Elizabeth Banks to Helm PITCH PERFECT 2

Actress Elizabeth Banks has lined up her feature directorial debut.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Banks will helm the sequel to the surprise hit 2012 musical comedy PITCH PERFECT, with Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson expected to return. Banks co-starred in and produced the first film. Original screenwriter Kay Cannon will also return to pen the script.

"Elizabeth originated the idea for Pitch Perfect and was instrumental in making the first film such a huge success," said Universal Pictures chairman Donna Langley in a statement. "She brings an enormous amount of energy and experience to everything she works on and we're thrilled that she is making her feature directorial debut on Pitch Perfect 2."

In PITCH PERFECT, when Beca leads this acoustic singing group out of their traditional arrangements and perfect harmonies into all-new mashups, they fight to climb their way to the top of college music competitions. This could wind up either the coolest thing they'll ever do or the most insane, and it will probably be a little of both. The Pitch Perfect ensemble includes Anna Kendrick (Twilight, Up in the Air), Anna Camp (The Help), Brittany Snow (Hairspray) and Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids, Bachelorette).

Banks was recently seen in the second installment of The Hunger Games franchise, Catching Fire, as well as Every Secret Thing, The Lego Movie, Frank or Francis, What's the Matter with Margie? and The Big Shoe.

Past film credits include: People Like Us, What to Expect When You're Expecting, Role Models, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Definitely, Maybe, and the TV series Scrubs and 30 Rock. Banks also took part in 2007's 24 Hour Plays benefit production on Broadway.

Photo by Walter McBride

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