| The MIB may be about to protect the earth from the scum of the universe... again. For Men In Black III has today found a writer, most probably a director, and possibly ignited the interest of a star. Etan Cohen, one of the writers on Tropic Thunder and, lest we forget, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, has been tapped to write the script for the second sequel in the Men In Black franchise, and with Sony keen to get their cash cow up and running asap, he’s apparently already quite a way into his draft. No plot details as yet, of course, but since when was a Men In Black film about plot? These films are about sly, deadpan jokes and outlandish special effects – you know, the modus operandi of director, Barry Sonnenfeld. Speaking of Sonnenfeld, he’s tentatively attached, although The Hollywood Reporter says nothing has been set in stone yet. But for a man who’s made just one film since the underwhelming Men In Black II back in 2002 – and that was R.V. Runaway Vacation – we’d imagine that he’ll snap the hands off any Sony minion who comes calling with a contract. Which leaves us with the thorny issue of the Men In Black themselves: Agents Kay, played by Will Smith, and Jay, played by Tommy Lee Jones. There’s no word yet on Jones’ involvement, but the Hollywood grapevine is abuzz with speculation that Smith is interested in donning those snappy shades one more time. And we’re sure that, at some high-falutin’ level, the ‘Do we really need Tommy Lee Jones? Kevin James is just as good and is much cheaper’ conversation has already taken place. Smith, despite circling approximately 289 projects, hasn’t committed to anything yet, so he has a gap in his schedule. And Sony wants Men In Black III to get off the ground in 2010, preferably as soon as frickin’ possible. So the stars might be coming into alignment. Let’s hope that, whatever happens, MIB III is a damn sight better than MIB II which, a couple of utterly inspired gags aside, was a hulking great disappointment.
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