Moviefone Editorial

Tag: men in black

  • New ‘Men in Black’ Movie in the Works at Sony

    (L to R): Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith in 'Men in Black.' Photo: Sony Pictures.
    (L to R): Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith in ‘Men in Black.’ Photo: Sony Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Sony is developing a new ‘Men in Black’ movie.
    • ‘Bad Boys for Life’ writer Chris Bremner is at work on the script.
    • The studio is hoping Will Smith might return.

    ‘Men in Black’ is one of those legacy franchise that Sony doesn’t want lingering on a shelf. Despite a less-than-successful attempt to expand it via 2019’s Chris Hemsworth-starring ‘Men In Black: International,’ the studio is trying again with a new movie.

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    And on the heels of success with revisiting the ‘Bad Boys’ franchise, ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ and ‘Bad Boys for Life’ co-writer Chris Bremner is now aboard to craft this next potential entry, per Deadline.

    Related Article: Will Smith Starring in New Sony Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Resistor’

    What’s the story of ‘Men in Black’?

    Will Smith in 'Men in Black.' Photo: Sony Pictures.
    Will Smith in ‘Men in Black.’ Photo: Sony Pictures.

    The original 1997 movie –– which was a huge hit, and one of those that helped cement Will Smith as a star –– adapted the graphic novel whose concept was of a police force on Earth that kept the planet safe from alien issues, and managed extraterrestrial residents.

    Smith starred as the wise-cracking Agent J, recruited from the NYPD, who partnered up with Tommy Lee Jones’ grumpy K.

    2002’s ‘Men in Black II’ wasn’t as big of a success, but it still did well, and was followed by 2012’s ‘Men in Black 3’, which introduced time travel.

    As mentioned, ‘Men in Black: International’, which looked to extend the story in new directions, wasn’t embraced by audiences on the same level.

    What will the new ‘Men in Black’ movie be about?

    (L to R): Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith in 'Men in Black.' Photo: Sony Pictures.
    (L to R): Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith in ‘Men in Black.’ Photo: Sony Pictures.

    Details are few and far between as to exactly how Bremner’s effort will continue the story. Will it look to craft another chapter, a la ‘International,’ or will it stay within the confines of the usual ‘MIB’ New York world? We’ll have to wait and see.

    According to Deadline, the draft that’s currently being written will include Agent J somehow, and that Smith will be among the first to see it (since he’ll want approval of any screenplay before he considers signing on), but there’s no word on whether that means he’ll be the focus again or if it’ll be more along the lines of ‘Tron: Ares’ where an original star simply cameos.

    When will the new ‘Men in Black’ movie be in theaters?

    Sony has yet to confirm it’s even in the works yet, let alone assigning this one a release date.

    (L to R): Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith in 'Men in Black.' Photo: Sony Pictures.
    (L to R): Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith in ‘Men in Black.’ Photo: Sony Pictures.

    List of Will Smith Sci-Fi Movies:

    Buy Will Smith Movies on Amazon

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  • Will Smith to Star in Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Resistor’

    Will Smith in Columbia Pictures 'Bad Boys: Ride of Die.'
    Will Smith in Columbia Pictures ‘Bad Boys: Ride of Die.’ Photo: Frank Masi. © 2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Preview:

    • Will Smith has the lead in a new sci-fi thriller called ‘Resistor’.
    • The movie adapts Daniel Suarez’ novel ‘Influx’.
    • No director is attached yet.

    After a couple of years in the movie star wilderness thanks to The Oscar Slap Heard Around The World, it certainly appears that Will Smith is back in demand.

    Last month, we brought news of him taking a role in director Stefano Sollima’s new crime/action movie ‘Sugar Bandits’ and now he’s also circling the lead in a new sci-fi thriller called ‘Resistor’.

    Science fiction has been a mostly reliable genre for Smith –– it helped launch into the star stratosphere with the likes of ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Men in Black’, though more recent efforts have not been as impressive to critics or to studio bank balances (‘Gemini Man’ and ‘After Earth’, to name two.)

    Yet this new project, which Sony is ramping up its development schedule so as to stay in business with the actor who just helped deliver the company a success with action comedy sequel ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’, sounds like it could be an interesting one.

    Related Article: Will Smith to star for Director Stefano Sollima in New Action Movie ‘Sugar Bandits’

    What’s the story of ‘Resistor’?

    Smith and dog 2
    Will Smith in 2007’s ‘I Am Legend.’

