New Men in Black film reportedly eyes Will Smith for sequel

A significant update about the Men in Black franchise indicates that Sony Pictures is actively developing a new installment. Early details suggest that the studio is considering bringing back the original star, Will Smith.

As reported by Deadline, Will Smith might reprise his role as Agent J in the upcoming planned movie. While no deal has been finalized, the possibility of Smith returning as Agent J is reportedly a key part of the early planning process, making this the most notable development for the series in several years.

Sony Pictures has begun early development on a new Men in Black film. The studio’s decision reportedly follows its recent success with revitalizing the Bad Boys franchise, which saw strong box office performances with Bad Boys for Life in 2020 and Bad Boys: Ride or Die in 2024.

As part of this new initiative, Sony has brought on writer Chris Bremner to draft the script for what would be the fifth film in the Men in Black series.

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Men in Black: Status of Will Smith’s involvement

DiscussingFilm

@DiscussingFilm

A new ‘MEN IN BLACK’ film is in the works. Will Smith is being eyed to return with his character written into the script in the hope that he signs on (Source: Deadline)

At present, no actors are officially attached to the project. However, sources cited in the report state that Will Smith is expected to be among the first individuals to review the completed script. Smith, who portrayed Agent J in the original trilogy, has not signed on, and insiders emphasize that he will not consider participating until he reads the screenplay.

The report further notes that the script is being written with Smith’s character included. It is currently unknown whether the role would be central to the film or positioned as part of a transitional storyline involving new characters. The nature and extent of Agent J’s potential involvement are not expected to be clarified until the script is completed.

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Background of the franchise

Men in Black franchise (often abbreviated as MIB) is an American science-fiction action–comedy series inspired by the comic books created by Lowell Cunningham for Malibu/Marvel. The movies draw inspiration from UFO theories, while centering on a hidden group that manages alien presence here. While not strictly realistic, they focus on secret operations tied to otherworldly activity on the planet.

The first three movies were directed by Barry Sonnenfeld; however, the fourth brought a new direction. Every part was created in collaboration between Amblin Entertainment and MacDonald/Parkes Productions, and then released by Sony’s Columbia Pictures.

Men in Black series began in 1997 with the release of the debut movie, helmed by Barry Sonnenfeld and starring Will Smith alongside Tommy Lee Jones. This story centered on two operatives from a covert organization that oversees alien activity on Earth. As the first movie performed well, two follow-ups were released in 2002 and another in 2012, with both stars reprising their roles.

In 2019, Sony launched a gentle spinoff titled Men in Black: International featuring Chris Hemsworth alongside Tessa Thompson. Despite following the earlier three films, this sequel drew varied reactions from reviewers while underperforming commercially worldwide.

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What lies ahead

No timeframe was provided for completing the script or commencing filming. Meanwhile, Sony Pictures hasn't confirmed the news officially. It remains unclear which path the series might take: to retain older characters, introduce new ones, or start anew.

As work progresses, more details are expected to emerge about cast choices, story direction, and where the Men in Black series might go next.

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