After toying with the idea of combining the Jump Street franchise with Men In Black, Sony opted for a spin-off with MIB: International expanding the universe established in the original trilogy.

The first trailer has landed, and it proves once and for all that it is a thing that is happening. The only real thing to like about the trailer is the reunion of Thor Ragnarok co-stars Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson. Hemsworth is on action comedy mode as the self-sure MIB veteran taking Thompson’s recruit under his wing. However, Thompson’s Agent M is more capable than he gives her credit for, and the mismatched partners must put their differences aside to save the day.

Liam Neeson also features in a Tommy Lee Jones type mentor role to Hemsworth’s Agent H, in a role that screams “he’s likely going to turn out to be the bad guy”. The lone connection to the original MIB is the presence of Emma Thompson reprising her role as Agent O from the previous sequel.

What really sticks out in the overly glossy first promo is the lack of any practical effects for any of the alien characters. I have real problems with the second and third films, but the beautiful work of Rick Baker’s creations was there from the get-go. Hemsworth can go capable yet somewhat clumsy hero in his sleep, he seems to be having fun, but that doesn’t translate in this first promo.

Directed by F. Gary Gray (Fast & Furious 8), MIB International also stars Rebecca Ferguson, Kumail Nanjiani and Rafe Spall. Hopefully trailer 2 will be more promising.

The Men in Black have always protected the Earth from the scum of the universe. In this new adventure, they tackle their biggest, most global threat to date: a mole in the Men in Black organisation.