Columbia Pictures announced today that Men In Black III will be released in 3D on May 25, 2012.

Walter F Parkes and Laurie MacDonald are returning to produce and Barry Sonnenfeld, who directed the first two installments of the blockbuster franchise, will direct from a screenplay by Etan Cohen, based on the comic book by Lowell Cunningham.

Steven Spielberg is set to executive produce and deals are set for Will Smith, Sonnenfeld and the producing team to return with the aim of going into production this autumn.

The studio is in advanced negotiations with Tommy Lee Jones to reprise his role as Agent Kay. Josh Brolin is also in talks to star as a young Agent Kay.

“Sony’s summer of 2012 will get off to a red hot start with an incredible new 3D adventure for the Men in Black,” Sony Pictures chairman of worldwide marketing and distribution Jeff Blake said.

“We love where the story is taking Agents Jay and Kay and know this new chapter will deliver a fresh fun twist for fans of the franchise while also introducing the Men in Black to a whole new generation of moviegoers.”

The first two Men In Black films were released in 1997 and 2002 and grossed more than $1bn worldwide combined.