One of the summer’s most surefire hits is Universal’s Pitch Perfect 2, which will reunite the Barden Bellas as they take their a cappella talents to new heights in hopes of regaining fame and popularity after a humiliating wardrobe malfunction in front of none other than the President of the United States. Back for more pitch-slapping mayhem are stars Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Skylar Astin, Anna Camp and Brittany Snow, and the sequel also adds a new Bella in the form of Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit).
A new batch of images has ended up online today, showcasing most of the principal cast and reminding us that Elizabeth Banks is not only starring in but also directing this follow-up. Will the first-time helmer be able to deliver another chapter that rivals the fist-pumping charms of Jason Moore’s original? The jury’s still out on that one, but we’ll definitely be watching to find out. Banks certainly knows the material, but this is a big gig for an unproven director.
The shots released today also tease some interesting plot points in the sequel, including a romance for Fat Amy (Wilson) with singing rival Bumper (Adam Devine), high-stakes singing competitions with international groups, a continuation of the sweet romance between Beca (Kendrick) and Jesse (Astin), and the arrival of Steinfeld’s character (who may or may not be in the process of being groomed to take over the franchise from Kendrick and Wilson).
Pitch Perfect 2 opens May 15. Co-stars in the likely blockbuster include Alexis Knapp, Ester Dean, Hana Mae Lee, Katey Segal, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen and Flula Borg.
