The Hollywood Reporter says work on ’Men in Black 3 is underway.’ ‘Tropic Thunder’ writer Etan Cohen is writing the script, and Barry Sonnenfeld, who directed the first two films, will return for this one, though no formal deal is in place. The studio is reportedly looking at a 2010 date to start production and it may be as early as spring.

Whether the stars will return to don the suits and shades is uncertain. Will Smith has not committed but there is reportedly buzz that he is keen to return. Tommy Lee’s involvement is also in question.

The first two movies starred Smith and Jones as Agents J and K of the MIB, a top-secret agency that polices alien activity on Earth. The agency is so covert that that any memory of MIB activity must be wiped out by a “Neuralyzer.” MIB agents appear at UFO landing sites, not unlike reports of real-world (perhaps mythical) Men in Black.

‘Men in Black’ is one of the most successful comedy franchises of all time. THR says the first two pics — released in 1997 and 2002 — combined to earn nearly $1.1 billion worldwide.

(Photos by PR Photos)

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