Depp as Head Vampire in "I Am Legend"! [Archive] - Movie Fan Central Discussion Forums

ElderPredator

06-30-2006, 09:31 AM

Hey everybody,

In some ass-kicking news today, Blackfilms.com has confirmed that Johnny Depp has signed on with Will Smith for the horror flick, "I Am Legend" which begins filming in September. It is being said now that Depp will be playing the part of Robert Neville's (Will Smith) neighbour in the film who is the first to become infected and become the head vampire. Here is a brief synopsis of the story:

In Richard Matheson's book, Neville is the last living man on Earth... but he is not alone. Every other man, woman, and child has become a vampire, and they are all hungry for Neville's blood. By day, he is the hunter, stalking the sleeping undead through the abandoned ruins of civilization. By night, he barricades himself in his home and prays for the dawn.

That sounds so fucking awesome and Depp as the main vampire just adds icing to the cake. I can't wait to see this movie, especially with Francis Lawrence directing after his brilliant portrayal of "Constantine" since it was so dark.

Link: http://www.blackfilm.com/20060623/features/iamlegendnews.shtml

James Logan

06-30-2006, 09:44 AM

That's absolutely amazing. Not a big fan of the Will Smith casting but this is brilliant.

NightStalkerGtx

06-30-2006, 09:44 AM

Depp is going to own. I'll be there the 1st day it comes out, lets just hope its rated R.

ElderPredator

06-30-2006, 09:56 AM

Hell yeah, it's a very graphic and scary book. Can't wait for this movie.

meccajay

06-30-2006, 09:58 AM

That is good news.. Grreat news in fact!

You know, ever since I read the script by Mark Protosevich, I couldn't help but picture a buffed out of his mind Will Smith in the title role.. the script screams Will.
However, the lead Vampire CORTMAN has always been Rutger Hauer in my head because of the calmness of his charachter, and the way he speaks. With Depp cast now, I'm gonna have to go back and read it again with his image in mind..

Here is an early draft of that script...it's wonderful!! It has been re-written so I wouldn't worry about spoilers too much.

I Am Legend (http://www.horrorlair.com/scripts/legend.txt)

MadsenOMC

06-30-2006, 10:35 AM

Originally posted by NightStalkerGtx
Depp is going to own. I'll be there the 1st day it comes out, lets just hope its rated R.

I agree, but what are the odds? It's Will Smith, and isn't it going to come out during the summer? The studio will take the AVP route.

NightStalkerGtx

06-30-2006, 10:41 AM

Originally posted by MadsenOMC
I agree, but what are the odds? It's Will Smith, and isn't it going to come out during the summer? The studio will take the AVP route.

Well, they can also pull a "Bad Boys 2", not in terms of quality:D , but there are some brave R rated summer movies that become hits and there are some brave awesome studios that dont trim em down cough universal miami vice cough.

ElderPredator

06-30-2006, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by MadsenOMC
I agree, but what are the odds? It's Will Smith, and isn't it going to come out during the summer? The studio will take the AVP route.

Totally disagree and do you know why? Because Fox isn't making the movie. If it was Fox, I'd agree but Warner Bros. never fails in this category.

echo_bravo

06-30-2006, 10:45 AM

This sounds cool. I am sure Will will have his signature one liners...hopefully not too many though.

Tyler_Durden_208

06-30-2006, 12:08 PM

I'm probably going to get flamed for this, but I don't care. Am I the only one that's sick of Depp? I mean, I've liked a few of his movies, but I'm get sick of hearing about the guy... And this isn't really bitching at the OP, it's me bitching about the Depp craze in general... I dunno, somebody else has gotta know what I'm going on about...

ElderPredator

06-30-2006, 12:25 PM

Originally posted by Tyler_Durden_208
I'm probably going to get flamed for this, but I don't care. Am I the only one that's sick of Depp? I mean, I've liked a few of his movies, but I'm get sick of hearing about the guy... And this isn't really bitching at the OP, it's me bitching about the Depp craze in general... I dunno, somebody else has gotta know what I'm going on about...

