Elizabeth Banks Exits as Pitch Perfect 3 Director

Elizabeth Banks will not be the Pitch Perfect 3 director after all

Universal Pictures is in need of a new Pitch Perfect 3 director today as Variety reports that Elizabeth Banks has exited as the helmer of the comedy sequel. According to the trade, Banks’ departure was amicable and happened due to her busy schedule. Banks is also attached to direct a new big screen Charlie’s Angels movie at Sony Pictures and, back at Universal, a feature film adaptation of Victoria Aveyard’s young adult novel Red Queen.

Earlier this week, Universal shifted the release date of Pitch Perfect 3. Originally scheduled for July 21, 2017, the film will now hit the big screen five months later on December 22. Taking its place will be director Malcolm Lee’s ensemble comedy Girl Trip.

Anna Kendrick, Britanny Snow and Rebel Wilson have already been confirmed to headline the returning cast of Pitch Perfect 3. Additional talent is expected to be confirmed in the near future. Pitch Perfect 2, which was directed by Banks, also stars Hailee Steinfeld, Anna Camp, Alexis Knapp, Adam DeVine, Katey Sagal, Ester Dean, Kelley Jakle and Hana Mae Lee.

Kay Cannon, who scripted the first two franchise entries, is working on the script for the third film. An Emmy-nominated writer and actress with a heavy improv background, Cannon is also known for her work on NBC‘s 30 Rock and FOX‘s New Girl.

Although Banks will not serve as the Pitch Perfect 3 director, she’ll remain aboard the project as producer and, presumably, star. Also producing Pitch Perfect 3 are series fixtures Paul Brooks of Gold Circle Entertainment and Max Handelman of Brownstone Productions.

Who would you like to see step in as the new Pitch Perfect 3 director? Share your suggestions in the comments below!