9 Movie Characters You Didn't Realise Didn't Die
6. Robert Neville - I Am Legend
Playing the character of virologist Robert Neville, who accidentally triggers the near-extinction of humanity when looking to cure cancer, I am Legend allowed Smith to play a range of emotions in a very lonely and distressing world full of vampiric monsters. The picture ends with Neville protecting the cure he's worked so hard for by pulling a grenade pin and sacrificing himself.
However, there exists an alternate ending with a much more interesting and less explosive note. Neville apologises to the leader of the horde for becoming a monster in the eyes of the infected, finds some kind of peace with them and leaves to start a new life.
For years, debate raged about which ending was better but it was generally regarded that Neville's self-sacrifice was canon. After all, that's the way the film ended in cinemas and when audiences pushed 'play' at home.
That may no longer be the case however, as a sequel was officially announced from the studio in March 2022. But that's fine, zombie movies often have sequels with brand new casts, right? However in this instance it seems we may be getting a much more direct follow-up, as Will Smith has signed on to reprise his role.
Ergo, it seems that the alternative cut may be the ending that gets continued. Either that or someone came along and stitched Neville's exploded body-parts back together.