As Men in Black 3 landed this week on Netflix (too bad, the rest of the saga isn't available on the platform), the question of a possible sequel to the adventures of the men in black is being relaunched. But between persistent rumors, nostalgia, and uncertainty, is the return of the Men in Black really necessary?
Does the franchise still have anything to say?
After the very mixed reception of Men in Black: International, Sony could give in to the lure of a cinematic revival and bet once again on the galaxy's most exclusive secret agency. The fact remains that beyond the announcements and speculation, a return of the original Men in Black would undoubtedly lack coherence. Recycling a franchise to maximize its profitability is good (it's even the norm in Hollywood); It is still necessary to ensure that the unconditional love of an audience as nostalgic as it is uncompromising is not wasted.
The last film did not really make an impression, and while many dream of a legacy sequel like Top Gun: Maverick, where Will Smith would pass the torch to a new generation of agents, while retaining the spirit of the beginnings, the saga would perhaps have every interest in (really) renewing its message, just to avoid going around in circles.
An inevitable return, but not right away
Sony will probably not let its license die, even if it means forcing the hand on a return in theaters or on the small screen. The reboot of the saga through the International episode was a flop, but there is no question of dwelling on a failure. In 2023, Tom Rothman, the President of Sony Pictures, declared on this subject: “Men in Black remains a very important asset of the company, and I would be very surprised if this was the last film.” Whether we like it or not, we will have to expect new galactic adventures. The only consolation: if the franchise gets stuck in a failed comeback, there will always be time to take out our combat flasher to try to erase too painful memories.
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