Why ‘Men in Black: International’ Failed to Match Its Predecessors

The Men in Black franchise, known for its mix of sci-fi action, humor, and the undeniable chemistry between Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, had been a fan favorite since its 1997 debut. However, when Men in Black: International hit theaters in 2019, it struggled to live up to the legacy of the original trilogy. Despite a fresh cast and a global setting, the film failed to capture the magic that made its predecessors so beloved. So, what went wrong?

Lack of the Iconic Duo

One of the biggest factors that hurt MIB: International was the absence of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. Their dynamic as Agents J and K was the heart of the original trilogy, with their contrasting personalities creating humor, tension, and genuine camaraderie. In contrast, International attempted to recreate that chemistry with Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson—who had previously worked well together in Thor: Ragnarok—but their partnership lacked the depth and charm of the original duo.

Weak Storyline and Forgettable Villains

The original Men in Black films had simple yet engaging plots, revolving around secret alien threats and the agents trying to contain them. Men in Black: International, however, introduced a convoluted plot involving a mole within MIB, a secret alien weapon, and shape-shifting extraterrestrials. Instead of a clear, compelling narrative, the film felt muddled and directionless.

Additionally, the villains—the twin alien assassins played by dancers Laurent and Larry Bourgeois—were visually interesting but lacked the presence or menace of past MIB antagonists like Edgar the Bug or Boris the Animal. Even Liam Neeson’s turn as the hidden antagonist, High T, failed to leave a lasting impact.

Overuse of CGI and Lack of Practical Effects

One of the things that made the original Men in Black so memorable was its blend of practical effects and CGI. The first film, in particular, made great use of animatronics and makeup effects to bring aliens to life. In contrast, International relied heavily on CGI, which made the film feel more artificial and less grounded.

While the visuals were polished, they lacked the tactile, lived-in feel that made the original movies so immersive. Instead of memorable creature designs, the film’s aliens felt generic and uninspired.

Lackluster Humor and Energy

The Men in Black franchise thrived on its witty dialogue, sharp humor, and fast-paced storytelling. Unfortunately, International struggled to deliver the same level of comedic timing. The jokes often fell flat, and the film lacked the sharp, clever humor that defined the earlier entries.

Even though Hemsworth and Thompson had chemistry in Thor: Ragnarok, their banter in MIB: International felt forced rather than natural. Without a strong script to support them, their performances couldn’t elevate the movie.

Behind-the-Scenes Issues

Reports surfaced that Men in Black: International faced creative conflicts during production. Originally, the film was meant to have a more modern, edgy take on the MIB universe, but clashes between director F. Gary Gray and the producers led to a watered-down final product. Constant script rewrites and last-minute changes resulted in a movie that lacked a clear vision.

Box Office and Critical Reception

Despite the franchise’s strong history, Men in Black: International underperformed at the box office, grossing $253 million worldwide against a $110 million budget—a sharp decline compared to previous films. Critics were also unimpressed, with the film holding a 23% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the worst-reviewed entry in the series.

Fans and critics alike saw International as a lackluster attempt to revive a beloved franchise without truly understanding what made the originals work.

Conclusion: A Franchise That Lost Its Identity

While Men in Black: International wasn’t a complete disaster, it lacked the heart, humor, and engaging storytelling that made the original trilogy so iconic. By removing the elements that made Men in Black special—dynamic leads, sharp writing, and creative alien designs—the film felt like a generic sci-fi movie rather than a worthy continuation of the franchise.

As of now, there’s no confirmed future for the Men in Black series, but if the franchise ever returns, it will need to recapture the magic that made the first films so memorable. Until then, fans will likely continue to revisit the originals rather than International.