*ties Tyler up and lights a torch under his ass* :D

Just kidding. I love the guy because he is so great at what he does. He's created some of the most memorable characters in film and always goes to the limit with every movie. He's the best!

bigred760

06-30-2006, 01:50 PM

Depp as a vampire? Sweeet. I wonder how he'll play it - sarcastically or sadistically? Gonna start keeping an eye out for promotional stuff on this one - I'm sure ElderPredator will do so also :D.

MadsenOMC

06-30-2006, 02:14 PM

Originally posted by ElderPredator
Totally disagree and do you know why? Because Fox isn't making the movie. If it was Fox, I'd agree but Warner Bros. never fails in this category.

Never fails in what category? Making R-rated summer movies? This is going to have quite a large production budget, yes? And a summer release date right? Why would they gamble and make it R?

ElderPredator

06-30-2006, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by MadsenOMC
Never fails in what category? Making R-rated summer movies? This is going to have quite a large production budget, yes? And a summer release date right? Why would they gamble and make it R?

Never fails in making the film right or rushing it as Fox is well-known (and hated) for. I think the movie will do much better if it gets an R rating. The best example was "The Matrix Reloaded" which was also R-rated and made a shit pile of money. Warner Bros. took a gamble and it payed off.

With Fox however, they fucked up by asking for a PG-13 version of "Alien vs. Predator" which makes me sick to my fucking stomach and therfore the movie made a fraction of what it could have made.

MadsenOMC

06-30-2006, 02:25 PM

Well I certainly hope you are right. Fingers are crossed.

ElderPredator

06-30-2006, 02:32 PM

Originally posted by MadsenOMC
Well I certainly hope you are right. Fingers are crossed.

Same here! :D

bob

06-30-2006, 02:48 PM

Agree with the consensus, that's fabulous news. That's a popcorn masterpiece in the making, as Depp and Smith have both proven that, when given the chance, they make fabulous commercial films.

DareDevil

06-30-2006, 03:32 PM

Looks like "I Am Legend" is shaping up nicely and could be one of 2007's best! Depp rules and anything he's in sparks my interest.

Luke-Abbott

06-30-2006, 04:06 PM

I'm not too familiar with "I Am Legend" but with Johnny Depp playing a vampire...hell, a villain, something I haven't seen before, I suddenly got very interested, plus its a vampire film and I love those monsters (excluding Underworld and Queen of the Damned). The plot synopsis sounds greatly promising as well.

'Can't wait :cool:

TylerDurden182

06-30-2006, 05:03 PM

It's Johnny Depp, so I am fucking there.

Cronos

06-30-2006, 07:24 PM

Originally posted by TylerDurden182
It's Johnny Depp, so I am fucking there.

same here

BuffZBrown

06-30-2006, 07:42 PM

SPOILERS...

My only hope is that they don't change the damn ending. It defeats the whole purpose of the title and it would be the lamest cop-out of all time... I love the novel. It's my favorite vampire novel of all time. The theme of isolation is great and it's portrayed so well by Matheson. Neville is meant to die. If they keep him alive, that's already two things they fucked up on (first is casting Mr. Will "I can only play myself" Smith). I'm sorry, but for some reason, I think Will's take on being crazy will screaming and yelling a lot. I've got no respect for the guy... Ali was a whatever role. Ali wasn't in the overly long montage-excuse for a movie. The only role he did okay in was his first. And that was 13 years ago.

Skysaber

07-01-2006, 12:24 AM

I can't fucking wait for this!!! Depp is amazing!

adamjohnson

07-01-2006, 03:03 PM

The Will Smith casting ruins this news.

MadsenOMC

07-01-2006, 04:29 PM

Originally posted by adamjohnson
The Will Smith casting ruins this news.

