Sony Pictures is advancing a fifth installment in the Men in Black franchise, with screenwriter Chris Bremner attached to pen the script. The project aims to revive the sci-fi comedy series that starred Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, though no cast is confirmed yet. Plans include approaching Smith to reprise his role as Agent J once the script is ready.
Development Details
Sony Pictures has greenlit development on a new Men in Black movie, marking the fifth entry in the franchise. According to reports from Deadline, which first broke the news on December 4, 2025, Chris Bremner—known for writing 'Bad Boys for Life' and 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die'—is scripting the film. No talent is currently attached, but insiders indicate the studio intends to share the first draft with Will Smith in hopes he will return as Agent J. The role could be central or more of a mentor figure, similar to passing-the-torch dynamics in films like 'Creed,' though Smith has not committed and plans to review the script first.
Franchise Background
The original 'Men in Black' debuted in 1997, starring Will Smith as Agent J and Tommy Lee Jones as Agent K, becoming a summer blockbuster with strong chemistry between the leads. Sequels followed in 2002 and 2012, while a 2019 reboot, 'Men in Black: International,' featured Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson but underperformed critically and financially, earning $253.9 million against a budget exceeding $100 million. Collectively, the series has grossed over $1.9 billion worldwide, underscoring its value to Sony. Previous films were produced by Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald, with Steven Spielberg as executive producer.
Writer's Track Record
Bremner's involvement may appeal to Smith, given his work on the recent 'Bad Boys' successes, which together earned $837.1 million globally. He also penned Netflix's 'The Man From Toronto' (2022) starring Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson, and 'Fast & Loose,' an upcoming action thriller expected to feature Smith. Bremner is represented by WME and Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment. Sony had no comment on the report.
