Men in Black Returns: New Movie Confirmed — Will Smith Suit Up Again?

Yep, Sony is gearing up for another trip to the black suits and memory-wipers. A new 'Men in Black' movie is in development, driven by the franchise suddenly popping again on streaming. Here is where things stand and why this could actually work.

What Sony is putting together

Per industry reports, Sony has hired Chris Bremner to write the next 'Men in Black' movie. If that name rings a bell, he co-wrote 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' — the one that pulled the 'Bad Boys' series back into the win column even with all the noise around Will Smith recently.

There is no director or cast attached yet. The current plan is to finish a script, then reach out to Will Smith about returning as Agent J. That tracks with something Smith said earlier this year: he was already offered serious money to put the shades back on.

'I told myself I was done with sequels. I was like, "I’ve made enough sequels. I got some new things I want to make." Literally this morning, an hour before I came down here, they just threw the bag for another Men in Black. I was like, "Ah, I’m supposed to be going on tour this summer."'

The state of the franchise (and the mess it needs to fix)

The last outing, 2019’s 'Men in Black: International' with Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, arrived right after the 'Endgame' heat and still came up short. It underperformed and basically put the franchise on ice for a few years. So yes, this new one has a little reputation rehab to do.

Why this might actually work

• Chris Bremner just helped deliver a crowd-pleasing hit with 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die'. Different franchise, similar problem: nostalgia IP that needed fresh legs.
• 'Bad Boys 4' did real business despite the recent controversies around Will Smith. Like it or not, he is a huge part of the draw for 'Men in Black', and getting him back as Agent J would give the movie an instant marketing hook.
• Streaming has been kind to the brand lately, which is probably why this is happening now. If audiences are rediscovering the first three films at home, a new big-screen chapter makes sense — if the script leans into what people actually love about these movies.

So, when and who?

It is early. Script first, then the Will Smith conversation, then everything else. If Sony gets Smith back and finds the right filmmaker, the playbook looks a lot like 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die': familiar face, energetic tone, keep it simple, make it fun.

Where to revisit the originals

If you want a refresher before this thing takes shape, the 'Men in Black' movies are streaming on Peacock in the U.S.