What is it about science-fiction and horror stories that makes them so resilient? Fans keep coming back for more despite the fact -- or maybe due to the fact -- that the stories follow a formula promising a certain set of payoffs. I Am Legend puts this idea to the test; showing that no matter how many times it’s been done before, with each new interpretation of a sci-fi or horror story, comes a new selection of settings, stars and substance -- and a new blockbuster cash cow which distributors immediately recognize.

There have been multiple film adaptations of Richard Matheson’s 1954 science-fiction novel I Am Legend, which tells the tale of scientist Robert Neville, the last human in a world now inhabited by vampire-like creatures. One might think there were only so many ways to retell the same story, but in the case of I Am Legend, that assumption would be wrong.

Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later (2002) borrows the “last human alive” premise of Matheson’s work and applies it to a small band of survivors in England who assume, like Neville, the rest of the world has been wiped out by contagion. Boyle’s film bears a striking resemblance to the novel not only for the similarity in premise, but also the focus on the emotions of the protagonists.

George Romero, one of the better-known directors in the horror genre, cites Matheson’s I Am Legend as a key inspiration to his Night of the Living Dead (1968) and its continuing franchise. Again, as was the case with Boyle, Romero places heavy emphasis on the importance of the despair felt by the main characters as they come to terms with their assumed ‘last living person on earth’ status.

Both 28 Days Later (2002) and Night of the Living Dead (1968) boast remarkably high box office returns due to relatively low production costs -- a quality that benefits producers, distributors, and theater owners. IMDb lists over 15 distributors for 28 with 20th Century Fox keeping a tight rein on worldwide distribution, and over 40 USA home entertainment media alone for Night. And the distribution stats continue to build for the mixed genre. Should producers plan on taking this trend to the bank?

Taking into account the deluge of films with plots similar to Legend, it’s hard not to wonder if adapting the novel itself can offer anything new - and if it the formula will hang in there as the cash cow. Is it possible to steer the material in a new direction? The new rendition with Will Smith as Neville, directed by Francis Lawrence, (I am Legend, 2007) must compete not only with films that borrow from Matheson’s material, but past film adaptations of the story itself.

To bring something new to the table, a new horror or sci-fi story needs to change important aspects while staying true to the story’s theme. Matheson’s original novel took place in a suburban setting and noted Neville’s everyday routine of checking the boards on his windows, cleaning dead mutated bodies off his front lawn, hunting down a few monsters and even searching for more ammunition to do so. Instead of suburban America, Lawrence opts for downtown New York. With this arena comes a new set of challenges and obstacles for Neville. The novel allowed for a deep look into Neville’s thoughts, hopes and despairs; but does the film give light to this crucial aspect of the character?

If Legend (2007) throws out the psychological aspect of what happens to a human being when left truly alone - is it the same story? Will Smith’s vehicle clearly isn’t the first adaptation of the novel, but it is the first major film to use the same title. When Charlton Heston played Neville, the story went by the name The Omega Man (1971) and Vincent Price’s take was called The Last Man on Earth (1964). Both Heston’s and Price’s films took steps away from the novel’s major plot lines. Is it more important to stick to Matheson’s story elements if the film uses the same title?

Demographically speaking the answer is a simple “no.” Legend (2007) takes aim at the teenage through middle-aged crowd - most of which probably don’t even know the book exists. By adding Will Smith and special effects, Lawrence guarantees a safe viewing pull from the targeted demographic; making the need to have ever heard of the book a moot point. However, since the movie does use the book’s title, there is the chance that readers who caught the book when it first debuted will seek it out due to curiosity.

The brains that make the distribution decisions are obviously secure with the sci-fi/horror genre as long as the concept remains recognizable. Price has at least 15 US distributor listings with most specific to the home market, including numerous DVD releases - clearly a note of continuing public interest. And, Omega is well-covered with Warner Brothers at the distribution helm

One fact remains: the fierce competition among films with plots similar to I am Legend (2007) doesn’t allow for a bland repeat. But, exhibitors might surmise that -- with the box office of similar movies as indication, its star power and special effects eye-candy as givens, and Warners, once again, head honcho on distribution -- this film is perched for massive success.