Will Smith, the Academy Award winner, recently shared his fond memories of working with Abbey, the German Shepherd who played his canine companion in the 2007 movie “I Am Legend.” Smith described Abbey as being “a brilliant actress” and even expressed his desire to adopt her due to her incredible talent on set. In an interview on Hot Ones, Smith reminisced about Abbey’s ability to seemingly understand English, making her stand out as a co-star who upstaged him in the blockbuster film.
In “I Am Legend,” based on a 1954 novel by Richard Matheson, Will Smith portrayed US Army virologist Robert Neville, the last remaining human in a post-apocalyptic New York. Alongside him, Abbey played the role of his loyal dog, Sam. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, with Smith recalling a heartbreaking scene where Sam becomes infected, leading Neville to make a difficult decision. Smith praised Abbey’s performance, marveling at her ability to mimic going limp on command.
During National Pet Day in April, Will Smith shared a touching video montage featuring clips of him and Abbey from “I Am Legend,” set to an emotional soundtrack. In his tribute, Smith referred to Abbey as “the goodness girl,” highlighting the impact she had on him both on and off the screen. Their bond was evident, and Smith’s admiration for Abbey shone through in every scene they shared together.
After the announcement that Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan would co-produce and co-star in an “I Am Legend” sequel, fans were ecstatic about the prospect of seeing these two powerhouse actors on screen together. However, Jordan revealed that the project is still in the works, with the script undergoing enhancements to meet both actors’ standards. Despite the lack of a release date or filming location, Jordan expressed his excitement to collaborate with Smith, whom he has long admired in the industry.
The bond between Will Smith and Abbey from “I Am Legend” goes beyond acting and showcases the profound connection that can develop between humans and animals in the world of entertainment. Their shared experiences on set and the memories created during filming have left a lasting impact on both Smith and Abbey, solidifying their places in cinematic history.
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