or what it meant by the alternate ending. And who said this alternate ending is a happy ending. First of all, it is not the director who writes the script on the movie. His job is just to visualize the script and make the artist work accordingly to his wishes. But anyways what you said is true, but not the directors, the script writer's view which is to entertain the people who never read the book and obviously they would prefer such an ending. If you notice, they never show any other humans in the alternate ending. Why? because what they are trying to convey is that the doc, the lady and the kid are the last survivors of the disease. (And human race except for them is disappeared, forever) Does this sound happy for you...? But in the real ending they did showcase that, where she reaches some camp and hands over the cure, which infact is the happy ending (Human race is having a chance of survival). To understand what they meant by the book, or the alternate ending (somewhat like the book) you atleast need to read the plot of the book. If you have the patience, check out wikipedia or some other website which gives a brief idea. Now about the other movies you said. You are truly right my friend. I too agree with you... 🙂 Bye

Jacob on Jun 6, 2009

1547

I agree with "Real Deal" that a sad story reflects reality and memorable movies mostly have sad endings, but... "The Real Dea"l, we don't read books and watch movies (entertainment) to remember how realistic, ugly and sad sometimes Real Life can be! because we live it everyday! We loose people we love and we see good people vanish and we damn well know how bad that feels! So... A good movie is also a movie that has a message, a positive one! And this ending is quite positive and full of hope, which is what people need in every day life to keep going.

Bash on Jun 8, 2009

1548

wow. i wish this was the ACTUAL ending, instead of the stupid one that i watched in theatres. what were the film editors and directors THINKING? i mean the ending ruined the entire movie for me. this should.have.been.the.ending.

SAMMYWINCHESTER on Jun 11, 2009

1549

For over a year now I have watched this movie time and time again and usually I turn it off at the end beause I hated it so. To find this ending and to finally see how the movie was supposed to end make me happy. I hope this ending is included in the DVD. Thanks for posting it.

TonyP on Jun 12, 2009

1550

I would absolutely 100% prefer this ending over the final. That ending did not seem like him. It beat the purpose of his struggle. How would he have survived for so long if he just ended up committing a heroic suicide. This ending further emphasizes that Robert Neivel would do anything to survive. In the end he learned that even the vampires have a hierarchy and love. The Boss commands and fell in love. Which seems to make them less vicious. The only reason they seems vicious to us is the same reason Tribes in South America and Africa seems savage. It is what we are brought up with it or in this case DNA. This is a much better ending i don't know what WB were thinking when they released the other one as the official movie one. Horrible editing.

Firdaush on Jun 13, 2009

1551

I loved Omega Man and I think that was the best adaptation so far this was the best ending.

Rory nolan on Jun 13, 2009

1552

@ The Real Deal How is this a happier ending then the one they put in the movie. Mankind is dead is the idea. That is the new mankind. How is that any happier then Will Smith's terrible acting as Neville dying. It ruined the story because first of all the infected can speak they are alive for intensive purposes. Instead of a bunch of Super Zombies running around kicking the shit out of each other.

Rory nolan on Jun 13, 2009

1553

yea this ending was alot better. it fit better into the story. lol the final one sucked and almost ruined the movie for me. but will smith is the tightest actor out there

Kiah on Jun 17, 2009

1554

Wow, this is just...wow. I haven't read the book (yet 😉 ) but this ending makes so much more sense and so much of a difference, it actually gives the movies a deeper meaning and raises it to a higher level then a thoughtless Hollywood action flick. Especially like the way you can see the zombies roars aren't just random bellowing but actually their only language. As for "the real deal" and his ilk, I guess some will always consider the death a movies protagonist to be the "strong/original" ending...still amazing since in this case the original ending was soooo cliché and disappointing- it killed the movie for me. (well, either that or they just didn't understand the subtleties of the alternate ending).

Nemo on Jun 26, 2009

1555

Yes the alternative end is much much better. And it would have given much better starting point for "i am legend 2".

rrwrf on Jun 27, 2009

1556

the ending is only a marketing technique to optimize WB's profit on this film. let's consider the following illustration: Scenario 1: WB only made Smith-die version. those who have watched the movie in cinema will not likely to purchase the DVD. Because the have seen it. Scenario 2: WB only made Smith-lives version. the consequence will likely to be same; those who have watch the movie in cinema will not likely to purchase the DVD. Scenario 3: WB made Smith-lives for Cinema & Smith-died version for DVD. in this case, those who have watched it in cinema will cheer; but do you think someone will buy Smith-died version DVD as they have seen Smith-lives version in cinema? not likely, because they don't wanna see their hero dies. Thus, Scenario 4 (made Smith-died for Cinema & Smith-lives version for DVD) appear to be most clever and profitable. Given the marketing spending of WB on the movie, alot of moviegoers will surely crowd the cinema to watch it. DVD's alternate ending is in all senses more attractive than Smith-died Version in cinema. Thus, those who have watched the Smith-died version in cinema will likely to buy the DVD version because Smith lives!. Conclusion: Scenarios 1-3 will lead to one sales per person (Movie) Scenario 4 will generates two sales per person (Movie & DVD). It is naive to complain that WB should adopt Smith-lives version for their official/cinema.

james on Jun 27, 2009

1557

Eh, naive to expect it from wb maybe...that they'd prefer to make a medicore action flick where they had a chance to make something more just so they can sell dvd copies is an excellent reason to complain imho (not that it comes as a surprise, mind you).

Nemo on Jul 2, 2009

1558

Maybe you are right, Nemo. By the way, it seems like some of you worry that the original version will make sequel impossible. Need not worry, WB will definitely has the way to make the sequel (if they want) based on Smith-lives version anytime they want by simply make the announcement. If so, once again, they will generate more DVD sales especially from those who have not watched the above video. P.S : WB is the producer they will do what they can do to produce profit, even revive Smith from his death.

james on Jul 2, 2009

1559

After seeing this, I cannot believe they released the other ending. This ending makes all the sense in the world, whereas the other one just kills off Neville for no reason whatsoever. I mean he could have easily just lobbed a grenade through the hole in the glass and jumped in with the woman and kid before it exploded. I waited to see I AM Legend because I figured Hollywood would botch it and then hype it - and I was right. But the real surprise is that the director DIDN'T botch it, but he was convinced to tack on a silly ending that didn't play at all on the theme that was clearly touched on a couple of times earlier in the film - i.e. that the lead vampire was trying to get his girl. Allowing this film to be released with the 'Neville dies' ending has to be one of the stupidest decisions ever made for a film.

Ian Cooper on Jul 18, 2009

1560

Just saw this website. I never read the book, but I am familiar with the story. I prefer the original ending, as I think it adds much more characters to the "new" race. The relationship between the lead vampire and the girl is shown here, as is some of the dynamic of the new society.

Dee on Jul 29, 2009

1561

Scott -- if you are going to call people stupid, at least learn how to spell!! ("Decipher," not "decifer.")

Mary on Jul 31, 2009

1562

I thought the original ending was far better than the one they had ultimately chosen. The original ending added so much more depth to the movie - it left you thinking about story, wheras the wb ending just mindlessly blew shit up. Seeing this ending makes me want to watch the movie again.

Amanda on Aug 3, 2009

1563

I just finished watching this movie overall I liked this ending better but I don't like the fact he lives. Oh! And that the woman and child are there at all (Religion RAAAGE-not really.) They feel like they don't fit for whatever reason. I have not read the book or watched omega man but i have the gist of both. I can honestly say the book ending hits the nail on the head for me. The bridge thing is weird but understandable goof.

