We knew that Sony was looking to tie in MEN IN BLACK with their 21 JUMP STREET series, and both the first and the third films seemed to set up Tommy Lee Jones’ exit from the franchise, but we still assumed that a fourth MIB film would still serve a hearty dose of Big Willie Style.
When THR asked MIB producers Walter Parkes and Laurie Macdonald if Will Smith would be making any further appearances as J, Parkes’ answer was this:
”Most likely no”
Then Macdonald followed that up with, “It will be invented as a trilogy.”
So basically, they’re looking to separate the MIB brand from the two core personalities that have defined the franchise thus far, and are looking to spin off their new duo (trio? quartet?) into an all-new trilogy.
I remember seeing that first teaser for MIB and geeking out with all my buddies about how Will Smith was going to be shooting down flying saucers with huge guns in the summer of ’97. He was clearly the main draw for most young audiences, and the latter entries have been the best excuses the now Oscar-nominated Smith has had to break out his old-school Fresh Prince persona. Going forward without him brings two huge practical concerns: one, finding new blood to don the black suits (not impossible), and two, deciding on a tone and rhythm that aren’t built around Smith’s charm and cadence (less easy).
I’m not saying it’s making GHOSTBUSTERS without Bill Murray or anything, but to deny that he was the face of the franchise, even more so than with ID4, is simply inaccurate.
I get why the notion of limitless alien-related stories with the tons and tons of creature designs they can conjure up seems endlessly appealing, but personally, I don’t think there’s enough there to survive the loss of Smith’s attitude (and, perhaps more importantly, Jones admirable deadpan). To many, the third film made up for the lackluster, hastily-assembled first sequel, and it’d be nice to see the series go out on a high note. There's no more Rip Torn, there's no more Frank the Pug, there's no more Tommy Lee Jones, and now there's no more Will Smith. Probably time to leave 'er be.
Plus, there’s no question that they’d be more aimed at kids going forward. And I don’t think anyone needs that.
Do you think someone else can make this look good?
Men In Black Music Video, Will Smith (director copy) from Caruso Company on Vimeo.
