Warners "I Am Legend" is based on author Richard Matheson's 1954 novel.The new film is directed by Francis "Constantine" Lawrence.
Premise of Matheson's original story, set in a Los Angeles of the 'future' circa 1976–1979, follows 'Robert Neville', the survivor of a pandemic caused by a deadly 'vampiric' bacterium. Neville lives in a house fortified against nocturnal attacks, only venturing out during the day to stock up on supplies and to kill sleeping creepers.
Eventually, the despairing Neville discovers that while he is the only person immune to the bacterium, he is not the only one still alive, having become a fearful figure that has killed both vampires and the infected.
Writer Akiva Goldsman of "Da Vinci Code" fame produced "I Am Legend" with Erwin Stoff, David Heyman and Neal Moritz.
"I Am Legend" was previously filmed as "The Last Man on Earth" starring Vincent Price (1964) and "The Omega Man" starring Charlton Heston (1971).
