For awhile now, fans have been wondering exactly what Sony Pictures has planned for theMen in Blackfranchise. Some believedMen in Black 4would happen, withWill Smithreturning to reprise Agent K. It was also rumored that aJump Street/Men in Blackcrossover was moving forward, withJonah HillandChanning Tatumstarring alongside new MIB characters. Now, it has been confirmed by producersWalter F. Parkesand Laurie MacDonald that a full onrevivalis in development. And it will not involveWill Smith.
The producers, who are married, were speaking withTHRabout their upcomingMalaladocumentary when they revealed their plans for one of Sony’s most lucrative franchises. What used to be Men in Black 4 will now be a full on revival of the series. And it will be the first of three films with all-new characters. SaysWalter F. Parkesabout this full-on reboot.
“We’re in the middle of it. It’s very active.”
Laurie MacDonald added this important piece of information.
“It will be reinvented as a trilogy.”
When asked ifWill Smithwas going to have any part in the new Men in Black, the response was a quick, resounding, ‘Most likely no.’ When the Crossover movie was being discussed, it was clear thatWill Smithand co-starTommy Lee Joneswouldn’t be a part of that, unless for a cameo. Of course, since that news first hit,Phil LordandChris Miller, who confirmed that Sony was in talks about a crossover, have since moved onto some veryhigh profile projects. They are currently in prep to direct both aSpider-Man Animated Moviefor Sony and the live-actionStar Wars Anthology: Han Solo Moviefor Disney and Lucasfilm. They are also working on the standaloneThe Flashmovie for DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. They don’t have a lot of time to currently devote to a21 Jump Street/Men In Blackcrossover.
The firstMen In Blackwas released in 1997 and proved to be an instant hit. It grossed over $589 million worldwide. Five years passed before Men In Black II hit in 2002. It proved to be a little less popular, only bringing in $440 million across the globe. A full decade would pass beforeTommy Lee JonesandWill Smithagreed to reunite again inMen in Black 3. That installment proved to be the biggest yet, taking in $620, proving the franchise still had legs.Barry Sonnenfelddirected all three movies, but it is not known if he’d return for a new MIB adventure. The producers sound like they want fresh blood all around.
Perhaps once they get a reboot off the ground, with new MIB characters situated, a full onStreet/Men In Blackcrossover can happen.23 Jump Streetis currentlyin developmentwithChanning TatumandJonah Hillset to return.Phil LordandChris Millerwill only produce this time around. What do you think? Are you ready for a new MIB?