Manny on Aug 7, 2009

1564

My husband and I just watched this ending together & we agree that, although the theatrical release was o.k. - this is the ending that should have been in the movie. This goes back to the original where Neville and the lead "vampire" obtain a "relationship" of sorts. It also proved my theory to my husband that the woman was his mate, wife, whatever you want to call it :). It also shows Neville as seeing them as somthing more than "monsters" and seeing them as something w/character & feelings. For whatever reason they chose not to use this ending, I don't know, but we feel they made a mistake. Thanks for showing this.

Rhea on Aug 8, 2009

1565

I really like this alternate ending. I have never read the book so I can't comment on which ending fits the book better. It seems, from the comments explaining the book, that the movie differs significantly. Because of this I think we need to examine the ending in light of the movie and not in light of how well it coincides with the book. The whole plot of the movie revolves around a man who has lost everything yet still continues to survive and fight to save humanity. The moral ambiguity of his killing the vampires is never touched on. Even when we see the one vampire as intelligent it isn't done in a way that engenders compassion. When the girl (human) arrives she attempts to help Neville try to regain his hope. As he regains the hope he had lost he finds his cure. He then sacrifices himself to save the girl and child, as well as cure the human race. He realizes that all of his suffering did have meaning and purpose. The alternate ending brings out the idea that the vampires can be reasoned with. While this is not heresy or anything, it is a plot point that is introduced <10 min. from the end; very bad movie juju. They give a second of remorse when he looks at his photos, but moments later he is happy and driving out of the city. He swore that he would stay in the city until he found a cure. Therefore by having him drive out of the city he is abandoning all that he lived and suffered for during the past decade or so (It has been a while since I watched the movie). The alternate ending, while very emotional, brings up new plot points that it doesn't flesh out at all, and it destroys all of the characters motivation (to cure the plague) without even a second of exposition to explain it. As much as I like the alternate ending it should not have been shown in theatres. It reverses almost the entirety of the artistic vision and plot continuity of the movie. As much as I disliked the fact that the movie followed a very formulaic pattern, one cannot completely switch modes of a movie in the last 10 minutes. It destroys the suspension of belief and leaves people completely unclear as to what the movie was actually about.

Don on Aug 10, 2009

1566

I think you're missing the point. The plot of the film is only superficially about a man trying to save humanity The moral ambiguity of killing vampires and the fact that vampires may being able to reason and thus have the potential of being reasoning with is touched on THROUGHOUT the film, but it's subtle. The reason why it's subtle is that if it was obvious it would mark the main character as a serial killer right away. As the audience we're meant to come to that realization as Will Smith's character does. The moral ambiguity is the whole point of the movie. If it was realized earlier there would be no point in continuing the film. The main character being happy is a flaw. This is not a perfect movie, but in its cinematic release form it is MUCH worse. Will Smith's character should have been conflicted at the end. Yes, the main character is abandoning his previous life and his pledge - but your argument seems to hinge around his promise still being meaningful. It's not! He has been killing people for his own petty motivations. His promise and his previous life are lies - and murderously so. What would you have him do - continue torturing vampires? What kind of sicko would you prefer the main character to be? The alternate version, while occasionally flawed, at least makes sense. The cinematic release makes no sense at all, and it leaves the plot points where the vampires are shown as rational and emotional beings - and there are a few - are left hanging.

Ian Cooper on Aug 11, 2009

1567

i liked this ending better- closer to the book. but i never read the book though. but translating a book into a movie is never easy. and having read the book before seeing the movie would preclude prejudiced anticipation of what was in the book. the allusion to this ending at the beginning was the scene where the lion dad that was spared for his family. but there was not much of a build up to show neville as the legendary vampire hunter, in which case, it would be a bit of a struggle to understand the ending without knowing the book. a little work was needed to show that neville is a monster in the eyes of the vampires, otherwise the twist would be too artificial. there was a scene though where neville observed how the alpha male vampire withstood sunlight to shout at neville- this gives a clue about the woman vampire.

kahlil on Aug 17, 2009

1568

Ive never read the book, though i plan to, for some movies me reading the book beforehand ruins the movie for me. Personally i prefer the released ending, this one didn't do a thing for me. It was a good movie and both endings were good, i just like the one better it just seems to fit better for me.

PJ on Aug 17, 2009

1569

This definitely is the ending the movie deserved.

RDK on Aug 18, 2009

1570

I LOVE this alternate ending, it is so much more satisfying than the rudely abrupt ending of I am Legend. I also like how it sort of pays tribute to the book instead of leaving it out the whole time.

Doogie on Aug 24, 2009

1571

WAY WAY WAY WAY BETTER THEN THE ORIGANAL WHERE will smith kills all of em except the lady and her kid.I mean really if someone snatched ur girlfriend or sister or daughter or watever ud be pretty mad 2 id go kill em in 5 seconds

jackisback on Aug 27, 2009

1572

exactly, and thats why he did NOT killed smith (he was pissed of like hell but took the "sorry" as serious) at the end! there is still some humanity inside those vampires.

bob on Aug 30, 2009

1573

wow, SO much better! WB hopefully takes some notes....we are tired of the stupid endings you put together and we have the ability and intelligence to understand an ending with a meaning!

JP on Sep 1, 2009

1574

ive never read the book but when i watched i am legend with my friend at a sleepover we both were really disappointed at the ending as it was really abrupt and seemed rushed. but after watching this im well happy cuz now i know what really happened:D whats spoilers btw? thanks, Xlauren

Xlauren. on Sep 2, 2009

1575

I prefer the old ending in which Smith sacrifice himself for Anna and her son and for the cure which really makes him The Legend.

payotelone on Sep 4, 2009

1576

But he doesn't sacrifice himself for them. 'Sacrifice' means to accomplish something as a result of dying. He doesn't do that. Anna, her son and the cure would have been saved even if he'd survived. All he had to do was get in there with them and toss the grenade out. The original ending makes Smith's character into a suicidal idiot who kills himself for no good reason.

Ian Cooper on Sep 4, 2009

1577

This is not only the better and more satisfying ending, it is also precisely what the movie has been working up to all the way. I honestly did not believe they would debase an otherwise good movie by simply adding explotions and completely muddling up the message, and kept waiting for the twist that sadly never came, where the protagonist realizes that the infected are in fact sentient. And this from someone who never even heard about the book.

Moonshade on Sep 7, 2009

1578

I have been wanting to watch the alternate ending to this movie for quite a long time and finally got around to it. This alternative ending is MUCH BETTER. I thought that the movie was leading up to this moment and it shows a much deeper level to the film than the original ending. He realizes that he has become the legend to the vampires since they are now the normality on earth. He looks at his board of pictures and thinks of himself as a murderer after he sees that there is still a "human" side to these vampires. I have never read the book but this ending makes it seem much more appealing.

Mike on Sep 9, 2009

1579

So, I finally just saw this movie for the first time, and I've never read any of the books, and I hated the ending. I just felt like it didn't fit. This ending was much better, and I think the emotion in it could only have helped the movie. This was a MUCH better ending than the one they used.

Chrissy on Sep 13, 2009

1580

I watched the movie before reading the book, and liked the ending they put in. I read the book, and thought about the ending of the movie...and still preferred the ending the movie went with. It fits the movie's mythos well, as since he was the one to provide the 'cure' for those who were infected, he would basically become humanity's saviour, and a legend that would never die so long as humanity remained. That's just my opinion.

Karkashan on Sep 16, 2009

1581

So for those who liked the cinematic release version, how do they rationalize the fact that he blows himself up for no reason at all? Also, how do they explain all the plot points that the cinematic release just leaves hanging? I just don't get how anyone who was paying any attention could enjoy the cinematic version. I mean it makes no sense.

Ian Cooper on Sep 17, 2009

1582

The only part that seems tacked onto the alternate version is the happy ending, but apart from that it turns a mediocre film into a classic.

