Elizabeth Banks Will Return to Direct ‘Pitch Perfect 3’

Elizabeth Banks made a solid transition from actor to director on Pitch Perfect 2, so solid, in fact, that she’s already lined up two other directing projects. But before she gets to those, she’s been asked to return to the director’s chair for Pitch Perfect 3, which is prepping to head into production this fall. Aca-awesome.

Variety reports that Banks has signed on to direct the third installment in the Pitch Perfect series, following the success of this year’s sequel, which out-grossed its predecessor at the box office. Also returning for Pitch Perfect 3 are Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and Brittany Snow, with Kay Cannon once again resuming screenwriting duties. The first film, based on Mickey Rapkin’s novel, centered on an a capella group peppered with outsiders who ditch their outdated routine with the help of a rebellious new leader. The sequel followed the group as they entered an international competition.

Banks is also set to direct an adaptation of the YA novel Red Queen, as well as a new big screen Charlie’s Angels reboot. Both projects are currently being developed, giving the actor / director time to work on Pitch Perfect 3 in the interim.

Banks can be seen next in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, and is set to make her SNL hosting debut on November 14. Pitch Perfect 3 will hit theaters on August 4, 2017.