I Am Legend’s Alternate Ending Explained

Summary of I Am Legend

The I Am Legend alternate ending was more faithful to the original novel but it couldn’t make it to the film. The alternate ending would have given a whole different perspective on the story and the characters in the movie. The alternate ending of the movie better highlights the real pain and emotions that the infected go through, leading to Neville questioning his deeds when he discovers his darkest side.

According to the novel, Neville comes across an astonishing truth that strikes like lightning. The Dark Seekers were not mindless monsters; rather they were sentients trying to protect themselves from Neville, whom they considered a threat to civilization. Neville had been capturing and experimenting with them, making him a danger to all.

He also learns about the Dark Seekers’ family structure and that all this time he was fighting to protect his mate. He soon realizes that he is the real antagonist of the story while watching the Alpha mate reunite with his partner, who was captured by Neville.

The story ends in peace as the Dark Seekers elope with the Alpha’s mate and Neville doesn’t have to sacrifice himself to protect Anna and Ethan. He abandons his research and moves to Vermont along with the two and the antidote.