Ian Cooper on Sep 17, 2009

1583

For someone who just watched the movie, the 'alternate' ending makes little sense. Not knowing what it's 'supposed' to be about and what it's supposed to mean. The theatrical ending fits to the story told in-the-movie. Only.

Darwin on Sep 18, 2009

1584

If the alternate ending doesn't make sense to you, you must have a REALLY short attention span. Maybe Michael Bay movies are more your cup of tea.

Ian Cooper on Sep 18, 2009

1585

Wow. The alternate ending gets 5 stars. The original ending gets 0 stars. So glad I found this page, I'm on a mission now to tell everyone I know.

Bastien Terraz on Sep 19, 2009

1586

I saw the alternate ending first by coincidence, because I saw it on dvd last night, and disc 1 was scratched, so for me that was the original. I found it an intelligent Hollywood ending, though still a Hollywood ending. The theatrical ending was in my view the more conventional blow-it-all-up and find the cure for mankind. Even the fact that he took himself along and didn't survive is a classic Jesus Christ theme - sacrificing oneself to save mankind. I have read the novel 16 years ago and loved it. Although - whenever I find myself comparing a filmwith the novel it was based on, I smack myself on the jaw. The two forms of fiction can not do the same things, and the most faithful adaptations always have their own voice and vision. And I found that "I am legend" had a strong stilistic vision. I was struck by the way it succeeds in creating claustrophobic spaces both through conventional anxietyridden small spaces, but even more impressively - through the use of big empty spaces: The big city, empty, silent, ominous. It evokes feeling of lonelyness and of the last days very effectively.

Jacob Mosgaard on Sep 26, 2009

1587

I get what the ending is attempting to hamfistedly say: morality is ambiguous, there's two sides to every story, don't judge a book by it's cover, people dont always fit into easy good and bad stereotypes etc. Problem is it doesn't fit with the film. I thought this ending was very schmaltzy and jarred with the rest of the film inwhich the 'vampires' are set up as ruthless, malevolent killers who have been trying to tear Neville apart from day 1 (I know we're presented with his biased perspective, but I mean come on, we're given NO clue that they aren't a thoroughly rotten and scary lot).Thus we've been right to route for Neville as the last tragic remnant of humanity trying to postpone his inevitable and horrific demise against hopeless odds. Or so we thought.,, In the denoument we discover that the vamps just want what we all want: to live in peace and to fall in love. Nev was just an arrogant dick who shot first, asked questions later! And to compound matters he ran off with the leader's beau to experiment on her! I am Tosser more like! That's the inevitable conclusion of this ending: the whole sorry thing could have been avoided if Nev would have just invited them round for a spot of lunch (though obviously it'd be a late lunch). Heck, him and the Alpha male may have shared a penchant fro jazz! Thanks heavens this incongrous, cheesey ending ended up on the cutting room floor! The theatrical ending leaves Neville intact as a believable, sympathetic hero who in confronting the demise he has sough to delay throughout, finds release and grants hope. That's a fitting end to a legend.

Brian Pickavance on Sep 29, 2009

1588

I never read the book but ive seen the movie and the ending i just saw was better than one seen in theaters or now on tv the alternitive ending made more since to me

Kyle on Sep 29, 2009

1589

What is the orginal writers ending? is this alternate ending was what the orignal writer inteneded then I think It should be kept that way. I do like the alternate ending is more humane and peaceful compare ot all that blow up scene and destructive. WB I thik made huge mistake taking away the main charracter ending it a DEAD man. this alternate ending means sequal as well as prequal can be possible on the horizon. I SAY ALTERNATE ENDING RULES

Alex on Oct 2, 2009

1590

why couldnt he throw the grenade then duck down into the fireplace or whatever it is, instead of standing there like an idiot

Ryan on Jan 17, 2011

1591

This was Will smith doing his best to win an academy award. Only character in the movie!! Maybe he can win best actor and best supporting actor.

medical assistant on Oct 3, 2009

1592

This original is very Hollywood to me, happy ending for everybody? Give me the unoriginal.

Gwen on Oct 8, 2009

1593

Like this version better, but the movie still tanks it when the woman and kid show up. First hour is crackerjack, tho. tws

TWS on Oct 8, 2009

1594

Hollywood butchered that story, and what's even worse is that people paid to see the travesty. This ending, while much more approprite to the novella, is still too shy for me for an apology.

JT on Oct 11, 2009

1595

I say remake the entire film and do it exactly like Richard Matheson wrote it. The book was awesome, the movie...meh.

Kevin on Oct 11, 2009

1596

i thought this ending was very good i liked that it stayed true to the book but i liked how the other vershion killed him it had a bigger impact but i like this on better like kevin said i agree remake the whole wovie

mykell on Oct 14, 2009

1597

Not every ending needs to have a big explosion! I'd prefer this than the other one, it was kinda rushed and portrayed the "vampires" as savage beasts. it did not build on the fact that the lead vampire, and the woman they captured were in love in the original ending, such a shame.

hey on Oct 15, 2009

1598

Nobody likes a sad ending, this ending was much better. Seemed to me to be a happier situation.

Sam on Oct 16, 2009

1599

Nobody likes a sad ending? Wrong!

Gwen on Oct 16, 2009

1600

It's funny that for once I think the ending without self sacrifice is the better one. this ending flips the tale on its head, making Neville the monster and letting us truly see what was always there rather than see what we believed was there. it would have broken the holy cow which is the hollywood monster to do so otherwise. I really wish hollywood would treat us with more respect and give us some art once in a while.

burningeko on Oct 17, 2009

1601

Neville needs to die. Someone said "Legends are born, Legends must die" Him dying stops the "happy family" ending. Theatrical ending was not good enough because it wasn't compelling enough WHY he had to sacrifice himself. This AND it didn't touch on the human-side of the vampires and the legend aspect. Someone mentioned that Will should say "What have I done?" or something in order to wakeup to the vampire's emotions. But... that aspect was never really well developed and it would be rushed. Will being carried about and executed/kill either knowingly or unknowingly? Abrupt and rushed again. I know I'll be saying "wow... you're dumb to go out". The gain appears to be just so minimal compared to the huge risk. It seems like every imagined ending is not satisfactory.

Bond on Oct 17, 2009

1602

In the trailer they did show the ending (that the vampire got that close to his head) but hey never showed it and it did ruin the movie big time All 'n All i liked it 🙂

Tamsin on Oct 20, 2009

1603

I would of LOVED this movie if it had this ending. The whole "Neville IS legend" was very clever, With the new ending, The title "I am Legend" Doesnt mean ANYTHING. I heard that the filmed the whole ending, Showed it to test audiences and they didnt like it. WTH? HOW CAN ANYONE NOT LIKE THIS?

Ebad on Oct 24, 2009

1604

That was a much better ending. When I finally watched it, I liked the first half, but the second half (including the original ending) that totally ruined the movie for me. This is at least a little better...

Eric on Oct 27, 2009

1605

The alternate ending was horrible. It does not wrap the story up at all and makes the viewer feel like they wasted an hour and a half watching the story unfold, only to find out the "vampires" aren't so bad after all. Give me a break. You're all idiots if you think this is acceptable film making.

Jack Black on Oct 27, 2009

1606

@ Jack Black: I don't know what film you saw, but the alternate version is the ONLY version that wraps up the story properly. I mean did you miss all the bits where the vampires are clearly shown to be more than just cookie-cutter bad guys? The cinematic release leaves all those bits hanging, and for no good reason. Then Will Smith's character kills himself for no reason whatsoever? I mean, WTF dude? Don't you get it?

Ian Cooper on Oct 27, 2009

1607

I agree. Much better ending.

