News > 'I Am Legend' Prequel IS Moving Forward. Umm, why?

According to Variety, Smith will reprise his role as scientist Robert Neville, with Francis Lawrence returning to direct. Brief synopsis:

The prequel will chronicle the final days of humanity in New York before a man-made virus caused a plague that left Smith’s character the lone survivor among a mutated mob in the city.

I understand that Hollywood is a cash cow, soul-draining machine, but if they are going to make a prequel to this - why don't Will Smith & Hollywood just make a sequel to ID4? At least we'd get to see a battle in space with Will Smith leading the charge towards the aliens' home planet. Come on, both ideas are ridiculous but at least mine makes a bit more sense if this is all about extending franchises.