'Men in Black 3' Moving Forward

It's been several months since we last heard about a new "MIB" and more than seven years since the last "Men in Black" film hit theaters. Columbia Pictures is now moving forward with a sequel, greenlighting "Men In Black III" for development just in time for nostalgia to kick in.

Variety reports that Etan Cohen, the screenwriter behind "Tropic Thunder," has been hired to handle scripting chores for the franchise's pending third installment.

There's been no confirmation of Will Smith or Tommy Lee Jones' official involvement, but it's unlikely Columbia would risk a property known for producing summer blockbusters without their participation. And so far, the studio hasn't commented on the project's pending plot, cast or general tone.

Ed Solomon wrote the script for the first "Men in Black," which hit in 1997, and Robert Gordon and Barry Fanaro wrote the second, which hit in 2002. Combined, those two earned around $1.1 billion worldwide. Apparently Etan Cohen is "deep into his draft," which THR is saying implies that the studio still wants to "continue the franchise's top-tier status."

Why wouldn't they? Anyway, I loved the first one, didn't really like the second one much, but will say I am looking forward to a third one. As long as the story is better, funnier and still holds true to the concept of the original movie (and comic book that it's based on), I'm all for it.

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: MTV News, Rope of Silicon, First Showing