If things all work out according to Sony's plans, "The Grey" director Joe Carnahan will direct "Bad Boys 3."
Deadline exclusively reported that the movie outfit is slowly building up the third installment in the "Bad Boys" series, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. According to the report, Sony is in early talks with Carnahan to take over the place of blockbuster director Michael Bay, who debuted his filmmaking career with the first installment of "Bad Boys" back in 1995 as well as its 2003 sequel "Bad Boys II."
If the deal will push through, Carnahan will work with "Safe House" writer David Guggenheim who penned the script.
Carnahan is also responsible for directing FOX's "The A-Team," and worked as executive producer to NBC's "The Blacklist." He also directed and executive produced Katherine Heigl's "State of Affairs."
However, there are no details yet about the upcoming film's plot and casting selection, but Sony is expected to bring back Smith in the franchise as Miami Police Department narcotics officer Mike Lowrey. The studio is reportedly planning to offer the role to Smith after he is done working on Marvel's "Suicide Squad."
Lawrence's character Marcus Burnett is also unconfirmed to return at the moment, but the actor confirmed that a third "Bad Boys" movie is being developed when he was interviewed by Conan O'Brien last year in his late night show. He also said that several roles were already filled at that time.
Meanwhile, actress Gabrielle Union previously told Access Hollywood that she is willing to reprise her role as Marcus' special agent sister Syd Burnett if the movie outfit will contact her.
At the moment, Sony Pictures has yet to confirm Carnahan's involvement in the project, as well as the official release date of "Bad Boys 3."
