Smith to take on 'I Am Legend' prequel

Rex Features

Will Smith has agreed to star in the prequel to I Am Legend, which was officially announced by Warner Bros. this week.

The actor will reprise the role of scientist Robert Neville to chronicle the final days before a man-made virus brings devastation to New York.

Warner Bros. confirmed rumours that a follow-up to the 2007 blockbuster is in the works on Smith's 40th birthday.

Francis Lawrence will return to direct with screenwriter D. B. Weiss commissioned to write the script, reports Empire.