The long-awaited development of the action-comedy sequel "Bad Boys 3" has finally been given a go signal by Sony Pictures with Joe Carnahan listed first on its list of official screenwriters. However, it looks like he will not only be writing the film as he is reportedly set to be assigned in the directorial duties as well.

Food World News notes that the first film of "Bad Boys" which premiered back in 1995 earned a solid $140 million worldwide. With Michael Bay as the film director, a follow-up flick, "Bad Boys II", was released in 2003 grossing over $270 million. Following the success of the franchise, a part three was planned to be developed with Bay reprising his duties as the director. However, the sequel ended up being left on the production waiting list for years.

Finally, Sony Pictures has green lighted the production of the most-awaited "Bad Boys 3". However, Michael Bay returning to the director's chair is already unlikely to happen ever since he was locked down with Paramount's "Transformers" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" franchise. 

In Bay's replacement, Sony claimed that they will be having Joe Carnahan to direct the forthcoming movie. It was already reported by Movie Pilot earlier that Carnahan was first assigned to take over David Guggenheim's ("Safe House", "Waiting for Superman") duties to pen the next film of the "Bad Boys" franchise.  

Though some might be disappointed with Bay's extraction from the franchise, Carnahan seems like a solid choice as he has a good resume in the field as well. Slashfilm notes that Carnahan is well-known for his work in the big-budgeted action "The A-Team", and his macho thrillers like "The Grey", "Smoking Aces", and "Narc".

"Bad Boys 3" is reportedly included in Sony's fast track list wherein the production will hopefully begin once Will Smith, one of its lead actors, finishes his shooting on the DC comics-based live-action film "Suicide Squad".

 Though no details regarding its release date is announced yet, it is safe to expect "Bad Boys 3"in cinemas before the end of 2016.

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