Sony Pictures has officially initiated the development of a new installment in the Men in Black franchise, signaling a major attempt to revitalize the iconic sci-fi comedy series. To spearhead the project, the studio has brought in screenwriter Chris Bremner, renowned for his successful work in reviving another Will Smith-led action series, Bad Boys, with the hits Bad Boys for Life and Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
The most anticipated element of the new film is the potential return of its original star. Insiders report that the script is being written with the specific goal of including Will Smith‘s beloved character, Agent J, in a significant capacity. Bremner’s established relationship with Smith, including their upcoming collaboration on the Netflix film Fast & Loose, is seen as a strategic move to entice the star back to the universe.
However, sources stress that while Agent J is in the script, Smith is not currently attached to the project. The actor will only commit to reprising his iconic role after reviewing and approving Bremner’s final draft, emphasizing the studio’s dedication to ensuring the creative quality meets the star’s high standards.
This new Men in Black movie is in the very early stages of development, with no director or co-star (including Tommy Lee Jones) yet attached. Following the commercial disappointment of the 2019 spin-off, Men in Black: International, Sony is betting that the winning formula of Bremner’s writing and the charisma of Will Smith is the key to bringing the franchise back to blockbuster status.