Daniel on Oct 29, 2009

1608

Then Will Smith's character kills himself for no reason whatsoever? I mean, WTF dude? Don't you get it?

Assignment on Oct 30, 2009

1609

This is at least a little better…

Coursework on Oct 30, 2009

1610

@Ian Cooper: In the original ending, they did rationalize why Neville had to kill himself. He had to kill himself to get rid of the Dark Seekers that were in his laboratory. The only way that he could kill them was to use a grenade to blow everything in the lab up (except Anna). Otherwise they would be trapped, because, as Neville says, "They'll never stop." Do you get it now? I think both endings are great. Will Smith acted very well. However, as most others said, when Anna showed up it was a little abrupt and not well done. Having watched the movie before reading the book, I am guessing that the director for the movie intended for us to draw our own conclusions as to what the Dark Seeker society was and how they lived. It was obvious they had some type of social structure, albeit primitive - the Alpha Male's existence proves this. Even without reading the book, I understood that the Alpha Male had human characteristics such as love, it was evident from the beginning when Neville first took the test subject woman. Maybe I'm just good at connecting dots?

Justin on Nov 2, 2009

1611

The filmmakers did not make a cogent argument for why he had to kill himself. The grenade killed all the dark seekers in the lab. There was no reason for him not to jump in the place where the woman and child were hiding. Secondly, how did he know they wouldn't stop? He had no idea of their motivation two minutes before, but now he's an expert? And if they would never stop, why did they stop after he was killed? The original ending makes no sense. The alternate ending makes perfect sense.

Ian Cooper on Nov 3, 2009

1612

And that grenade - what was that anyway, the biggest incendiary grenade known to man? Grenades don't do what that grenade did.

Ian Cooper on Nov 3, 2009

1613

This is a good ending but I still like the one I've seen in theater. This one makes a bit boring ending. Who would buy that monsters can actually turn out soft or emotional. WB probably just thought of something that's practical or something that someone would actually do if he's on the situation.

Chuck Taylor on Nov 5, 2009

1614

@ Chuck (1613) "Who would buy that monsters can actually turn out soft or emotional(?)" That's not the point to the alternate ending, and why you find it 'boring'. You didn't get it. You are asking the wrong question. The question should be: Who is actually the monster?

Flocons on Nov 8, 2009

1615

I disagree and think the original was the best, after all these creatures attack and devour anything in there path thus must be soulless. I didn't believe that one grenade would solve the problem either.

Breakdowncover4u on Nov 9, 2009

1616

This new ending was so much better than the one which made it into the cinema i was very annoyed as the last 10 minutes was completely ruined the grenande idea was pathetic, the film is actually quite emotional all the way threw the film for example his son and wife dies then the dog eventually this ending was perfect for the film the alternate ending would of made WB a lot more money.

ash on Nov 14, 2009

1617

Justin, if you're good with connecting the dots..... You may realize that a grenade has a delayed explosion. There is no reason for Neville to be in the room when the grenade goes off. He could have gotten in there with Anna, took out the pin of the nade, and thrown it into the room. Anyone capable of actually "connecting the dots" (as you say) should be able to realize that the alternate (theatrical) ending of the movie was only meant to placate a few morons at WB.

Justin = Dumb on Nov 18, 2009

1618

The Alter ending is much more in line with the book and it ties a lot more into the title than the theatrical one. the Alter ending in my opinion is the preferred one.

jay on Nov 25, 2009

1619

I myself am a fan of happy endings, so seeing the ending as it was in the movie theaters was rather dissapointing for me. I absolutely love this ending though. It lets you think a little, and still everyone survives. Isn't that nice? It finally left me a sense of a finished movie. I don't like open endings.

Carl Ryan on Nov 28, 2009

1620

I like this ending more but i still don't get how they could just leave .. They say in the movie that they fed on all humans so it's obvious not all they care about is having the Girl and being left alone. .. in this ending was she almost cured ?

Robert Neville on Nov 28, 2009

1621

I like this ending more but i still don't get how they could just leave .. They say in the movie that they fed on all humans so it's obvious not all they care about is having the Girl and being left alone. .. Does he still find the cure though ????????????????????????????????

Jesse Lake on Nov 28, 2009

1622

Read the book "the greatest sci-fi movies never made" by david hughes and you'll understand how torturous it was just to get this movie made. So much money had been spent, so many people hired and fired that studios would have shoved in a last minute appearance from bugs bunny if they thought it would make them a profit. The film itself is very brave (at least for the first half) and while this ending stays truer in spirit to the book it's still as major a departure as the official ending. As everyone who read the book agrees they robbed the movie of everything that might distinguish it from all the other zombie/apocalypse movies that, without it would never have been made. A suggested prequel might be great but it would just remind me of how disappointing this film was.

Al on Dec 2, 2009

1623

I can't say that this ending is any more satisfying, although I do like it. Problem: I can't see him alive at the end of the movie. Everything else aside, Robert Neville cannot ride off into the sunset, ESPECIALLY if we learn he's spent the last 3 years murdering sentient, feeling beings. It just doesn't wash.

diemwing on Dec 8, 2009

1624

this really isnt closer to what happened in the book at all.. in fact its even more differant.. did u actually read the book?!

alec on Dec 11, 2009

1625

Actually alec I have. In the book neville realises too late that the vampires have evolved or rather the germ has mutated to allow some of them to become more "human". In the released version the creatures are never shown directly to be intelligent and at the end neville simply kills them along with himself. In the alternate ending he realises that they are capable of emotions and love and he feels guilt for what he has done to them (as he did in the book). In further deleted scenes he shows Anna the trap he made that caught him, implying that it was turned against him and not something forgotten and he simply blundered into. neither ending does the book justice but the original does stay somewhat truer to the novel. My question would be have you actually read the book. If so, I think you ought to go back and have another read.

Al on Dec 11, 2009

1626

The last ten minutes of the theatrical ending ruined this movie for me. I didn't think it was appropriate for Neville to die. This alternate ending is so much better! It also leaves open the option for a second one which I've heard is in the works.

Beth on Dec 12, 2009

1627

i really really loved i am legend and have really wanted to see the alternate ending and now that i have i wish they had made it the real one. i think that this would have been the absolutely perfect ending except, except, that i liked how in the end i liked how the girl said 'this is his legend' because it incorporated the title but beside that this ending was tons better. thank you soooo much for posting this!

Sophia on Dec 20, 2009

1628

i loved the whole movie except the endind this ones so much better if they used this one they could of come out with a second one we are legends or somthing, some kind of sequal were there trying to change everyone

joe on Dec 22, 2009

1629

They destroyed the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge in end was the George Washington Bridge. Retards

Pete on Dec 22, 2009

1630

This ending is soooooooo much better than the one shown in the theaters. I just can't understand why Warner dicided on this. An ending like the one shown above would have lent itselft superpbly to the making of a sequel movie....which I would have been more than happy to go and see. But with the ending shown in theaters, and the main character dying, the story ends right there; And making a sequel to it would be pointless. Warner Bros. really shot themselves in the foot with this one

Yam Digger on Dec 25, 2009

1631

I like the ending that went out in theaters, i think it makes the whole "I am Legend" thing work out better because he's leaving behind a legacy. It's also more believable because the creatures seem to be bloodthirsty and don't reason with emotions and such, so the whole leaving him alone and leaving because he said he was sorry doesn't work out. It also makes the main character more noble. The movie ends with the title saying that the main character is legend. The one released to theaters was way better. I think a sequel would have just been butchered, so ending it there was a lot better. They can't just turn every movie into a franchise can they? You'd just be more upset with the sequel than the ending of the actual movie. I don't understand why everyone hates the ending so much, maybe it's because of all the people that read it.

jman on Dec 27, 2009

1632

I love the alternate ending!! And its not because its a happy ending, but because of the intinsity! Damn it was way more intence than the one they used.