I agree. I think Smith has talent and with the right director, he is capable of good work. But he needs a Michael Mann. Francis Lawrence has only one feature under his belt and in the end Smith will wield more control over the project and his performance than Lawrence. Depps presence might not matter since Smith is the lead.

tennjosh80

07-01-2006, 06:29 PM

fuck yeah cant wait. i am not a big fan of will smith either but depp as a villian vampire badass makes me want to creme my jeans

adamjohnson

07-01-2006, 07:11 PM

Thing is, in the novel there IS no 'head vampire'. So eitehr they are making BIG changes or Depp's role is tiny.

NuclearMisfit

07-01-2006, 07:23 PM

I just had to back order this book because it was out of print. I cant wait till this flick, Ill give Will a chance but if tries to pull a I-Robot, MIB, MIB 2 out and he makes it silly, itll ruin the movie.

I can just see him react to the vampires like the aliens in Men In Black. *shivers*

JON Birmingham

07-01-2006, 08:33 PM

I'm reading the script right now, and this is really damn good. How they will make the transition to the big screen will definately be interesting. Whoever found this good read, props to you.

Tyler_Durden_208

07-01-2006, 09:28 PM

Originally posted by adamjohnson
Thing is, in the novel there IS no 'head vampire'. So eitehr they are making BIG changes or Depp's role is tiny.
Or they may be channelling Omega Man.

adamjohnson

07-01-2006, 09:39 PM

Havent seen it. Love the Vincent PRice one though.

dellamorte dellamore

07-01-2006, 10:37 PM

Depp is rumored to be attached to an upcoming film tentavively titled , " no matter what i do its cool and hip and people will watch it " , details on the director and cast aren't sorted as of yet , but the studio figures it doesn't matter , see above why :D .

anonymous source ----

JON Birmingham

07-01-2006, 11:02 PM

Just finished reading the script and that was really good. Personally, I don't see Will Smith playing the role of Neville at all. Depp would be awesome in this role, and for some reason he is just to scrawny to be Cortman.

Someone mentioned Rutger Hauer as Cortman, and I agree 100%. He was gnarly in Blade Runner and his stoic personality would translate well over to the Cortman character. It's the stare he has in his eyes, it'd just work.

I enjoyed this script way too much, here's to hoping the film turns out just as good.

meccajay

07-03-2006, 10:38 AM

Originally posted by BuffZBrown
SPOILERS...
My only hope is that they don't change the damn ending. Neville is meant to die.
Buff,

Everyone is entitled to his opinion of course. I tend to agree with you that Will Smith does not fit the charachter based on the novel, for the novel it should have been Arnold circa 1996. However Smith does fit the charachter based on the Protosevich script.
For a better perspective of the modern day telling of the story, I only suggest you read the 1st draft of the script (http://www.horrorlair.com/scripts/legend.txt), and then you'll be able to see how Will Smith does fit this movie, as long as plays it very solemn and focused...a mix of his performance's from I, Robot and Ali if you will.

***Stop thinking of ID4 & Bad Boys***

adamjohnson & Buff,

Once you read the script (http://www.horrorlair.com/scripts/legend.txt), You'll understand how 'Cortman' can be so much more important to the film, which leaves this open to having any number of scenerio's for the ending.

adamjohnson

07-03-2006, 11:43 AM

Originally posted by meccajay
Buff,

Everyone is entitled to his opinion of course. I tend to agree with you that Will Smith does not fit the charachter based on the novel, for the novel it should have been Arnold circa 1996. However Smith does fit the charachter based on the Protosevich script.
For a better perspective of the modern day telling of the story, I only suggest you read the 1st draft of the script (http://www.horrorlair.com/scripts/legend.txt), and then you'll be able to see how Will Smith does fit this movie, as long as plays it very solemn and focused...a mix of his performance's from I, Robot and Ali if you will.

