After its debut in 2012, Pitch Perfect became a breakout hit, grossing $113 million worldwide at the box office. The movie also achieved success on the Billboard Hot 100 charts with “Cups”, performed by the film’s star, Anna Kendrick. Now, Kendrick has reunited with her fellow Bardon Bellas — Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Hana Mae Lee, and Alexis Knapp — as well as some of the Treblemakers — Skylar Astin and Adam Devine — for Pitch Perfect 2. The returning cast will also be joined by Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit, Ender’s Game) and Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy).

Behind the camera, Kay Cannon, who penned the script for Pitch Perfect, returned to write Pitch Perfect 2. Additionally, Elizabeth Banks, who produced the original and played a small role in the film, has returned to direct the sequel — her first feature film director credit. With filming wrapped on Pitch Perfect 2, Banks recently spoke about her experience on the sequel as well as some details about the movie’s plot.

In an interview with Yahoo, Banks revealed some plot details about the upcoming Pitch Perfect 2, including the overarching theme of the film. Though the director refused to divulge any insight into the fate of Beca (Kendrick) and Jesse’s (Astin) relationship, she did say the film will follow Beca, Fat Amy (Wilson), and the rest of the Barden Bellas through their senior year as they pass the a capella torch.

Read Banks’ full quote:

“The girls are now graduating seniors. They’re coming to the end of their time as Bellas and figuring out how to sort of leave the nest and the comfort of each other’s friendship and figure out what they’re going to do with the rest of their lives.”

While the first film was largely an underdog story — the conflicting personalities and, at times, inexperienced Barden Bellas needed to band together in order to reclaim their tarnished reputation — the second film appears to be more about the group’s coming of age into adulthood. The girls’ impending graduation will no doubt affect their relationships and, perhaps, their performances.

A photo posted by Wilson on Twitter may offer a sneak peak at one scene concerning the friendships of the Barden Bellas. The picture, captured mid-pillow fight, may be an unofficial preview from the movie or a look at the cast on their break from filming.

In terms of the movie’s musical influences, Banks confirmed the movie will still be entrenched in the a cappella world and will include appearances from well-known a cappella groups Pentatonix, the Filharmonic, and Penn Masala.

Read Banks’ full quote:

“It’s all about authenticity in the a capella world. We really want to honor that and honor the people who are really doing it out there who we’re inspired by when we make the movie.”



Although Pitch Perfect was a perfectly fine standalone film and doesn’t necessarily warrant a sequel, the breakout hit generated a substantial fanbase that includes those within the a capella world as well as those that have no knowledge of the community. Add in the success of the film’s soundtrack and it was guaranteed a sequel.

Though Pitch Perfect 2 may not appeal to viewers who were less than impressed by the original, it seems to be appealing to those that were either introduced to a capella music groups through the movie or already knew about and are interested in it. Since Banks counts herself as a fan of Bellas, it’s likely that she’s created a film that will entertain fans of the original.

Pitch Perfect 2 will debut in theaters on May 15th, 2015.