 Likewise, Schwarzenegger's recent films at the time ("Eraser" and Warner Bros. own "Batman & Robin") also underperformed, and the studio's latest experiences with big budget sci-fi movies "Sphere" and "The Postman" were negative as well.In August 1998, director Rob Bowman was attached to the project, with Protosevich hired to write a third all-new draft, far more action-oriented than his previous versions, but the director (who reportedly wished for Nicolas Cage to play the lead) moved on to direct "Reign of Fire" and the project did not get off the ground.In March 2002, Schwarzenegger became the producer of "I Am Legend", commencing negotiations with Michael Bay to direct and Will Smith to star in the film.