    ‘Resistor’ will adapt Daniel Suarez’ 2014 sci-fi thriller novel (which is actually titled ‘Influx’). It follows physicist Jon Grady and his team, who have discovered a device that can reflect gravity — a breakthrough that will revolutionize the field of physics and change the future. But instead of acclaim, Grady’s lab is locked down by a covert organization known as the Bureau of Technology Control.

    The bureau’s mission: suppress the truth of sudden technological progress and prevent the social upheaval it would trigger (read: it wants to keep the advance’s benefits for the rich and powerful).

    When Grady refuses to join the BTC, he’s thrown into a nightmarish high-tech prison housing other doomed rebel intellects. Now, as the only hope to usher humanity out of its artificial dark age, Grady and his fellow prisoners must try to expose the secrets of an unimaginable enemy — one that wields a technological advantage half a century in the making.

    Who is making ‘Resistor’?

    Tom Cruise in Top Gun 2
    Tom Cruise plays Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ from Paramount Pictures, Skydance and Jerry Bruckheimer Films.

    ‘Bullet Train’ writer Zak Olkewicz was the first person to submit a script on the movie, while Eric Warren Singer (who contributed to ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and wrote ‘American Hustle’) has crafted the most recent version, which got Sony executives interested enough to pitch it to Smith.

    The actor will also produce the movie via his Westbrook company, though according to Deadline, this won’t be the next film he makes, since ‘Sugar Bandits’ would seem to be in much better shape to shoot.

    ‘Resistor’ still needs to lock down a director, and the studio is expected to start meeting with potential filmmakers in the next few weeks.

    Will Smith in Columbia Pictures 'Bad Boys: Ride of Die.'
    Will Smith in Columbia Pictures ‘Bad Boys: Ride of Die.’ Photo: Frank Masi. © 2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Other Will Smith Sci-Fi Movies:

    Buy Will Smith Movies on Amazon

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  • Best Will Smith Movies

    Will Smith in King Richard movie
    Warner Bros. Pictures

    Will Smith’s new movie is in theaters on November 19th. The new biopic ‘King Richard,’ which chronicles the life of Richard Williams, father of tennis legends Venus and Serena. Oscar-nominee Will Smith in the title role and follows his character’s journey to make his two youngest daughters the greatest tennis players of all-time. Here is Moviefone’s review of Will Smith’s new movie ‘King Richard’.

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    Will Smith’s 10 Best Performances

    ‘Men in Black‘ (1997)

    Will Smith in Men in Black movie
    Columbia Pictures

    After a police chase with an otherworldly being, a New York City cop is recruited as an agent in a top-secret organization established to monitor and police alien activity on Earth: the Men in Black. Agent Kay and new recruit Agent Jay find themselves in the middle of a deadly plot by an intergalactic terrorist who has arrived on Earth to assassinate two ambassadors from opposing galaxies.

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    ‘Bad Boys for Life‘ (2020)

    Will Smith in Bad Boys for Life movie
    Columbia Pictures

    Marcus and Mike are forced to confront new threats, career changes, and midlife crises as they join the newly created elite team AMMO of the Miami police department to take down the ruthless Armando Armas, the vicious leader of a Miami drug cartel.

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    ‘The Pursuit of Happyness‘ (2006)

    Will Smith in The Pursuit of Happyness movie
    Columbia Pictures

    A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he’s poised to begin a life-changing professional career.

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    ‘Aladdin‘ (2019)

    Will Smith in Aladdin movie
    Walt Disney Pictures

    A kindhearted street urchin named Aladdin embarks on a magical adventure after finding a lamp that releases a wisecracking genie while a power-hungry Grand Vizier vies for the same lamp that has the power to make their deepest wishes come true.

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    ‘Ali‘ (2001)

    Will Smith in Ali movie
    Columbia Pictures

    In 1964, a brash, new pro boxer, fresh from his Olympic gold medal victory, explodes onto the scene: Cassius Clay. Bold and outspoken, he cuts an entirely new image for African Americans in sport with his proud public self-confidence and his unapologetic belief that he is the greatest boxer of all time. Yet at the top of his game, both Ali’s personal and professional lives face the ultimate test.

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    ‘Hitch‘ (2005)

    Will Smith in Hitch movie
    Columbia Pictures

    Dating coach Alex ‘Hitch’ Hitchens mentors a bumbling client, Albert, who hopes to win the heart of the glamorous Allegra Cole. While Albert makes progress, Hitch faces his own romantic setbacks when proven techniques fail to work on Sara Melas, a tabloid reporter digging for dirt on Allegra Cole’s love life. When Sara discovers Hitch’s connection to Albert – now Allegra’s boyfriend – it threatens to destroy both relationships.

