Once slated to stage their reunion in the thick of the summer (July 21, 2017, to be exact), Universal has postponed the return of The Barden Bellas by close to six months, with Pitch Perfect 3 now set to open on December 22, 2017.
In its place, the studio has elected Malcolm Lee’s female-fronted comedy Girl Trip to slot into the vacant July 21 window, ensuring the Regina Hall-fronted romp moves up one month from its initial August 11, 2017 release.
Currently simmering in pre-production, it’s understood Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow and Rebel Wilson have all closed deals to reprise their roles for Pitch Perfect 3, while Power Rangers alum Elizabeth Banks will return at the helm of the ensemble musical comedy. Banks is also on board to return as the irreverent Gail – one half of the brilliant commentating duo alongside John Michael Higgins – after making her directorial debut with last year’s Pitch Perfect 2.
No plot details were disclosed to go coincide with the release date change. Last time we checked in on the Barden Bellas, though, they had successfully graduated before going on to win the a cappella World Finals in Copenhagen. Then, Hailee Steinfeld’s newcomer was still getting to grips with the life of a Bella, so perhaps Pitch Perfect 3 will have the seasoned musicians educate a school of budding up-and-comers with Steinfeld at its core? Time will tell.
Thanks to Disney and Lucasfilm’s aggressive rollout, December has fast became Star Wars month in Hollywood and sure enough, Pitch Perfect 3 will be opening only a few days after Rian Johnson’s Star Wars: Episode VIII on December 22, 2017.
