Elizabeth Banks to Direct ‘Pitch Perfect 2′
After producing and co-starring in the previous installment of Universal’s “Pitch Perfect,” Elizabeth Banks is now looking to get behind the camera as the multi-hyphenate is set to direct “Pitch Perfect 2.”
Kay Cannon, who penned “Pitch Perfect,” is writing the screenplay for the sequel.
Paul Brooks will produce for Gold Circle Films alongside Banks and Max Handelman for their Brownstone Productions shingle. Gold Circle’s Scott Niemeyer will executive produce on Pitch Perfect 2. Cannon is co-producing with Gold Circle’s Jeff Levine.
“Elizabeth originated the idea for ‘Pitch Perfect’ and was instrumental in making the first film such a huge success,” said Universal Picture chairman Donna Langley. “She brings an enormous amount of energy and experience to everything she works on and we’re thrilled that she is making her feature directorial debut on ‘Pitch Perfect 2.’”
“Pitch Perfect” has grossed $115 million worldwide on a $17 million budget and also had a soundtrack that sold more than a million units.
Banks was most recently in “Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” She is repped by UTA and Untitled Entertainment.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.
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