Coming off the barnstorming success of Pitch Perfect 2 – $287.5 million worldwide after enjoying the highest-grossing opening for any musical comedy in history – all signs pointed to Universal reuniting the Barden Bellas for a third movie without so much as a hitch. Alas, that proved to be wishful thinking.
Soon after the studio issued the go-ahead on Pitch Perfect 3 and the pieces started to fall into place, it was revealed that Elizabeth Banks planned to vacate the director’s chair due to family matters and other commitments, while still remaining on board as Gail, one part of the irreverent commentating team opposite John Michael Higgins. As time wore on, Universal finally zeroed in on Banks’ replacement: Trish Sie, the filmmaker who has a decorated history in the music industry, most recently shooting the music video for Ok Go’s “Upside Down & Inside Out” in zero gravity.
Amid all of this backroom drama, series veterans Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow and Rebel Wilson remained attached to Pitch Perfect 3, and The Hollywood Reporter brings word today of a fellow Barden Bella returning to the fray. Anna Camp, who played control freak Aubrey Posen, has inked a deal to join the ensemble comedy. There’s no mention of a production start just yet, but with a late 2017 release date in place, it shouldn’t be long before the Bellas stage their reunion.
Look for the Barden Bellas to storm onto the stage once more when Pitch Perfect 3 opens on December 22, 2017. On the other hand, Anna Camp can next be seen in Brave New Jersey and Three Women. Recent roles also include Woody Allen’s Café Society and a guest appearance in season 2 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.