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I Am Legend movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was I Am Legend filmed?

2007

City Locations

New York City, NY (USA)

Location Types

Museum, Storefront, House, Apartment

Location Styles

Modern Building, Modern Car, Futuristic, Office, Rustic

About I Am Legend

The 2007 movie "I Am Legend" gives a sneak peek into what it’s like after the end of the world. The movie, which is based on Richard Matheson's 1954 book of the same name, is mostly about Dr. Robert Neville's (Will Smith) life in a deserted New York City.

The plot unfolds as a lethal virus, originally designed to cure cancer, mutates and kills out the majority of the human population, leaving Neville as the last human survivor in the metropolis. Those who didn't die turned into monster mutants called "Darkseekers", who always hid in the darkness and threatened Neville.

A talented scientist, Neville must navigate this new normal, his days filled with the solitude of an abandoned city and his evenings with the fear of the Darkseekers. His only friends are his loyal dog Sam and the dummies he places around the city to make it look like he is interacting with real people.

I Am Legend Locations

With its great cinematography, "I Am Legend" turns New York City from a busy city into a scary, empty place. Famous places and areas of the city were used to create a scary, post-apocalyptic setting that gave the movie a distinct look.

Most of the scenes were shot in real life in New York City; Washington Square, with its distinctive arch, Columbus Circle, Times Square, and Grand Central Terminal were all significant icons. These busy hubs were strangely shown as dark and cluttered, which was very different from how they usually looked. Robert Neville played golf on top of the USS Intrepid, a famous aircraft carrier that has been turned into a museum, in an interesting scene.

A $5 million scene shot at the Brooklyn Bridge was one of the production's high points and showed how dedicated the filmmakers were to truth. Using both street closures and CGI, the city's buildings, streets, and parks were made to look empty, giving the familiar city architecture a disturbing sense of loneliness.

Fans of the movie would benefit from a trip to these places; the stark difference between the sad setting of the movie and the lively real life of New York City makes for an interesting point of view. Also, visiting these famous places in real life makes you appreciate the film's great production design even more.

Fun Fact

Will Smith gave such a believable performance because he was legitimately terrified while shooting some scenes. In interviews, the actor stated that several passages were extremely terrible to shoot, contributing to the depth of his character's anxiety.

The opening scene in I Am Legend

Herald Square Plaza, Broadway, New York, NY 10120, United States

The opening scene of "I Am Legend" introduces us to Dr. Robert Neville (Will Smith) in an unforgettable fashion. Neville is seen driving a red 2007 Shelby Mustang GT500, a car famed for its power and speed, through the desolate streets of New York City. The sharp contrast between the Mustang's roaring engine and the eerie silence of the abandoned city provides a remarkable audio experience that emphasizes Neville's alone.

Herald Square Plaza is in the middle of Midtown Manhattan and is a busy place where lots of things are going on. This lively area is famous for its huge Macy's store, but it also has many other shops from across the country and around the world. It's also the site of ping-pong games, dance classes, and a quiet place to work or rest. It is in a great spot at the intersection of Broadway, 34th, and 35th Streets, right in the middle of all of New York City's busiest sites.

The plaza is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan and can be reached by a number of public transportation choices. To get to the 34th Street-Herald Square stop, take the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W subway lines. There are parking lots in the area for people who come by car, but public transportation is better because it's easier and closer to other sites.

Neville seeing the deer scene in I Am Legend

Flatiron Building, 175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States

Dr. Robert Neville unexpectedly swerves his Mustang Shelby to miss a deer roaming the city. As he speeds along West 25th Street, the audience is taken aback when a deer darts in front of the Flatiron Building. Neville reacts quickly and swerves to avoid hitting the animal; his dog, Sam, in the passenger seat, is also vigilant and eager for the chase.

The Flatiron Building is one of the most famous buildings in New York City, particularly due to its unique triangular shape. Located at 175 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, the 22-story building was one of the first skyscrapers in the city when it was finished in 1902. It stands out from the modern skyline thanks to its limestone and glazed terracotta facade, which is in the Beaux-Arts style.

