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Men in Black is back in development — and Will Smith may read the script first
Sony Pictures has quietly moved Men in Black back into active development, tapping a familiar writer and teasing the possible return of one of the franchise’s most recognizable faces. Sources tell Deadline that Chris Bremner — the screenwriter behind Bad Boys for Life — has been brought on to write the new Men in Black installment. While no cast has been officially announced, studio insiders say Will Smith will likely be among the first to receive the script once a draft is complete.
Where this project stands
The film is still in early development. Production deals aren’t finalized and no director or producers have been publicly confirmed, though historically the franchise has been shepherded by producers Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald, with Steven Spielberg credited as an executive producer on earlier entries. The new project appears to be a studio effort to leverage a valuable Sony IP after the recent success of franchise returns like Bad Boys.
What we know about the script and Smith's potential role
Details of the story are being kept under wraps. Sources emphasize that Will Smith has not yet committed and will decide only after reading Bremner’s script. Early indications suggest the character of Agent J will appear in the initial draft — but whether Smith returns as the film’s lead, or in a supporting/mentorship role similar to legacy casting seen in films like Creed, remains unclear.
Why Sony is revisiting MIB now
Sony’s timing lines up with a broader Hollywood trend: studios are mining legacy brands for both financial security and audience nostalgia. Men in Black remains one of Sony’s most lucrative franchises. The original 1997 film, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and inspired by Lowell Cunningham’s comic, helped define a glossy, comic-infused sci-fi action-comedy template. Across the original trilogy plus the 2019 spin-off MIB: International, the franchise has earned roughly $1.904 billion worldwide — a compelling reason for Sony to try another take.
Chris Bremner: a trusted hand at Sony
Bremner has become a recurring collaborator for the studio after scripting the two most recent Bad Boys films, which together grossed $837.1 million globally. He also wrote the Netflix action script Fast & Loose, another project linked to Will Smith as a potential star. Bremner’s songwriting favors high-energy action, comedic beats, and character-driven stakes — qualities that align with Men in Black’s established tone.
Context, comparisons, and risks
Reboots and legacy sequels are double-edged swords. On one hand, they bring built-in recognition and box-office potential (see Bad Boys’ revival). On the other, they risk franchise fatigue or disappointing reinventions (MIB: International met mixed reactions). A smart new MIB entry could modernize the world — upgrading alien designs, expanding the agency’s lore, and balancing humor with contemporary sci-fi themes.
Fans are already debating online: some want a full-on Smith-led revival, others prefer a new lead with a cameo or mentoring turn for Agent J. Community enthusiasm is strong but cautious; the franchise’s charm has always come from the chemistry between leads and the playful clash between bureaucratic secrecy and cosmic oddities.
"If Sony wants to get this right, they need a script that honors the original's mix of wit and worldbuilding while offering something fresh," says film critic Anna Kovacs. "Bremner’s previous work shows he can handle humor and heart, but MIB will demand clever sci-fi invention beyond action beats."
Trivia and behind-the-scenes note
Men in Black was originally adapted from a comic book by Lowell Cunningham (published by Aircel/Malibu), and Barry Sonnenfeld’s 1997 film helped cement the franchise’s visual identity — the suits, the neuralyzer, and the deadpan, cool-agent aesthetic.
Sony’s new Men in Black remains an evolving story. With Bremner at the keyboard and a potential Will Smith callback, fans have reason to be optimistic — but everything hinges on the script and how the studio chooses to position legacy characters in a modern franchise landscape.
Comments
Tomas
If Bremner can nail the humor and some fresh sci fi, sure. But MIB: International proved nostalgia alone wont cut it, need clever ideas not just suits.
atomwave
Wait, Will Smith 'might' read it first? sounds like PR spin... is this real or just studio testing waters? hope they dont turn J into a cameo cashgrab
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