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    ‘Gemini Man‘ (2019)

    Will Smith in Gemini Man movie
    Jerry Bruckheimer Films

    Henry Brogan is an elite 51-year-old assassin who’s ready to call it quits after completing his 72nd job. His plans get turned upside down when he becomes the target of a mysterious operative who can seemingly predict his every move. To his horror, Brogan soon learns that the man who’s trying to kill him is a younger, faster, cloned version of himself.

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    ‘Independence Day‘ (1996)

    Will Smith in Independence Day movie
    Jerry Bruckheimer Films

    On July 2, a giant alien mothership enters orbit around Earth and deploys several dozen saucer-shaped ‘destroyer’ spacecraft that quickly lay waste to major cities around the planet. On July 3, the United States conducts a coordinated counterattack that fails. On July 4, a plan is devised to gain access to the interior of the alien mothership in space, in order to plant a nuclear missile.

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    ‘Seven Pounds‘ (2008)

    Will Smith in Seven Pounds movie
    Columbia Pictures

    On July 2, a giant alien mothership enters orbit around Earth and deploys several dozen saucer-shaped ‘destroyer’ spacecraft that quickly lay waste to major cities around the planet. On July 3, the United States conducts a coordinated counterattack that fails. On July 4, a plan is devised to gain access to the interior of the alien mothership in space, in order to plant a nuclear missile.

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    ‘I, Robot‘ (2004)

    Will Smith in I, Robot movie
    20th Century Fox

    In 2035, where robots are commonplace and abide by the three laws of robotics, a technophobic cop investigates an apparent suicide. Suspecting that a robot may be responsible for the death, his investigation leads him to believe that humanity may be in danger.

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  • First ‘Men in Black: International’ Trailer Is Out of This World

    First ‘Men in Black: International’ Trailer Is Out of This World

    Sony

    Even the Men in Black are no match for the forces of globalization.

    The first trailer for “Men in Black: International” is here, and the fourth film in the franchise is, as the title suggests, going global. The reboot/sequel reunites “Thor: Ragnarok” stars Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson as new partners in the agency that monitors and polices alien lifeforms on Earth.

    But dealing with alien scum is a piece of cake. Now, the MIB have to face their biggest threat yet: a mole in the organization.

    The trailer shows how wise it was to re-team Hemsworth and Thompson, who have the sparkling chemistry they had in “Ragnarok.” And since the 1997 original relied so heavily on the banter between Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, that’s a good sign.

    Director F. Gary Gray (“Straight Outta Compton”) seems to be aiming for a tone like the original, mixing cool action setpieces with witty quips. The movie is sort of a reboot, sort of a continuation, since Emma Thompson returns as Agent O from “Men in Black 3.”

    “Men in Black: International” opens in theaters June 14.

  • Tessa Thompson Shares Another Set Photo From ‘Men in Black’

    Tessa Thompson Shares Another Set Photo From ‘Men in Black’

     

    Chris Hemsworth/Instagram

    Just give us the movie already!

    Tessa Thompson shared another photo from the “Men in Black” reboot to Instagram today that shows her and “Thor: Ragnarok” costar Chris Hemsworth trekking through the desert with umbrellas.

    (Reminds us of another iconic duo from “Star Wars.”  So which one is Artoo and which one C3PO in this scenario)?

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo1kOqCnU2_/?hl=en&taken-by=tessamaethompson

    Sadly, we have to wait until May 17, 2019 for the movie itself.

    F. Gary Gray is directing the reboot, with Liam Neeson as the head of MIB’s London Branch and Emma Thompson as Agent O. Also on board, Rafe Spall, Kumail Nanjiani, and Rebecca Ferguson.

    In case you missed it, Tessa (who’s not related to Emma as far as we know), shared a photo of herself dancing in her MIB suit to celebrate her birthday last week.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BohXm8YHDRa/?utm_source=ig_embed

    [Via Slashfilm]

  • Rebecca Ferguson Joins ‘Men in Black’ Spinoff, Which Shares New Photos

    Rebecca Ferguson Joins ‘Men in Black’ Spinoff, Which Shares New Photos

    Mission: Impossible - Fallout, Rebecca Ferguson
    Paramount

    There’s “Never Enough” Rebecca Ferguson in anything.

