There’s a new world of aliens in the trailer for Men in Black: International, a continuation of the original sci-fi action film series. The new trailer, released Thursday morning, is an absolute treat, but a closer look reveals six different Easter eggs that connect this new movie to the originals, which were actually inspired by the Aircel Comics series The Men in Black.
On Thursday, Sony Pictures released the trailer for Men in Black: International, the continuation of the Men in Black movies that originally starred Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. For Men in Black: International, Thor: Ragnarok stars Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson reunite as a new onscreen duo who operate in London and must fend off a new alien menace. The film is directed by F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton) and will be released on June 14, 2019.
While there was previous talk of a crossover movie with 21 Jump Street, which would have starred Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, Hill later said that a crossover would have diluted one of the biggest jokes from 22 Jump Street, which spoofed the absurd escalation of blockbuster movie sequels (see: the Fast & Furious movies).
Throughout the trailer, four major Easter eggs pop up that reference the original Men in Black from 1997, confirming International isn’t a reboot but the next chapter in this delightful, pre-Marvel Cinematic Universe movie franchise.
From 'Men in Black: International.' The painting on the left depicts new characters, played by Liam Neeson and Chris Hemsworth, while the painting on the right references the original 'Men in Black' starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones.
6. Agent J and Agent K Saved the World
Early in the trailer, a painting depicts the battle between Agent J (Will Smith), Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) and “Edgar” (Vincent D’Onofrio), a criminal alien hiding on Earth who wanted to use the galaxy as a weapon of mass destruction. Set in Flushing Meadows, their battle was the climax of the original Men in Black from 1997 directed by Barry Sonnenfeld.
Tessa Thompson in 'Men in Black: International.'
5. “We are a rumor.”
In the film, Emma Thompson reprises her role as “Agent O” from 2012’s Men in Black 3. Her narration speech, beginning with the line “We are a rumor” is a remix of Chief Zed’s (Rip Torn) speech from the original movie, which is heard when Will Smith’s character loses his identity to become Agent J.
Old gun. New model.
4. Noisy Crickets
Tessa Thompson, who plays Agent M in Men in Black: International, also takes a peek at some familiar weapons: a new model of Noisy Crickets, the puny gun wielded by Agent J that actually packed a serious punch.
These guys!
3. The Worm Guys
Hey! It’s the worm guys! You remember the Worm Guys, right? They were first introduced as the coffee gofers in the original movie, which were the first aliens J sees after he passes his test to enter MIB. And now they’re back in Men in Black: International, also some of the first aliens Agent M meets in the new movie.
Tessa Thompson wears a Hamilton Ventura in the new trailer for 'Men in Black: International.'
2. The Hamilton Ventura
As a cross-promotion with the Hamilton Watch Company, all MIB agents wear the shield-shaped Hamilton Ventura watches. The Ventura was one of several designs from Hamilton’s Electric 500 line (regarded as the world’s first electric watches) introduced in 1957. The Ventura was designed by Richard Arbib and made popular by Elvis Presley, who wore it in the 1961 movie Blue Hawaii.
From 1997's 'Men in Black,' when Agent J (Will Smith) puts on the last watch he'll ever wear. The watch is a re-issue of the classic Hamilton Ventura.
And since the first Men in Black, the Ventura has been the watch of choice for the MIB, including Will Smith’s Agent J, which he gifts to a bunch of aliens hiding in a Grand Central Station locker in Men in Black II. It’s difficult to tell which specific Ventura model that Thompson and Hemsworth wear on screen for International. But in 2012, Hamilton introduced the Ventura XXL for Men in Black III, and is still available on Hamilton’s website.
Just don't.
1. The Red Button
Don’t ever push the red button, unless you’re told to.
Men in Black: International will be released in theaters on June 14, 2019.
