BlackFilm.com writes that Johnny Depp may have joined the cast of I Am Legend starring Will Smith. The film is based on the novel by Richard Matheson and directed by Francis Lawrence (Constantine).

The site writes When Will Smith was cast as the lead in the long-awaited adapted film version of Richard Matheson's I Am Legend, it was probably the worst kept secret. After all, his name had been floating around the web for the longest time. Until certain outlets that folks feel are the bible of information put the word out to confirm our story, sources tell blackfilm.com that along with Smith, Johnny Depp has been added to the cast. No telling which role Depp will play, but given his penchant for playing extraordinary weird-like characters, expect a juicy plum part, like the neighbor, now one of the living dead.

Set in Los Angeles after a biological war, the film centers on the sole healthy survivor, a man who finds himself in a battle against nocturnal mutants.

BlackFilm.com reports that filming will begin in New York at the end of September. Warner Bros. will be the distributor.

I Am Legend was released December 14th, 2007 and stars Will Smith, Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Willow Smith, Darrell Foster, April Grace, Dash Mihok. The film is directed by Francis Lawrence.