Yes, it’s really happening; Men in Black is coming back for round three, in 3D nonetheless. Columbia Pictures officially announced the latest installment is set to arrive in theaters on May 25th, 2012. Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald, the producing two responsible for the first two films, are back on board, as is director Barry Sonnenfeld. But they’re not the only MIB alums confirmed to return. Agent Jay himself, Will Smith, will be back. As for Agent Kay, Tommy Lee Jones, plans have yet to be solidified, but he is in the midst of advanced negotiations.
Amongst the pack of alums are some new additions, one of which is writer Etan Cohen. He’s the guy responsible for Tropic Thunder and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. As for new faces on the set, the rumors are true; Josh Brolin is indeed a candidate to play a young Agent Kay and is currently in negotiations.
Whether or not you’re excited to return to the world of Men in Black, the Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, Jeff Blake, is thrilled to bring it to you. He said, “We couldn’t be more excited that the original filmmaking team responsible for the first two worldwide hits is reuniting for this third installment. We love where the story is taking Agents Jay and Kay and know this new chapter will deliver a fresh fun twist for fans of the franchise while also introducing the Men in Black to a whole new generation of moviegoers.”
Of course he’s glad to see the original team return; the first two films took in more than $1 billion worldwide combined. Regardless of the haul, we all remember how it went; the first film was awesome and then the second was more of a hand-me-down. Plus, the whole 3D element is a major downer. Not only do I find sitting through a movie with an extra dimension somewhat uncomfortable, but this is a situation in which the technology can easily drag the film into gimmicky territory. MIB 3’s success, critically at least, will ride on Cohen’s ability to deliver something fresh while still honoring the originals. Hopefully they don’t rely on it merely being a 3D spectacle.
By Perri Nemiroff (via Coming Soon)