Project Shadow on Dec 27, 2009

1633

Why couldn't the dog live in the A.E.? I like that dog....

wolflink on Dec 28, 2009

1634

What I want to know, is how they drove off. The bridge was blown up, and the island (Island!) was quarantined. That means all exits are gone. How did they just drive off? In both endings. The Theatrical one, she was shown driving a car to Vermont, which could've been picked up somewhere else, but in the A.E., they are seen driving over a bridge...?

Bradydz on Dec 30, 2009

1635

The theatrical ending was completely out of place,first they show some remarkable behavior in the creatures,a sentient side and they give it all up in the ending and make them all bad and savage.I was very happy there was an alternate ending,even though not perfect,it follows up with the rest of the movie,intense an dreary.

Constantin on Jan 10, 2010

1636

Didn't even know an alternate ending existed until now. Definitely like it better. For the purpose of creating a movie version, I liked the idea of Neville as a Dr. trying to find a cure VS the books notion that he was just a regular guy trying to stake as many vampires as possible. This ending would have worked even better if they had another scene or two of Neville capturing/killing vampires (dark seekers) and his "wrong" analysis of them, all in his attempts to cure their "non-human" inducing disease. Including scenes of other vampires acting completely "non-human" (i.e. showing face in the sun), with Neville incorrectly commenting on those actions would have helped set the ultimate "twist" in motion. The concept of adding Anna and the boy was necessary to de-humanize Neville, though I think the film makers did not go about it in the right way. The alternate ending made it better to me because I read the book, but without the necessary changes would have probably confused moviegoers some. Even if they added a "What have I done?" type line to it, it still wouldn't have jived with most of the film. The ultimate let down for me was the CGI. I would have been far more creeped out if sickly,non-CGI, actors were used. While I am still amazed at how far CGI has come, I do not yet feel it has helped any movie where a CGI character was added. Big fan of the book... Thought the movie was enjoyable for Smiths acting, the action, and the overall premise, but it could have been an infinitely better film with some changes.

John monahan on Jan 12, 2010

1637

I have to say... I enjoyed the movie in the theaters sooooooo much... until the ending. I knew there was something wrong with the way it ended. It didn't pack the emotional punch that the rest of the story did. I have not read the book, but still I could tell the ending was a little bleak. Hollywood tends to underestimate the intelligence and acceptance of the public. It saddens me. The original ending was the reason I didn't want to buy the movie. Now I just might go get it.

Rhia on Jan 15, 2010

1638

Certain movie endings have always been a disappointment to me... Shawshank was an example... just show Morgan Freeman on the bus and fade out... you can even show the shot of the ocean over the credits... don't show them hugging on the beach. The hero dying so others (women and children mostly) can live is a standard... captain going down with his ship kinda thing. We expect it of our heroes. I think this is why Hollywood tends to do this. Although I do like this ending better, the one thing that gives me a bit of pause about saying it is much better is the idea of the lead vampire having so much control over the other vampire's base instincts. They have a pack mentality in most, if not all, other parts of the film. Here, in this scene, the lead vampire controls them with a scream/growl. I realize it is to show the 1% of "humanity" left in them, but it still leaves me thinking that I would have liked to see some shred of that in other parts of the movie.

dmacl on Jan 16, 2010

1639

This new ending would have made 5 billion instead of 500 million since in all movies most heroes especially if all the other characters in the move stink or are not big at all. If they used this ending then maybe they could have a sequel on the movie, because without Will Smith the sequel would have been a total disaster and Warner Bros. would have lost millions. Oh well whoever thought the other ending was better they either have no taste or hate Warner Bros.

mumsella on Jan 24, 2010

1640

This new ending would have made 5 billion instead of 500 million since in all movies most heroes especially if all the other characters in the move stink or are not big at all live but somehow they thought it would be better if the hero died. If they used this ending then maybe they could have a sequel on the movie, because without Will Smith the sequel would have been a total disaster and Warner Bros. would have lost millions. Oh well whoever thought the other ending was better they either have no taste or hate Warner Bros. P.S.- SORRY THIS IS MY NEW COMMENT BECAUSE MY OLD ONE DIDN'T MAKES SENSE, I SHOULD REALLY REREAD THE THINGS I POST, OH WELL. GTG THNX FOR LISTENING XD

Musella Karansa on Jan 24, 2010

1641

This ending doesn't seem real enough though for movies sake. The vampires seemed too easily restrained. That looks like a lot more than 1% humanity to me that the leader would have so much love and that they would just walk away. Never ceasing to get to him so that Neville has to kill them all seems more likely. Plus, he saves the woman and child, they go to the talked about safe haven, and they have the cure. Those all make for a general movie that most people can accept.

David on Jan 26, 2010

1642

isch no geil.....

Skander on Feb 7, 2010

1643

I think this ending would have been good, hell right now i caould be enjoying i am legend 2

James on Feb 12, 2010

1644

I think (I have never read the book) that this ending beter matches better in the context of the whole film. Why would they ever introduce a "chief-vampire/creatures" when he never gets a special role to play except from screaming at other "vampires/creatures"? Generally, I liked the alternative much more because it shifted the orginally distorted view of the "creatures" social life. It showed us that something of humanity has survived in them.... Which brings me to another point... I expected that the way of life at zombie-night is not that pleasent. Given that the master/chief-vampire/zombie (I do not know hoe to call them) remembers his girlfriend, why do they not ask (scream would be more appropriate for them 😉 for help from Robert? They should also be able to remember ther "old" life where they had no food problems... Well, perhaps it would have been become a pretty big super-heros story but I would have liked it 😉

ISA on Feb 12, 2010

1645

The book was exallant! why didnt they do it like it? the thing i agree on is tht some people still get confused on the title, which to me should be, that robert finds the cure, in along with some deaths before,(always better!) and maybe thought out the ending where we are in total amazement. loved how they showed the batman superman poster, (its gonna be a real movie) as far i know, so yes some flaws, overall concept was good though

bailey on Feb 26, 2010

1646

This ending is better than the first one to me my favorite part was when they showed the butterfly when the guy was breaking the glass

Eric on Feb 27, 2010

1647

this ending was much better

fredrik on Mar 1, 2010

1648

I did not see I am Legend in the theaters, nor have i head the book, but this ending fit the story much better

Makita reciprocating saw on Mar 3, 2010

1649

Although the alternate ending wasn't as dramatic, I think it was more inline with the book. I think he recognizes, to some degree, that he isn't just looked upon as food by the zombies (or whatever you'd like to call them), but as an enemy; make reference to when he apologizes and then looks over his shoulder to the board of all the previous "human subjects," and recognizes the sheer number and, I personally think, he makes the connection. Which would also explain why he was, presumably, able to leave the research behind along with New york.

The virologist on Mar 6, 2010

1650

Me again...yes, 1649. Damn..did not read the wikipedia page. They do a much better job explaining what I was trying to say. Go read the bit about the alternate ending. Sorry, it's 4 am...don't judge me

The virologist on Mar 6, 2010

1651

This alternate ending is a million times better! Thanks for posting it! The proof is in the pudding. I'm number 1,651 since March 5, 2008! Nope, haven't read them all but I'll guess that 95% of the replies are positive towared the alternate ending. I've never seen such a fantastic amount of replies!! Good work Alex Billington!!!!! And to WB, don't be so arrogant that you think you know what the public wants.

Teagur on Mar 14, 2010

1652

WOW, this ending is much better!!!! I appreciate it much, much more. So glad I found this!

Ryan Rossman on Mar 21, 2010

1653

naa, the ending in the movie follows the drift much smoother than this ending!!

