It seems impossible for theMCUto get any larger, but some fans are wondering whether it would be possible for theMen in Blackfranchise to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. To those who haven’t heard this theory, this seems absolutely insane. However,the originsof theMen in Blackcomics may overlap with and be under the Marvel umbrella. This has also come up because of the current partnership between Sony (who owns theMen in Blackproperty) and Marvel on theSpider-Manproperty.
Fans of theMen in Blackfranchise may beskeptical of this changein ownership, that it may not even be possible. There is nothing to fear (or get excited about) currently, as nothing has been stated by either company on the possibility of this partnership/franchise transfer. However, it is always fun to askWhat If?…(as one Marvel show is titled), so what ifMen in Blackmoves to Marvel? How would that even work? Why would it happen? Is it even possible? Let’s see.
Origins of The Men in Black
Many know the fictional, alien-fighting organization, theMen in Black, from the Tommy Lee Jones andWill Smith movies. However, the organization originated in a comic book, the first of which was published in 1990, with the first film following in 1997. The comic was originally written by Lowell Cunningham (who was credited in the originalMen in Black film) under Aircel Comics. Aircel was bought by Malibu Comics, and then Marvel Comics, just before the premiere of the firstMen in Blackfilm. Thus,Men in Blackwas not originally a Marvel comic, but it fell under their ownership.
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However, this is complicated by the fact that Sony owns theMen in Blackintellectual property, and Marvel only owns the comic. This is similar to theSpider-Manownership debacle that has clouded the Marvel offspring of the franchise for the last few years. The original comic was actually inspired byUFO sightings over New Mexicoand elsewhere that date back to 1947. Once the idea of UFOs and the American fascination with them began, there was no stopping the inclusion of extraterrestrials in movies. This led to countless films and, eventually, theMen in Blackcomic.
Could the Sony-Marvel Partnership Include The Men in Black Franchise?
As Marvel fans know, there is currently a rocky partnership between Marvel and Sony pertaining to theSpider-Manproperty. The partnership has been profitable for both parties, but the problem lies in the lack of communication between the two companies. Instead of communicating about issues with each other, the companies choose instead to go to the media to air their grievances. This has created articles and mass internet hysteria overSpider-Manand his possible departure from the MCU.
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While obviously scary for Marvel andSpider-Manfans, this could also be the fate of theMen in Blackfranchise and fans of it, if Sony and Marvel were to partner on its future. All theMen in Blackfilms made thus far may or may not be canon in the Marvel version (such as with the pastSpider-Manmovies). Marvel may choose to completely remake the franchise and start from scratch, completely erasing everything fans loved about the previousMen in Blackfranchise. On the other hand, the partnership could be amazingly successful and without any public feuds, but that could be unlikely considersMarvel and Sony’s planstogether have been complicated.
Would This Ever Happen?
Everything said above is pure speculation, but has become increasingly probably asSony’s first woman-led Marvel movieis developed, indicating closer relations between the two companies;Men in Black IIIwas distributed by both Sony Pictures Releasing and Marvel Entertainment, after all. As mentioned earlier, neither company has said anything about theMen in Blackproperty moving to the MCU in any way, shape, or form. The talking points above are solely ones that have beenbrought up by fansof the franchise who know of the comic’s origin. While Marvel’s acquisition of the comic is not at all recent, the film/television section of the franchise seems to be ever-expanding, pulling in properties many fans never thought would see the big screen.
Thus, fans ofMen in Blackbegan to think it may be a possibility for the franchise to be brought to the big screen again by Marvel as part of their increasing imprint on visual media. On one hand, theMen in Blackfranchise has been very profitable and beneficial for Sony. However, the fourth and most recent Men in Black film was a big bust, with its production historysounding like a recipe for disaster, and thus Sony may be looking to get it off their hands. Again, everything here is speculation, but doing a little research can be fun, and the MCU thrives on fan speculation regarding crossovers. Who knows if Marvel will take over theMen in Black? Just something to wonder… what if?
