Elizabeth Banks has handed off directing duties on the upcoming Pitch Perfect 3 film musical, according to Variety.
The magazine cited her ”increasingly packed schedule” as part of the reason for the change, though she will stay on as co-producer and will again play the role of Gail in the picture.
No new director was announced.
Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson, stars of the Pitch Perfect films, are still set to return for the third installment in the hit movie franchise , which recently pushed back its opening date from July 21, 2017, to December 22, 2017. The film has changed dates several times as it jockeys for the best opening position.
Kendrick earned a Tony Award nomination at age 13 for her performance in Broadway's High Society. She co-starred in the film versions of the musicals Into the Woods and The Last Five Years.
Here's how producers announced the date change on Twitter:
Have yourself a merry little #Pitchmas. #PitchPerfect3 hits theaters December 22, 2017. pic.twitter.com/ZCmtmqPMJD
— Pitch Perfect (@PitchPerfect) May 31, 2016
With a score of pop hits, Pitch Perfect 2 was released May 15, 2015; the second chapter in the story about an all-female a cappella college singing group enjoyed the highest-grossing movie-musical opening of all time. The sequel made over $180 million in box-office sales in the U.S. and more than $285 million worldwide. Screenwriter Kay Cannon is tapped to pen the PP3 script. Also confirmed for the cast are Hailee Steinfeld as Emily and Brittany Snow as Chloe.
The third film will be co-produced by Paul Brooks of Gold Circle Entertainment, Scott Niemeyer and Max Handelman, according to IMDB.
Watch Kendrick riff-off with Late Late Show host James Corden, joined by members of the Filharmonics:
