"Men in Black 4" is set to include a female lead who's going to be an agent in a "prominent" way, the film's producer, Laurie MacDonald said in an interview with BBC's Newsbeat.
"There will be a prominent woman in black in the fourth," MacDonald said, adding, "We are quite early on it."
In 2012, the third and final "Men in Black" film came out. Since it was the final of "a bit of a trilogy" and had come a decade after the last, it's not clear whether "Men in Black 4" will be a reboot or a continuation of the last plot. The plot decision could be influenced by the fact that Will Smith has expressed his desire not to continue the fourth film.
However, the recent statement from MacDonald of a female agent in "Men in Black 4," comes with it the announcement from her and co-franchise producer Walter Parkes that they will be developing an entirely new "Men in Black" trilogy.
There have been female agents featured in the franchise. The first "Men in Black" movie reportedly flirted with the idea at the end of the, and in an epilogue of the film, there was Laurel Weaver or Agent L, played by Linda Fiorentino, who assumes Agent K's (Tommy Lee Jones) former spot as the ever-loyal partner of Agent J (Will Smith).
According to Screen Rant, if a female agent will play a prominent role in "Men in Black 4," then it could change the dynamics of the first three films. In addition, the actress to play the role will be essential to win fans over, but right now, the possibility of going for either an up-and-comer or a known commodity is wide open.
This presumption however relies on Will Smith not reprising his role. However, while Smith said he is done with the "MIB" franchise, that was two years ago. Circumstances have changed and the actor may yet decide to change his mind. Also, MacDonald and Parkes are reportedly still open to the possibility that Smith will return, even saying that people should "never count Will out."
According to Comicbook.com, another rumor is that "Men in Black 4" might do a crossover with the "21 Jump Street" franchise, since directors of "21" have brushed upon the thought.
Right now, the plot of the new "Men in Black" trilogy is anyone's guess.
Meanwhile, "Men in Black 4" remains in early development, with no release date announced yet.
