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Legend Science a Little Shaky

The idea of this killer virus is 'far-fetched,' says one expert

By Laurel Jorgensen,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 19, 2007 11:38 AM CST
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(Newser) – A man-made virus has turned people into mutants and killed off the rest. Downtown New York City looks like a jungle, and the only man left on the planet is trying to reverse the plague using his immune blood. So how realistic is the premise of Will Smith’s new blockbuster I Am Legend? Surprise! Not very, experts tell Popular Mechanics.

While a wildlife expert says animals and plants would certainly settle in a post-apocalyptic NYC, one of the world’s top virologists says the virus storyline is “pretty far-fetched.” Viruses don’t mutate and become airborne, and the main character’s attempt to find a cure in his own blood “doesn’t make any sense,” he says. As for the mutants: “This is Hollywood. That’s all I can say.”

Actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith arrive at the premiere of I Am Legend at Madison Square Garden, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007, in New York. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
Actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith arrive at the premiere of "I Am Legend" at Madison Square Garden, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007, in New York. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)   (Associated Press)
This undated handout photo provided by Warner Brothers shows Will Smith in a scene from I Am Legend. (AP Photo/Warner Brothers)
This undated handout photo provided by Warner Brothers shows Will Smith in a scene from "I Am Legend." (AP Photo/Warner Brothers)   (Associated Press)
U.S. actor Will Smith poses for photographers during the presentation of the movie 'I am Legend', in Madrid, Friday, Dec. 14, 2007. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)
U.S. actor Will Smith poses for photographers during the presentation of the movie 'I am Legend', in Madrid, Friday, Dec. 14, 2007. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)   (Associated Press)
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Related links

"I Am Legend" website
Warner Bros

 
New York City • virus • science fiction • apocalypse • Will Smith

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