***Stop thinking of ID4 & Bad Boys***

adamjohnson & Buff,

Once you read the script (http://www.horrorlair.com/scripts/legend.txt), You'll understand how 'Cortman' can be so much more important to the film, which leaves this open to having any number of scenerio's for the ending.

Umm, no. Havent read it, so whatever. But guess what??? It's called " I AM LEGEND" becuase Neville is the fucking legend, and it IS his duty to die.

Change the ending. Change the book.

adamjohnson

07-03-2006, 12:13 PM

Officiaally boycotting this film.

"UPDATE - A production source writes in to report that Depp would NOT be playing the role of Cortman/main villian in the film. Apparently that character (from Mark Protosevich's script) has been excised completely. Depp, we now learn, would be playing a fellow survivor that Smith's character finds named Philip. So no Depp as a crazy vampire/zombie leader? We take back everything we said below. Except the part about rooting against Will Smith. Another tidbit thrown our way about LEGEND talks about the evolution of the creatures in the film. Akiva Goldsman's rewrite has the monsters unable to "speak at all, and they're much more primal and unintelligent." Good things?"

Not only are there now TWO survivors (We Are Legend?) but the vampires who tease and torment Neville so much he starts to lose his mind, now dont speak at all. Guh.

meccajay

07-03-2006, 12:20 PM

Wow that does suck.. Let's hope it's not true.

The Heart Collector

07-03-2006, 03:07 PM

HOLLYWNED.

BuffZBrown

07-03-2006, 04:10 PM

SPOILERS...

another survivor? Wow, it looks like they're going to completely mess up the story... it's all about isolation. If he is "another survivor" he better be like Ruth, who was actually a hybrid.

As for the Protosevich draft, yeah, I read it a while ago. I thought it was cool, but not great by any means. The ending at the docks just felt wrong. By having Neville "win," it showed me the writer completely missed the point of the title and the meaning of the book. It's like if at the end of Fight Club, Tyler never reveals himself to be the same person as the narrator... it would completely change what the story meant. And that's what Protosevich showed me.

Neville has to die at the end because he will become a legend to the future world of vampires... he is their bogeyman, a tale parents will tell their kids at bedtime... No sequel, no other survivors, no kids being rescued at the end, no cure. That's the whole point.

I just hate how Hollywood fucks over great ideas and stories. All the hard work has been done for them, and they just let it go to waste... Oh well, at least a Scanner Darkly hasn't been turned into a crazy action movie where Bob Arctor beats the druggies at the end. hehe

TheMazVolta

07-14-2006, 04:43 PM

Neville is Brendan Gleeson.

ElderPredator

07-14-2006, 04:48 PM

Originally posted by TheMazVolta
Neville is Brendan Gleeson.

Seriously? Where did you hear that?

Sounds awesome to me, I love Brendan.

therealjohng

07-15-2006, 10:28 AM

I wish Ridley Scott would've stayed with this project. Now we have some douche bag who's gonna make it into some MTV film with a shitload of Will Smith one liners.

ElderPredator

07-15-2006, 11:24 AM

Maybe but I do trust Francis Lawrence as he did such a great job with "Constantine".

NuclearMisfit

07-15-2006, 01:24 PM

Just wait till the movie premieres, Will Smith will have a music video of him and a Vampire Dancing and singing together. Ive read the script and the book but Im just not liking the movie script at all.

Sammy

07-15-2006, 03:47 PM

Originally posted by NuclearMisfit
Just wait till the movie premieres, Will Smith will have a music video of him and a Vampire Dancing and singing together. Ive read the script and the book but Im just not liking the movie script at all.

There's several old scripts around the net, no longer being used....

TheMazVolta

07-15-2006, 05:50 PM

Originally posted by ElderPredator
Seriously? Where did you hear that?

Sounds awesome to me, I love Brendan.

lol...that was me and my wishful thinking...the whole time I was reading the book, I pictured Gleeson as Neville