**Will Smith Rejects Casting Meghan Markle in I Am Legend Sequel**

Will Smith, renowned for his role in the upcoming sequel to the 2007 post-apocalyptic thriller I Am Legend, has made a public statement declining a request from his agency WME to include Meghan Markle, the former actress and ex-royal, in his movie.

Sources reveal that WME, representing both Smith and Markle, had been pushing for Markle to be cast as Smith's love interest in I Am Legend 2, set to hit screens in 2024.

The agency envisioned this as a potential comeback for Markle, who stepped away from acting in 2017 upon marrying Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

However, Smith dismissed Markle's acting abilities, asserting she lacks the necessary skills to share the screen with him.

Reportedly, Smith expressed his view to WME that Markle is an artificial actress, her fame merely a byproduct of her royal connections.

He emphasized his lack of regard for her as an artist and distanced himself from any association with her.

Smith stressed his preference for collaborating with individuals who have demonstrated their worth in the industry and possess a genuine passion for their craft.

His refusal to work with Markle deals a significant blow to her aspirations of reigniting her acting career, which has remained dormant since her departure from Suits, the series that propelled her to stardom.

Markle's absence from the entertainment scene dates back to 2018, following her marriage to Prince Harry and subsequent entry into the British royal family.

Despite this hiatus, she and Harry announced their decision in 2020 to step back from their senior royal roles and relocate to California, securing lucrative partnerships with Netflix and Spotify.

Expressing a desire to return to acting, Markle cited missing the creative process and the challenge of embodying diverse characters.

Nevertheless, her ambitions have been met with skepticism and disapproval, with critics branding her a fame-seeking opportunist who exploited her royal status for personal gain.

The sequel to I Am Legend, I Am Legend 2, continues the narrative from the 2007 film, portraying Smith as Robert Neville, humanity's last survivor in a world ravaged by a deadly pandemic.

The upcoming installment explores an alternate ending where Robert discovers the infected possess intelligence and joins forces with fellow survivors in a refuge.

Drawing inspiration from The Last of Us novel and video game, the sequel delves into the notion of humanity relinquishing its dominance on Earth.

Markle's supporters have rallied behind her, lauding her acting prowess and humanitarian endeavors.

Amidst the controversy, Markle's fans have showcased unwavering support for her potential collaborations with Netflix and Spotify, anticipating projects that will showcase her talents and vision.

Encouraging Smith to reconsider his stance, they advocate for Markle to be given an opportunity to validate her capabilities in I Am Legend 2.