    The Swedish actress broke out in “The White Queen” miniseries, and picked up more fans in “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” before returning for “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.” She also co-starred in “The Greatest Showman,” and “The Girl on the Train,” among other recent features.

    We already heard she’d nabbed a main villain role in “The Shining” sequel “Doctor Sleep,” which is really picking up a high-quality cast.

    And now Deadline reports that Rebecca Ferguson will be one of the leads of the “Men in Black” spinoff currently filming in the U.K.

    Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson are already two of those leads, so it’s not clear why Deadline phrased it as “the female lead in the Men in Black spinoff opposite Chris Hemsworth.” It’s OK to have more than one!

    The Hollywood Reporter got its own confirmation of the scoop, adding that Ferguson will join the ensemble cast that includes Hemsworth and Thompson, but also Liam Neeson, Les Twins, Kumail Nanjiani, Rafe Spall, and returning “Men in Black 3” star Emma Thompson.

    We also have some fresh photos of the “Thor: Ragnarok” duo of Hemsworth and Thompson re-pairing as MIB agents:

    There’s no word yet on who Ferguson will play in the “Men in Black” spinoff, which doesn’t have an official title, but does have a release date of June 14, 2019.

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  • Emma Thompson Reprising ‘Men in Black’ Role for Spinoff

    Emma Thompson Reprising ‘Men in Black’ Role for Spinoff

    Emma Thompson, Will Smith, Men in Black 3
    Sony

    OK, NOW it’s a party.

    The inimitable Emma Thompson will grace the “Men in Black” spinoff with her presence. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Thompson will reprise her “Men in Black 3” role of Agent O, the head of MIB. So far, she’s the only returning MIB character on record — but we’re still hoping for a few more.

    So that means the spinoff cast will be lead by Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, with Kumail Nanjiani as a “wise-cracking, sex-driven alien,” and Liam Neeson as head of the U.K. MIB branch. Actor Rafe Spall and dancers Les Twins were also reportedly cast for the film, which is being directed by F. Gary Gray.

    In the spinoff, the MIB agents reportedly “become involved in a murder mystery that has them traveling the globe.” Chris Hemsworth was spotted on the London set earlier in July.

    “MIB,” or whatever it is eventually called, currently has a release date of June 14, 2019.

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  • Chris Hemsworth in Talks For ‘Men in Black” Spinoff

    '12 Strong' World PremiereChris Hemsworth may be ready to suit up.

    The “Thor” star is in talks to headline the planned “Men in Black” spinoff, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “Fate of the Furious” director F. Gary Gray is in talks to helm the movie, which is slated for release June 14, 2019.

    The spinoff would feature new characters instead of the original’s Agents K and J, played by Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. It will build on the contemporary sci-fi world established in the first three movies, much like “Jurassic World” did with its franchise. The original “Men in Black” trilogy was a massive hit, generating some $1.5 billion worldwide.

    Sony is still putting the project’s pieces together and THR notes they hope to have a diverse ensemble and leads that are a white male, a female of color, and an older man.

    Hemsworth already has a lot on his plate. He recently starred in “12 Strong,” appears in May’s “Avengers: Infinity War” and in October’s “Bad Times at the El Royale.”

  • ‘Men in Black’ Spinoff Eyes ‘Fate of the Furious’ Director F. Gary Gray

    The upcoming “Men in Black” spinoff is one step closer to happening, with director F. Gary Gray reportedly in talks to helm the flick.

    That’s the word from Deadline, which reports that the “Fate of the Furious” director is currently negotiating a deal to take on the project. According to the trade, Sony is eager to relaunch the hugely successful “MIB” series, and landing Gray is a big step toward securing the future of the franchise.

    While the studio has been looking for a way to get the “Men in Black” back in theaters for some time, the recent idea to take Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill’s “21 Jump Street” characters and place them in the “MIB” universe has taken a back seat (for now, anyway). Instead, this specific project will adhere closer to the original “MIB” source material (the comic book series written by Lowell Cunningham and Sandy Carruthers), and keep the focus squarely on “a covert force policing the alien population hiding in plain sight,” per Deadline.

    Deadline is comparing this spinoff to “Jurassic World,” keeping the spirit of the original film alive while essentially rebooting the series with a new cast for a new generation. Neither Will Smith nor Tommy Lee Jones — the original “Men” — are expected to return.

    We’re curious to see what Gray’s eclectic background can bring to this flick, and eager to see who Sony snags as its leads. The film — previously set for a May 2019 release date — is now scheduled to hit theaters on June 14, 2019.

    [via: Deadline]