$1.9 Billion Sci-Fi Franchise Being Revived Should Finally Mean the Wildest Crossover Movie Happens

by

It’s common to feel uncertain when a studio tries to bring back a beloved franchise, especially if a spin-off attempt recently failed. These franchises are often well-known classics. However, this revival feels different because it sparks an idea that’s been discussed for years: a crossover between a popular series from the 1990s and a highly-rated comedy from the 2010s. While it initially seems unlikely given the time difference, the concept actually fits well within the story possibilities. In fact, this kind of creative approach could be exactly what a struggling franchise needs to succeed.

For fans of both Men in Black and 21 Jump Street, there was a surprising idea floated years ago: combining the two franchises. While seemingly different – Men in Black focuses on secret agents managing aliens on Earth with a blend of comedy, action, and sci-fi, and 21 Jump Street is a hilarious send-up of cop movies featuring immature undercover agents – someone seriously considered merging these worlds. The very fact that Hollywood entertained such a wildly creative and chaotic crossover demonstrates a willingness to take big risks.

What’s really disappointing is that this project – MIB 23 – got surprisingly far. It wasn’t just a concept; it had a well-regarded script, a logo, and actors who were interested. It felt like a movie that could have been truly amazing. The combination seemed ideal: the clever, self-deprecating humor of 21 Jump Street could have revitalized the MIB franchise, and the sci-fi setting of MIB could have taken the comedic duo of Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill to new heights. Unfortunately, Hollywood ultimately abandoned it. The official explanations involved red tape, budget concerns, and difficulties merging the two movie universes, but the real reason was simply a lack of courage to take a risk.

Sony is revisiting the Men in Black franchise with a new film, and Chris Bremner, known for his work on Bad Boys for Life and Ride or Die, is writing the script. With a sequel now confirmed, fans are wondering why the studio hasn’t considered the long-discussed crossover film. Should we wait to see how this new MIB movie performs before expecting a crossover? Regardless, the idea remains popular with fans who still hope it will happen. The possibility gained even more traction when Channing Tatum shared that the script for MIB 23 was the best he’d ever read for a third installment.

Why the Men in Black and 21 Jump Street Crossover Still Needs to Happen

The Men in Black franchise has lost its spark and really needs a refresh. The last movie attempted a complete overhaul with a new tone, cast, and style, but it just didn’t click. It felt like the series was trying too hard to prove it still mattered, but missed what made it fun in the first place. Ironically, the solution might have been the original idea the studio rejected: leaning into the absurdity. Similarly, 21 Jump Street thrives on poking fun at typical franchise tropes. Combining these two approaches could be incredibly satisfying for audiences, and a welcome creative outlet for the writers.

What’s exciting is that audiences are really open to this kind of creative idea right now. Unexpected combinations and merging different worlds are popular, and it’s a way to make something ordinary become truly special. People are bored with the same old remakes and sequels because they don’t feel fresh, but a crossover offers the best of both worlds – it’s both new and nostalgic.

The plot for the new Men in Black movie is still under wraps, and there’s no word yet on whether Will Smith will be back, but excitement is high. Bringing on Art Bremner to continue the series is a good decision, as he’s shown he can capture the magic of the original – and the first MIB movie was what really made the franchise successful. This new film could set the stage for MIB 23. Simply bringing back a classic isn’t enough; it needs a fresh, modern edge.

Some people questioned whether the two worlds would blend well. The idea first surfaced in 2014 when Sony Pictures was hacked. Phil Lord, a creator of the Jump Street movies, revealed they were developing a crossover where undercover cops Schmidt (Hill) and Janko (Tatum) would join a secret government agency dealing with aliens. Ultimately, the project was scrapped, and in 2019, Men in Black producer Walter Parkes explained that the combination just didn’t work out.

Despite seeming counterintuitive, this unexpected pairing is what makes the combination so compelling. It’s not about seamless blending, but about sparking contrast, humor, and surprise. It’s about mixing vastly different styles and seeing what results – a risk Hollywood rarely takes, but one that can lead to huge success, like with the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine. Ultimately, it would be a truthful acknowledgment that both franchises truly shine when they embrace their quirky and comedic sides.

Now that Men in Black has a fresh start, it’s the perfect moment to revisit this concept. Even if a crossover doesn’t happen right away, the studio should keep the possibility in mind. Simply bringing back familiar faces, technology, and creatures isn’t enough to successfully revive a blockbuster sci-fi franchise – it needs new, exciting ideas that fans will love. The Men in Black story needs to evolve; relying on predictable plots won’t sustain interest for long. To truly stand out, it needs to be surprising. And what could be more unexpected – and fun – than pairing the highly skilled MIB agents with a couple of hilariously inept police officers? That kind of unpredictable combination is exactly what the series needs to thrive.

What are your thoughts? Should we make this crossover happen? Share your opinion in the comments and discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/movies/list/7-dead-movie-franchises-begging-for-reboots/embed/#

Read More

2025-12-10 01:15