Tessa Thompson Explains Why 'Men In Black' Is Still the Film's Title, Despite Her Addition

Tessa Thompson stars as Agent M in Men in Black: International, which hits theaters on Friday.

On the red carpet, she was asked why the film’s title has not been made to be more inclusive since her addition to the cast. The film’s previously starred Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones.

“Well, I think first of all we wanted to make sure that people know that this is the franchise that they know and love, because it is. And my presence in it because I’m a woman shouldn’t diminish the fact that we’re making a movie very much in the same tone and style of the original films,” Tessa explained. “Emma Thompson has a brilliant quip in the movie, where I say, ‘Men in Black?’ because I’m confused that is the title of the organisation, and she goes ‘I know. I’ve had the conversation. It’s taking time.’”

“I think what she speaks to which is funny, but true, is that change happens sometimes faster than we have language to describe what change has occurred … We have certain institutions that have antiquated ways of working. Hollywood is certainly one of them where we don’t have the infrastructure to support the change that is actually happening. I think what she is speaking to is there has always been representation in the organisation it hasn’t always been reflected in the title,” Tessa contained.

She added, “Maybe if we make more maybe that will change, and certainly I think if Agent M sticks around the organization long enough she will probably push some buttons to make it change and, frankly, that’s the only way that things change. People on the inside that have a real stake. Really calling the institutions out.”

Be sure to catch Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth in Men in Black: International.