Aleeon on Mar 25, 2010

1654

I just watched the movie for the first time, April 2, 2010 - on Tv. Missed the first 30 minutes or so. Until I read some of the comments here from people that actually read the book - I had NO idea that Robert N. was "the legend" to the Vampires...I simply thought he was 'legend' because he survived and found the cure for the virus. The alternate ending was interesting, but I think it would have been even better if, after the touching reunion between the Lead Vamp and his girl, that the other Vampires attack and kill Robert N. Why wouldn't they? If Robert is perceived as a serious threat and has killed a bunch of them, then it would only make sense that they slaughter him. but what i really don't 'get' (and yes, maybe the book explains it)-why do these vampires have heads and bodies that are virtually indestructible? Banging their heads voilently against glass and walls and falling out of a buildings, with no sign of blood or crushed bones or skulls? And their voices - how are they able to make sounds like that without shattering their vocal chords? anyway, i didn't even know they were vampires until I read it here...i thought they are the remaining survivors that the virus mutated in some way.... a mix of both endings would have been the best.

Jane W. on Apr 2, 2010

1655

A suggested prequel might be great but it would just remind me of how disappointing this film was.

Ladies dress hats on Apr 20, 2010

1656

Thank you for this information. You have done a great job. Thank you for highlighting this, keep up your good work.

Masks for masquerade ball on May 11, 2010

1657

Still confused. (Haven't read the book) How can the zombie/vamps go from savages feeding on humans to being nice creatures that fear (and don't just want to eat) the Doc? I'm left feeling that the doc was right to continue testing on them, not sorry for them. Am I missing something that was further explored in the book?

Ruth on May 15, 2010

1658

Pretty much agree completely with Teagur (comment #1651). I just watched this for the very first time a few hours ago at a buddy's house, and I have to say I think I hated it after seeing the whole thing. The original ending? Just plain dumb. He's a legend for, what, blowing himself up? Good job, too bad you forgot about that girl you were trying to save, that you just happened to murder along with your data. The alternate ending was far more artistic, creative, and in a way, showing a much more poignant view of the human spirit than just using mindless violence against mindless violence. My buddies said how this movie was a lot better "in theaters", and I think that's where many people's positive views of it came from. If you watch it a 2nd time, at home, is it still as amazing as you thought it was on a wide screen, with surround sound and 30-60 other people there? IMO the movie could have had a lot bigger impact if it would have been longer, and more true to what is apparently in the book. Same as with others I didn't even make the connection of the "infected" actually being vampires, even though I almost said during the movie how Neville should go all Blade on them and go all out using UV lights. Thank you so much for posting this however. I can now agree with other that this is a good movie, but still falls short of greatness.

Will on May 22, 2010

1659

boooooooobs

gordon brown on May 24, 2010

1660

I love the alternate ending. I was not happy with the original ending and was so frustrated I had to read something on the internet. Thank you for this information.

Boat trailer wheels on May 28, 2010

1661

Ok, l just found this on a random google search, and l LOVE that ending much more than the actual one. Seeing that the zombie-things actually have some humanishness left in them, it just makes it seem like curing them is actually possible. Why on earth could they have not just kept this one??? If they're not going to use it, why bother making it and make everybody pissed that it wasnt used???

Some Guy on Jun 3, 2010

1662

I Remembered a while ago that there was an alternate ending, and i just found it now. this ending is exactly how it was stated. so much more moving then the in the movie. it just seemed more real. sacrificing himself was cool too but it portray the legend part. this one really hits the spot. i really wished this was the ending that everyone saw. i bet it would have made them as much more money then the original. thank you for giving us the chance to see it and i hope that everyone else will see it and make WB understand that when they have two different endings try and keep the original before using the second one.

Babz on Jun 5, 2010

1663

Why didn't they use this ending instead of the other one? I remember after seeing this movie for the first time, i called my dad and told him about how the movie was great but i didn't like the ending. I know some people may disagree with me but this ending would have made I Am Legend so much better. But atleast they released it on the dvd. I may decide to buy it one day.

Chevy Camaro on Jun 10, 2010

1664

i saw the "legend" as something else entirely; if you think of a normal zombie/plauge movie, you usually follow the family (mother and girl) on their journey/quest from point A to salvation, and all the people they meet that help them along the way. There is always that loner, scruffy bad ass that they run into, that is pivotal to their quest, but always dies along the way in a heroic sacrifice to save the heroes. This movie seemed to be telling that story from the 2nd perspective; instead of following the family's quest, we are watching the loner's view of the world as he unknowingly waits for their paths to cross; the typical story from a brand new perspective.

phoenix on Jun 10, 2010

1665

This should have been the ending that they used all along. It is amazing!

dustin on Jun 12, 2010

1666

Having not read the book I admit that this ending would have taken considerable thought to understand without your brief explanation. However I don't think that is necissarily a bad thing, it is something that is missing in alot of modern films; I greatly enjoy discussing and deliberating a film rather than just watching and forgetting. My opinion as to how this film should have ended is as such: Neville realises they are after the female "vampire" (Not strictly correct I know) and is in this ending returns her. However, rather than the "vampires" walking away and leaving Neville I would have them surround him. As he is circled he would look at the wall of pictures and you would see a sense of realisation in his face, then he would say the fina words in the book; " Full circle. A new terror born in death, a new superstition entering the unassailable fortress of forever. I am legend."(As someone stated before me) The picture would then begin to fade out, although you would see them closing in on Neville with the last dying light, obviously being his death. I think that by doing this you would get across the sense of humanity and their organisation and their lust for vengeance, which whether you like it or not is a human trait. That still leaves the problem of the women, who really I think is a burden however I can understand her inclusion in a hollywood blockbuster. I believe the best way to fill this gap is by simply hearing the radio broadcast of hers (from this ending) while the credits are rolling. Anyway, needed to get this idea of mine down so that I can stop going through it in my head. Would like to her whether anyone else agrees with me and thank you for reading.

Danny boy on Jun 16, 2010

1667

A much better ending according to the book would have been Neville and the girl fighting from the roof of the house against the vampires. Being surrounded by thousands of vampires and realizing that they can not win the fight Neville tells the girl to run. She grabs the boy and flees. On the street she turns back and watches Neville fight bravely. He feels her presence, turns to hers and yells "save the boy". He tosses a towel towards her, full of his blood. She catches it and disappears. Neville is last seen standing on top of the house fighting and killing dozens of vampires but it becomes clear to the viewer, that he is fate is sealed. Later we see the woman as a very old lady tell this scene to young children listening carefully to her. The camera moves and the viewer realizes this is a post-apocaleptic world, the vampires have been defeated. It was Nevilles blood on the towel that helped create a cure. Last scene is a huge monument depicting Neville as the throws the towel at her. Many flowers surround the monument, people bow at it. WOW. I got a chill running down my spine as I wrote this ! This would have been the only good ending and in perfect harmony with the book. Read the book morons !

Tonic on Jun 20, 2010

1668

I like that ending. It would have been happy with him if he was using. I wish I could do a re-do and have that be the end.

Scaffold boards on Jun 30, 2010

1669

Almost two years after seeing this movie on DVD, I stumbled across this alternative ending by chance. It's pretty amazing actually. I now want to watch the whole film again. Thanks for posting.

Jermaine G. Anderson on Jul 4, 2010

1670

I'm lucky to watch it first time on DVD with this ending! you guys are saying there's another ending where robert died? no, not for me 😀

CouchPotato on Jul 18, 2010

1671

Okay.... I might sound dumb, but I have watched this movie about 20 times, never read the book. I had no idea those things were vampires. I just figured they were humans infected with some disease and they needed to be cured. Kind of like the split races in the movies time machine. They were all human once too. The movie I guess didn't explain to me that they were vampires well enough.

