One of the greatest sci-fi comedy film franchises is set to return to the big screen, as Sony Pictures is developing a new Men in Black movie, tapping Bad Boys for Life writer Chris Bremner to pen its script.
As reported by Deadline, no talent is attached to the film yet, although insiders state that once Bremner completes the script, original star Will Smith would be the first to receive it in the hopes that he would reprise his iconic role as Agent J, with the plan to have the character back in the first draft. It’s unclear if there are plans to bring Tommy Lee Jones back as Agent K as well.
While nothing is set in stone for now, Bremner’s involvement might prove enticing for Smith, with the two previously working together for the relaunch of the Bad Boys franchise, which saw Smith reprise his role as detective Mike Lowrey in both 2020’s Bad Boys for Life and its follow-up, 2024’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die, with both films written by Bremner.
That being said, with both original Men in Black stars getting on in years – Smith is 57, and Jones is 79 – it makes sense that even if the duo makes an appearance in the new film, their roles might be more of a supporting one rather than front and centre, possibly even mentoring a new agent duo.
Sony previously tried to reboot the franchise with 2019’s Men in Black: International with Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Tessa Thompson (Creed) in leading roles, but the attempt was missing a spark and was a disappointment both critically and at the box office, grossing just US$253.9 million at the global box office and marking the lowest earning film of the franchise.
With his experience successfully relaunching the Bad Boys franchise, hopes are high that Bremner can work the same magic for Men in Black, and more importantly, unite the OG agent duo once more. As the project is still in its infancy, it’s too early to tell if it has any potential, or if, just like the previous failed reboot attempt, it’s one that will be neutalysed from fans’ memories.
Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.
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