Will Smith was in awe of her co-star in his 2007 post-apocalyptic thriller film and wanted to adopt her instantly.

Will Smith has starred in the biggest blockbusters in Hollywood as well as character-driven dramas that have shown his range as an actor. The actor has also worked with some of the most talented actors in the industry who have influenced him as well as inspired the young lot of performers who came after him.

Will Smith as Robert Neville in I Am Legend | Warner Bros. Pictures
One of Smith’s most popular films was the post-apocalyptic thriller I Am Legend where he played Robert Neville. Much of the film saw the actor sharing screen space with his companion canine named Sam. Smith was in awe of Sam’s intelligence and grew emotionally connected with her, so much so that he even tried to adopt her.

Will Smith Wanted to Adopt His I Am-Legend Co-Star Abbey Pretty Badly

Will Smith was enamored by his canine co-star Abbey while shooting I Am Legend | Warner Bros Pictures
Will Smith played Dr. Robert Neville in Francis Lawrence’s post-apocalyptic thriller I Am Legend. The film chronicles Neville’s life in a world where most of humanity has been wiped out after a viral epidemic. Neville is immune to the virus and is trying to develop a cure for the virus, while also trying to fight off hostile humans who have been mutated. 

The majority of the film is Smith and his dog Sam traveling and trying to survive while also working on a cure. The actor formed a very close bond with the dog whose real name was Abbey. Abbey was also a trained dog who managed to surprise Smith with what she could do. In an appearance on Hot Ones, Smith stated that Abbey was so alert and responsive so much so that it felt like she understood English.

When Sean Evans asked Smith whether it was true that he tried to adopt Abbey, Smith confirmed it. However, he did not end up adopting Abbey, joking that she was the breadwinner of the family and had to stay. Smith said.

It was like Abbey spoke English. … Like, she literally could understand you, it was the weirdest thing. Abby was the breadwinner of her family and she had to stay. 

Smith also recalled how Abbey surprised him by acting limp on command. The actor was dumbfounded at how someone could teach a dog to that kind of action, saying “It was like working with a brilliant actress”. I Am Legend was a big hit back in 2007 grossing $585 million against a $150 million budget (via Box Office Mojo). A sequel is in development.

Michael B. Jordan Is Excited To Work Alongside Will Smith on I Am Legend 2 

Black Panther‘s Michael B. Jordan will join Will Smith in I Am Legend 2 | Marvel Studios
Will Smith‘s I Am Legend is returning with a sequel based on the alternate ending of the first film. Black Panther star Michael B. Jordan is joining Smith in the sequel and the film is currently in the scripting stage. In a new interview with People, Jordan provided an update on the progress of the film.

Jordan stated that the film does not have a release date yet and a production start date is also not yet decided. Nevertheless, the actor expressed his excitement about being a part of the film with someone like Smith who he has looked up to for so long. He said,

We’re still working on the script and getting that up to par. It doesn’t have a release date or anything like that. I’m not sure exactly where we’re going to be filming that one, but I’m really excited to get in front of the camera with him.

Being somebody that I’ve looked up to for a really long time, to be able to work with Will is something I’m really looking forward to. I’m really excited.

Jordan is currently shooting a vampire flick with his frequent collaborative partner Ryan Coogler. Smith recently had a big release with Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which performed very well on its opening weekend.

Fans can watch/rent I Am Legend on Apple TV+.