Columbia Sets MEN IN BLACK 3 in 3D to Hit Theaters on May 25, 2012; Will Smith to Return, Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin in Talks to Co-Star
Columbia Pictures has announced that Men in Black III will be in 3D and hit theaters on May 25, 2012. In their press release, Columbia (which is owned by Sony Pictures) confirms that Will Smith and Barry Sonnenfeld will return to star and direct, respectively. However, the press release clarifies that Tommy Lee Jones is not yet attached, but is in “advanced negotiations”. The studio also revealed that Josh Brolin (who was rumored to be circling the film) is in talks to play a young version of Tommy Lee Jones’ character, Agent K (a theory that was floated when Brolin’s name first cropped up in connection to MIB 3). While I don’t think we need a third Men in Black movie, having Brolin pay a young Tommy Lee Jones is kind of brilliant.
It’s also interesting to note that we previously assumed that Men in Black III would be aiming for a summer 2011 release so Sony would have a fighter in the summer blockbuster war. I don’t currently have any theories as to why they’re holding it for so long.
Hit the jump to check out the full press release.
Here’s the full press release:
COLUMBIA PICTURES ANNOUNCES
“MEN IN BLACK III” IN 3D
MAY 25, 2012
Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald Reprise as Producers;
Barry Sonnenfeld Returns to Direct Third Installment of Hit Franchise
Steven Spielberg to Executive Produce
CULVER CITY, Calif., May 7, 2010 – Columbia Pictures announced today that Men in Black III will be released in 3D on May 25, 2012. Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald are returning to produce and Barry Sonnenfeld, who directed the first two installments of the blockbuster franchise, will direct the film from a screenplay written by Etan Cohen, based on the comic book by Lowell Cunningham. Steven Spielberg is set to executive produce.
Deals are set for Will Smith, Sonnenfeld and the producing team to return to the blockbuster franchise with the intent to begin production by this fall and the studio is in advanced negotiations with Tommy Lee Jones to reprise his role as Agent Kay. Josh Brolin is also in talks to star as a young Agent Kay.
Commenting on the announcement, Jeff Blake, Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution said, “Sony’s summer of 2012 will get off to a red hot start with an incredible new 3D adventure for the Men in Black. We couldn’t be more excited that the original filmmaking team responsible for the first two worldwide hits is reuniting for this third installment. We love where the story is taking Agents Jay and Kay and know this new chapter will deliver a fresh fun twist for fans of the franchise while also introducing the Men in Black to a whole new generation of moviegoers.”
The first two Men in Black films, which were released in 1997 and 2002, went on to become two of the most successful films in Columbia Pictures history, taking in more than $1 billion combined worldwide. The first film in the franchise won an Academy Award(r) for Best Makeup and was nominated for two other Oscars(r).
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 130 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at www.sonypictures.com.
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