Since it's in Manhattan, the best way to get there is by subway. Take the R, W, or 6 lines to the 23rd Street stop. If you'd rather take a bus, the M23, M5, M3, and M2 are all choices. Expect parking to be hard if you're driving. Explorers in the area can walk or ride a bike.

The deer hunting scene in I Am Legend

Madison Square Park, 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States

This scene involves Neville hunting deer in a post-apocalyptic New York City. As Neville drives his Mustang Shelby down the deserted streets, a deer suddenly appears, causing him to swerve and initiate a high-speed chase. Accompanied by his loyal dog, Sam, Neville pursues the deer through the overgrown Madison Square Park. The scene is a thrilling juxtaposition of wilderness survival instincts against the eerie backdrop of an abandoned urban landscape.

In Manhattan, Madison Square Park is a lively public park at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway at 23rd Street that is run by the Madison Square Park Conservancy. The park, which opened in 1847, is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists because it has lots of things to do and is nicely landscaped. It's a unique mix of city life and natural beauty, known for its long past and stunning views from the nearby Madison Square Park Tower.

It's easy to get to Madison Square Park; the park is at 23rd Street, where Fifth Avenue and Broadway meet. To get there, take subway lines N, R, or 6 to the 23rd Street stop. The M23, M2, and M3 bus lines all stop nearby.

Neville returns to his apartment scene in I Am Legend

11 Washington Square N, New York, NY 10003, USA

Neville (Will Smith) returns to his apartment as the sun begins to set. The apartment featured in the film is situated at 11 Washington Square North, overlooking the famous Washington Square Arch. This fortified home is Neville's sanctuary in the deserted city, barricaded with heavy doors and sealed windows for protection against the infected. As he walks into the dimming light of his dwelling, the isolation and desolation of his existence are palpable, reflecting the eerie tranquility of the abandoned cityscape outside.

Washington Square North, situated in New York's Greenwich Village, is a historic and cultural landmark. It borders the iconic Washington Square Park, a hub of community activity with its large central fountain. The locale is also surrounded by the vibrant NYU campus and numerous cafes and restaurants.

To visit 11 Washington Square N in New York, take the A, C, E, B, D, F, or M subway lines to West 4th Street Station. From there, it's a short walk towards Washington Square Park. Alternatively, the PATH train to 9th Street Station is another option. For bus travelers, routes M5, M2, and M3 stop nearby.

The fishing scene in I Am Legend

Temple of Dendur, 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States

Neville (Will Smith), with his German Shepherd named Sam, has set up a small makeshift fishing rig in the shallow water. The scene serves as a stark reminder of the desolation brought about by the virus, with Neville adapting to survive in this new world. It is a poignant moment that captures the solitude and resilience of his character amidst the apocalypse.

The Temple of Dendur, a treasure from Roman Egypt, is one of the most famous displays at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It was moved to the United States in 1967 from Tuzis, Nubia, where it was originally found. The temple was a gift to the goddess Isis and was built around 15 B.C. With its mix of Roman and Egyptian styles, this building masterpiece is now a symbol of preserving history and sharing cultures.

Getting to 1000 5th Ave in New York, the location of the Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is straightforward. Simply take the 4, 5, or 6 subway lines to 86th Street and walk west towards Fifth Avenue. Alternatively, bus lines M1, M2, M3, or M4 provide direct access along Fifth Avenue. For those driving, parking can be found nearby, but public transportation is recommended for its convenience.

Conclusion

"I Am Legend" is a film that expertly uses a variety of settings to enhance its story. The movie shows New York City which is empty, turning busy areas like Times Square, Washington Square, Columbus Circle, and Grand Central Station into strangely quiet, overgrown scenes. The stark difference between how busy the city usually is and how empty it looks in the movie gives the post-apocalyptic setting an uncanny sense of realism.

The production's dedication to realism, shown by shooting on location at famous landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the USS Intrepid, makes the movie look even better. Fans can get a unique, first-hand look at the amazing production work by visiting these sites. "I Am Legend" is not only a story about how strong people are and how they can survive, but it's also a love letter to New York City, showing its sites in a hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable way.