‘Men in Black’ Sequel in the Works and Eying a Surprising Star

Men in Black hit me at exactly the right time. It hit theaters in ‘97, when my dad worked at a movie theater, so even though I was arguably too young to see it, I certainly did. The crowd went nuts the whole time, and I walked away obsessed with these cool dudes in sweet suits who battled alien threats. I learned the dance to the song, made the eventual Saturday-morning cartoon appointment viewing, and even dressed as a member of the MIB for Halloween that year. Though my mom wouldn’t let me wear the sunglasses, so no one knew who I was (one woman asked if I was Bill Clinton).

Like most young obsessions, I would eventually fall out of love with Men in Black. It didn’t help that the first sequel was decidedly underwhelming. I don’t think I’ve ever even finished the third, and I missed Men in Black: International entirely. What’s wild is I think the property is prime for a franchise. The world should be easy enough to adapt to different scenarios, which is why people are rightfully disappointed that the crossover with 21 Jump Street never got off the ground.

That said, it doesn’t help that the first movie is pretty much a perfect blockbuster. It’s well written, the action holds up great, and the chemistry between Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith is incredible. They play off of each other so efficiently that the end of the first movie is thrown out the window to bring Jones back for the sequel. But hey, this is Hollywood, baby! Nothing can stay dead forever, and you gotta milk them udders for all their worth, even if that has proven unsuccessful before.

The Men in Black are in the process of protecting the galaxy once again. Deadline is reporting that Chris Bremmer, one of the writers behind Bad Boys for Life, is writing a new MIB movie for Sony. Details are still scarce, and Sony would not comment on the news, but a source close to Deadline claimed that Will Smith is being wooed to return to the franchise he helped launch. However, they also claim that he isn’t committed yet and is awaiting a script.

Smith last starred in an MIB film in 2012. Then, it seemed like Sony wanted to move on from him. Bringing him back now, given that his star power has … diminished in the last few years, is a bit surprising. That said, reboots and revivals are all the rage, and they could maybe get Smith on the cheap, now. Bad Boys Ride or Die made a decent amount at the box office, so he isn’t washed. This could end up being something that is mutually beneficial.