I really hoped that this one would pan out to be an April Fool’s gag, but unfortunately, no, this is real.

Announced at the end of Sony’s press conference at ShoWest (the yearly trade show for movie theater owners), is that the Men in Black franchise will be returning for a third installment, currently scheduled for Summer 2011.

This announcement came as a shock basically, well, everyone in the industry, as literally nothing is signed.  Just a set date.  Jones? Not signed. Smith? Not signed. Writer? Nope. Director? Hell naw.

What really bugs me about this is that the movie, like most summer blockbusters, is instead being put together with a date in mind, as opposed to letting the film develop naturally.  And honestly, does anyone really want a 3rd Men in Black film?  I really enjoyed the first film, but the sequel was so terrible that the only enjoyment I ever derived from it was it’s theme song “Black Suits Comin'”, which appeared hilariously on an ex-girlfriend’s mixtape.  Aside from that moment of comedy, MiB2 sucked, and I can’t see 3 being much better.

Sony, you’re putting an unnecessary threequel out in a summer filled with Spider-Man, Harry Potter, Captain America and your own Ghostbusters relaunch.  Good freaking luck.

Original Post: Sony Announces ‘Men in Black 3’ - Cinematical.