The Barden Bellas Reunite As Filming On Pitch Perfect 3 Begins

Production on Universal’s musical sequel Pitch Perfect 3 is officially underway – and a picture of the Barden Bellas is here to prove it.

First spotted by ComingSoon, the image finds a capella stalwarts Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp, Hana Mae Lee, Brittany Snow and Shelley Regner flanked by Ester Dean and Kelley Jakle. Orange is the New Black breakout Ruby Rose is also said to be part of that star-studded roster, even if she’s not featured in the image above. Ditto for Hailee Steinfeld, who made her debut as Emily in Pitch Perfect 2. Don’t worry, we understand that Steinfeld will be back, back, back for the upcoming follow-up, but commitments to this weekend’s Golden Globes ceremony prevented her from attending the first Pitch Perfect 3 table read.

Speaking of returning cast members, little is known about the future of Pitch Perfect‘s male characters. Skylar Astin has confirmed that both he and the Trebles won’t feature whatsoever, but there’s always the chance that either Ben Platt or Adam DeVine – or both! – could crop up at some point in the story.

On the other side of the lens, it’s fair to say that Pitch Perfect 3 has endured some creative turbulence. Initially, Elizabeth Banks – who plays Gail, one half of the franchise’s irreverent commentating team – was set to return at the helm, but issues with scheduling put paid to that idea. Instead, Universal’s sequel will herald the directorial debut of Trish Sie, who will no doubt call upon her history crafting music videos when orchestrating the Bellas’ latest show. Kay Cannon, meanwhile, is back on script duties.

Mark the calendars, folks; Pitch Perfect 3 will bring together Bellas old and new on December 22, 2017.