Hollywood tough-guy Liam Neeson is rumoured to be in early talks to join the cast of an upcoming ‘Men in Black’ spinoff movie, according to Variety.
The exciting casting proposition could see the veteran actor co-starring alongside Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson of ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ fame.
Director and cast list named
F Gary Gray is expected to pick up the reins as director for the latest outing of the ‘MiB’ franchise. They are looking to not only thwart the threat from extra-terrestrials on screen but to also emulate the success of the previous films at the box office.
The experienced Film-maker’s output will be familiar to fans of films such as ‘Straight Outta Compton’ and ‘The Negotiator.’
With an expected release date of May or June 2019, there is plenty of honing of both the storyline and the cast still to be done. But the prospects look promising as the ever-engaging Hemsworth has joined Thompson in signing up for the lead character roles of the self-styled galaxy defenders. The name of Steven Spielberg as the executive producer also adds to the authenticity of the project.
Neeson to head MiB
Sixty-five-year-old Neeson is believed to be ear-marked to portray the character of the head of the British branch of MiB, as the spin-off looks to capitalise on the past popularity of the sci-fi action comedy franchise.
He will no doubt be keen to see how the script by ‘Iron Man’ writers Matt Holloway and Art Marcum shapes up, with initial rumours suggesting the introduction of new main characters to the storyline.
Box office smash in 1997
The inspired coupling of Tommy Lee Jones and the effervescent Will Smith, under the watchful eye of Rip Torn as Agent Zed, for the original 1997 outing of the sharply-suited duo Agent J and Agent K proved to be a winner.
Backed by a chart-topping track provided by Smith and the ever-able direction of Barry Sonnenfeld, its rather unusual ingredients appealed to movie fans (grossing over $500million worldwide), according to Independent UK.
Two sequels followed in 2002 and 2012 that were not as universally well-received, but it seems that the next movie in the franchise – something that has been mooted many times in recent years - is finally taking shape.
Crossover movie no closer
For many fans of the genre though, it may prove to be a slight disappointment, as the exciting opportunity to link the worlds of ‘Men in Black’ with ’21 Jump Street’ still seems no closer to fruition. ‘MIB 23’ was the proposed title for such a crossover movie but logistics are continuing to hamper the project, with the alternative of a third ‘Jump Street’ instalment perhaps more likely for now.