Trista on Jul 30, 2010

1672

the ending is better as it is in the final version. the alternate one is too typical for my tastes.

john on Aug 9, 2010

1673

The original ending is better in some aspects, and may have made just as much in the box office, but i think the ending used in the final movie released was a more suitable ending for todays audience, in the book however, this ending played out much better, the concept for me is much better explained.

Dannielle on Sep 2, 2010

1674

I just watched the movie with the alternate ending for the first time.. the best thing about this was Will Smith's acting. He did a GREAT job here (and with Pursuit of Happyness), and it's too bad that he wasted so many years with Summer blockbusters. The alternate ending makes Anna and the whole hope/god/Bob Marley scenes irrelevant, and the original ending ruins what was good about the alternate. It had some good moments, but I think the movie still fell apart after the dog died.

jc89 on Sep 21, 2010

1675

I like turtles....

Johnathan on Sep 28, 2010

1676

Great movie, but would've been better with alt ending. Appreciate you making the effort to show it everyone.

Dave on Oct 11, 2010

1677

The dog is dead in either ending, so they're both the same to me! =P @ - #1676: Your comment made me laugh, as that dog actually made thousands of people cry, lmao! The dog dying and 'survivors' appearing kind of ruined the atmosphere, he was the only one who could actually talk for most of that movie and then it turns upside down, right at the last minute.

Felii on Oct 13, 2010

1678

I prefer the ending in the moive because it is more touching an reasonable.

Accord on Nov 6, 2010

1679

Personally i prefer the theatrical ending. However, having never read the book, reading comments about the idea of Neville being a legend to the 'affected' does make for a brilliant premise. Although i enjoyed the movie, the terrible CGI seemed to dumb down the movie to a general hollywood blockbuster type film. It's a shame as Will Smith's acting is brilliant, and the scenes of an empty New York city work very well. (which is why the first half of the movie works, as you don't see much of the horribly rendered CGI afflicted.) Unfortunately, in my eyes, the alternative ending fails to convey that message. For anyone unfamiliar with the original book, such as myself, the ending seems cheesy, overly contrite and badly played out. For me, it simply doesn't work with this adaptation. Had the movie been done in a more subtle way, i.e. less CGI, the alternative ending would have worked, if done with more subtlety. First of all, i believe Anna and Ethan should not have been introduced into the second part of the film. One of the most powerful aspects of the film was when Ethan lost his dog, it showed that he was truly alone. Yet 5 minutes later, by sheer luck two people arrive to keep him company. Didn't work for me. The main problem with the alternative ending is the extreme nature in which the afflicted's behaviour seems to change, and the fact that Neville simply walked around them saying 'excuse me please, i have to get this syringe'. And the sudden feeling of the afflicted towards Neville, a kind of 'aww leave him alone, he's alright. He's our buddy now!' It all made me cringe. I'm sure most audiences would have baulked at this cackhanded ending. The irony being that because it was done with such little subtlety, it seemed more like a hollywood cheesy ending, than the ending they finally used. Especially seeing Neville, Anna and child drive off into the sunset. Also, being scared of the afflicted, it would have taken Neville a lot of convincing to open those doors. The point where Neville looks at the photo's of his subjects should have taken place before the door was opened. By looking at the photo's he realised that he was seen as the monster. That and the butterfly symbol, should have convinced him. However, i think it would have been more effective if he had opened the doors, pushed the body out and shut the doors again. To boldy put his trust in the afflicted, simply from a gut instinct didn't really play out too well. I think had it been done like the way i suggested, it would be a far more powerful, satisfying ending. After pushing the body out, he would finally see that he is perceived as the monster, even though he knows he is trying to help. This would give an interesting confliction to his situation. It would also show (sans mother and kid) the loneliness and segregation he would have to face for the rest of his days. Unfortunately as i mentioned before, the poor CGI gave the film a more mainstream feel, and as such i felt that the theatrical ending worked with the film. With regards to Neville getting caught in the trap, i don't understand why people get the opinion the trap was created by the afflicted. From what i understand, he had spent years setting traps to catch the afflicted, and out of disorientation he simply fell into his own trap. A trap he may have placed years before and forgot about. One more point, what was it with that bridge. That seems like such a poor continuity error, having them cross a bridge that was destroyed earlier in the film.

jay on Nov 8, 2010

1680

The movie ending in theaters is much better. I would have hated the movie if they had used the alternate. Then again I never read the book, so I'm just going off of what is in the movie and how it fits with the rest of the movie

wrong on Nov 15, 2010

1681

I just saw this ending now on a new blu-ray and since its my favorite movie it just blow me away with suprise. The only senseble ending for me is this. Now man can only hope for a followup movie to be finished = http://starseeker.com/editorial/i-am-legend-2-2013-movi/. If anybody can tell me pleace if you know what the point was to make the ending where will smith dies..? TNX

Lars DK on Nov 28, 2010

1682

Fantastic ending, so clever, Neville WAS the man of their nightmares who hunts them by day (their night) so they only came out to play at night (their day). They probably treated New York like their own city and went to work, sold music in stores (hence why the manequin may have been in a different position at one point when Neville returned to the store), etc - but ran home by sunrise for fear that the 'bogieman' would catch and kill them.

ozzy on Dec 15, 2010

1683

When I saw the movie for the first time, it was completely ruined for me because of the end. Everyone I spoke to who had seen it, hated the ending. The entire movie, we see how the creatures are intelligent beings, they have a leader, they set traps, they overcome obstacles. And the ending just shows them as mindless zombies intent on destroying what is left of humanity. I never read the book, but I do plan to. This ending finally touches on the remaining humanity these "vampires" have left. It gives it a considerably more profound and emotional feel, and it should have been left in the theatrical release.

Josh Clark on Dec 28, 2010

1684

I just want to say to the person who wrote this article, that yes this ending is probably better and more satisfying to someone who had read the book before seeing the film, however I personally as someone who hadn't read the book and didn't even know the film was based on a book found the theatrical ending better, it seemed to make more sense to the film adaption because all the way through the film it was made clear that robert's purpose was to find a cure, and at the end of the theatrical version is was made clear he had found a cure and was giving up his life so that the women could take and use the cure on the infected people, (because really he didn't have much left to live for anyway. His wife,daughter and dog are dead) this alternative ending doesn't make clear that he's found a cure and doesn't seem portray well enough the idea that he is the infected people's legend because he's killed so many of them. if I had seen this ending in the cinema I would have been unsatisfied I would have felt that the film didn't have a proper ending, I would have though the fact that the infected people can love and care about each other really random. but hey thats just my opinion.. I just think people who hadn't read the book wouldn't understand this ending or they wouldn't think the ending was good.

