'Men in Black 5' in works with Chris Bremner scripting
Washington DC, December 5
The iconic 'Men in Black' franchise is set to expand with a fifth instalment, as writer Chris Bremner has been brought on board to draft the script for the upcoming film. Bremner is best known for penning 'Bad Boys for Life' and 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die', according to Variety.
It remains uncertain whether Will Smith or Tommy Lee Jones will reprise their roles as Agent J and Agent K, who fronted three of the franchise's four films. Bremner's previous collaborations with Smith in the Bad Boys series, however, may help influence casting decisions for the new project.
The last attempt to reinvent the franchise came in 2019 with 'Men in Black: International', starring Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson. Despite its star cast, the film underperformed at the global box office, earning USD 253.9 million against a production budget exceeding USD 100 million. Still, the franchise's long-term appeal remains strong, with the four films collectively grossing more than USD 1.9 billion worldwide, according to Variety.
Bremner's filmography also includes the Netflix comedy The Man From Toronto, starring Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson, as well as the upcoming Fast & Loose, which is expected to star Will Smith.
First released in 1997, Men in Black became a cultural phenomenon, propelled by the on-screen chemistry between Smith and Jones. Sequels followed in 2002 and 2012. While Smith has maintained a relatively lower profile following the Oscars controversy, his production company, Westbrook, recently announced a new partnership with Paramount, according to Variety.
As for Bremner, the screenwriter has emerged as a sought-after name in action-comedy franchises, having penned the last two Bad Boys films, which together grossed USD 837.1 million worldwide. He has also increasingly become the preferred writer for projects led by Will Smith, recently completing the Netflix action thriller Fast & Loose, which is expected to be Smith's next feature.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Bremner did a great job with Bad Boys for Life. The action-comedy balance was perfect. If he can bring that same energy and a fresh story while honoring the original's spirit, this could be a real winner. Hopefully, they learn from the 'International' misstep.
Honestly, I'm a bit skeptical. The franchise feels tired. Instead of another sequel, why not a proper reboot with a fresh, diverse cast? Maybe set it in a different country? Imagine Men in Black: Mumbai! That would be something new and exciting.
The chemistry between Smith and Jones was everything. You can't replace that. If they're not both back, I don't see the point. The writer's connection to Smith is promising, though. Let's hope for a solid story that doesn't just rely on nostalgia.
The box office numbers for the whole series are huge. Clearly there's an appetite. But after the last film, they need to be careful. A good script is key. Bremner seems capable. As an Indian fan, I just want a fun, well-made movie to enjoy with friends.
Interesting choice of writer. His work on the Bad Boys sequels showed he knows how to handle legacy characters and inject new life. The partnership with Smith's production company is a big clue. I think Will Smith will be back, and that's probably for the best.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.