The heartbreaking dog scene in ‘I Am Legend’ that made audiences walk out
Akiva Goldsman and Will Smith reflect on the film’s most emotional moment, and how it nearly didn’t make it past studio approval.
In Francis Lawrence’s 2007 blockbuster ‘I Am Legend’, Will Smith plays Dr. Robert Neville, a lone survivor in a post-apocalyptic New York ravaged by a virus. His only companion? A loyal German Shepherd named Sam. But one scene involving Sam became so emotionally devastating that audiences reportedly walked out of theaters en masse.
“People walk out when that dog dies”
Screenwriter Akiva Goldsman revealed in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter that the film never tested well, and the reason was simple:
“‘I Am Legend’ never tested well because we killed Sam. People walk out when that dog dies. And I get it. I love dogs. Never more walkouts in anything I’ve done than when that dog died”.
The scene shows Neville euthanizing Sam after she’s infected. Rather than depict the act graphically, the camera pans to Smith’s face, capturing his anguish as viewers hear Sam’s claws slowly fade on the floor.
Studio pushback and a tearful pitch
Will Smith recalled the moment he and Goldsman pitched the scene to Warner Bros. president Alan Horn, who had just lost his own German Shepherd:
“Alan Horn is in tears, holding a picture of his dog, and says, ‘Guys, I promise you, your lead actor cannot choke a dog to death in an American movie’”.
Goldsman’s solution? Treat it like a stage play, focus on emotion, not visuals. The compromise worked, and the scene remains one of the most powerful in modern sci-fi cinema.
Legacy and sequel plans
Despite the controversy, 'I Am Legend’ grossed $585 million worldwide on a $150 million budget. A sequel is in development, starring Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan, and will follow the alternate ending where Neville survives. The story will take place decades later, though no release date has been announced.
Related stories
Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!
Complete your personal details to comment