Rebecca Graham on Dec 29, 2010

1685

I saw the movie on DVD with my family. On DVD, this ending came up first then the theatrical one. After seeing this ending, everyone said, "What? What's the point? Where is the POINT? So... is Neville the legend? So, the vampires have feelings and they want to be left alone from Neville? How does that make him the LEGEND? And what? Didn't they break down all the bridges? How are they leaving the city through the bridge duh?" And after watching the theatrical one they said, "There we go! Right there. That makes sense. The first one was just simply pointless with the whole movie's concept. But this one feels way much better and right." I had the exact same feeling as they did. This ending can be moving to people but it was not so much moving when we first saw it. Even though the vampires have feelings, their cruelty and inhuman behavior still did not leave our minds. After all they are vampires and as Neville said they also feed on humans (you can see he's telling the truth because he has apparently seen his colleagues or other people left on the island die). The short exposure of their feelings did not overpower these facts. The writer of this article says, "... Robert Neville is "legendary" because he is that myth and goes out day after day hunting them." For Neville being the legend with this ending totally does not appeal. There is no connection between being legend and leaving the vampires. Where is the connection? And how can Neville be the legend to the vampires? Let me ask you this. Do we call Ted Bundy the legend? He is just a savage, evil murderer. This ending misses the movie's concept. This ending only provides the fact that vampires have feelings and they want to live whatever way they want, including killing people, but this man named Robert Neville suddenly comes out and kills them so they get mad at him and invade his house and he begs their forgiveness and leaves. There is nothing that connects this ending and Neville being a legend. On the other hand, the theatrical ending completes the movie's entire concept. Throughout the movie, Neville's only purpose is to find the cure for the virus. So he hunts these new, infected, cruel creatures that feed on animals and humans and tests his drugs. In the end the vampires invade his house. Neville then finds out one of his drugs cures the virus. So he sacrifices his life to protect it, being the LEGEND to the people on Earth and those who will come after. Also, the survival town was not distant to the movie's concept. Actually, it was rather true to it. Neville has been isolated from the outside of NYC for so long without any communication or information exchange from it. Later Anna and her son, the other survivors, save him. She tells him there is a survival town. This acted as a foreshadow in the movie. So after seeing the survival town, neither was I too surprised nor thought it was absurd. It was rather very clear. The theatrical ending gives clearer, more suitable, and exact idea of the movie. Most movies' titles expose the idea or theme of that movie. In this case, this movie's title, "I Am Legend", reveals the great deal of the movie's theme. The theatrical ending fulfills this with Neville finding the cure and sacrificing himself to protect it for everyone left on Earth and those who do not even exist yet. Ultimately, their choice was right.

Dave G on Dec 30, 2010

1686

That movie still blows

Jesse Argonaut on Jan 9, 2011

1687

I read the book, i saw both endings and i have to say: real movie ending is closer to the one in book, just cos Nevil die. Rest is lie. There is no any real humans left after him. So both endings sucks.

Bokizzle on Jan 17, 2011

1688

Heck yeah, you were so right to bring this alternate ending to the public....it was so much better than the original ending, as it gave a sense of hope for both the humans and the creatures!! Your website is informative and awesome...write on, dude!!!!!

c4collins on Jan 19, 2011

1689

I just saw the film and was dissatisfied with the original ending and would have preferred the alternate. It was obvious that Neville was not in touch with reality. His assessment of the vampires was that they had lost all shreds of humanity. He couldn't understand the alpha male exposing himself in sunlight when he took the female. It was obvious that the male cared about the female. That is why Neville couldn't comprehend the trap set for him. That would mean that the vampires had more cognitive power than he estimated. He refused to believe this, thinking they were just mindless creatures. His plowing through vampires on the dock showed how crazy he was. It was obvious that the vampires were thinking and feeling beings, and he just plowed right over them with no feeling of remorse. The theatrical ending had him kill as many creatures as he could. It was also suicide. He could have thrown the grenade, and then joined the girl and boy in the vault. You did not know if the suicide was because he couldn't live with himself for killing so many creatures or if he was still out of touch with reality. The alternate ending is so much better since you can see he realizes what he has done and has remorse.

Zymurgy on Jan 19, 2011

1690

Just now seeing this ending and I agree with you. I remember loving the movie but feeling uncomfortable with the ending. It made no sense that the woman and boy could hide in that wall opening but he couldnt. (Similar to there not being any room for Leo on that wooden plank next to Kate in Titanic. Really? She couldnt move over?) I know he had to set off the bomb but I feel like this could have been planned differently. I also see how the brief hints of intelligence from these creatures throughout the movie made this ending much more profound. I love a good mindless zombie as much as the next person, but I appreciate them trying to get a message across with the original plan.

Michelle on Jan 28, 2011

1691

Wow, they were society beginning again, but let's say from basic....real basic. They were not just stupid vampires or such (hate typical vampire movies btw). Anyhow, of course they should've chosen that original ending. It gives by far a greater depth to the movie. Even if original human society was lost, this scene proves a new order begins. That's how I interpret this.

Lars on Feb 18, 2011

1692

I liked the theatrical ending. Sacrificing himself and becoming a legend among the humans. This ending shows how he is compassionate towards the vampires, the very creatures that caused his psychological distress and dogs death. he's got nothing left to live for, so why not take them out with him. but the last half WAS pretty bad. But the movie, any movie based on a book, will never be like the book. why would they make a movie almost identical to a book. theres no point, you might as well read the book. anyway i did not like this ending because its like he is saying you win vampires.

MOVIEWATCHER on Apr 3, 2011

1693

wow that was very cull whn i watched the previous 1 a fll so angry bcs i thought will smith dead but this last minute makes me so happy

Abdulrahman on Apr 5, 2011

1694

Has anyone seen the 60's version of I am Legend with Vincent Price? I ends excactly as the book does.

Stormtrue on Apr 11, 2011

1695

its so sad that he has to kill his dog

jamzy on Apr 13, 2011

1696

Much better ending because you see the humanity of the vampires. Still lacking because Neville shouldn't have survived. But overall better.

ocho on Apr 14, 2011

1697

i didnt read the book and i like many i feel thought the movies ending was an after thought ...."How do we end this film" so they came up with this realistic idea that the main character should die protecting the humans he thought were all gone and letting them survive to bring the cure he came up with, but after watching this they went the wrong way this was better.... some might argue that its way too much of a happy ending them surviving the way they did, not me i liked it....also someone mentioned above the glance at the wall of photos i agree very cool but the link to him and the vampires how he figured it out with the help of his daughters words was very emotional and that was defintely the way they should have gone....

Brave_cave_man on Apr 18, 2011

1698

I love Matheson's book and I despised this movie (particularly the ridiculous rubber-jawed CGI monsters). This ending was the best part. Of course WB excised it.

Anonymous on Apr 25, 2011

1699

Holy crap just saw this by mistake, and its awesome... so much better then the one shown with the movie. The other one had so many conceptual flaws...

Ricardo Marques on Apr 27, 2011

1700

I never knew this. Awesome!

Koowie on May 10, 2011

1701

I had no idea there was an alternate ending, I have read the book and seen the other 3 earlier adaptaions of the film. I have to agree with the article, this ending would have made the movie more enjoyable for me.

Magisfab on May 26, 2011

1702

With the new ending, the rest of the film doesn't really make much sense, as it is made out that they are mad savage beasts, and yet they can organise themselves to attack his house in packs, and to set up elaborate traps to capture him? Its like all through the film it is leaving clues and hinting at the creatures being more than meets the eye, then they just kind of forgot about that 10 minutes later. The original ending would have brought all of those bits together and made everything make sense.

Davemitchell93 on Jun 29, 2011

1703

This new ending showed the human emotion lying beneath these "monsters". Comparing that to what we've seen the entire movie, it's only confusing. Do we kill them now? They have human emotions! And in this ending, there was no cure... so this isn't even an ending! - not nearly as secure as the original ending. How can all of you like this? Because it follows the book, or whatever. Jesus come off of your high horse that Hollywood fucks everything up because it's not the book page by page.  The scene was surely compelling, but what does it offer? We are back to where we started in the beginning. No cure. Hunting for demons. All that + a girl and her boy. But do we really care about them?? I really didn't, not all of them being together. In fact I PREFERRED that Will Smith's character died. It was horrible, but that brought up such great emotion. It was kind of shocking, I'm sure especially to those who read the books, so THAT should have been cool. And it really did make him a hero. That's more of legendary to me. This alternate ending is pretty much a leeway into a sequel. That'd ruin this entire movie, having a sequel. Even suggesting one!

Anonymous on Jul 5, 2011

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