'Pitch Perfect 3' release date, cast news; Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson to return

The Barden Bellas in Pitch Perfect 2Universal Pictures

According to the Hollywood Reporter, "Pitch Perfect 3" has been green lit and is officially set for a July 21, 2017 release. Also confirmed is the return of Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson who portrayed Becca Mitchel and Patricia "Fat Amy," respectively. Kay Cannon, who wrote the first two films, will return to pen the first draft of the third entry. 

Kendrick also confirmed her participation in the third film via a post on Instagram while Wilson confirmed her return, along with the film's release date, via Twitter. A report from Screen Rant states that Hailee Steinfeld will also return, following her successful introduction in "Pitch Perfect 2." 

It is unlikely that Universal Pictures will be able to keep Kendrick and Wilson for long as their characters will be graduating from college. It is possible that Steinfeld's character will take over as the face of the franchise if it continues any further. 

Elizabeth Banks and her husband Max Handelman from Brownstone Productions, and Paul Brooks of Gold Circle Entertainment will return to produce "Pitch Perfect 3." It is yet uncertain if Banks will once again direct the third film as she is also allegedly contending to direct "The Red Queen." 

The first film earned a grand total of $115.4 million worldwide throughout its entire run in theaters but the second entry topped that in its opening weekend, going on to earn a worldwide box office total of $259.7 million at the time of writing. It comes as no wonder then that Universal Pictures is quickly moving forward with another entry in the franchise. 

The Hollywood Reporter also points out that "Pitch Perfect 3" is currently facing very little competition. The only other big film scheduled for release on July 21, 2017 is a currently untitled DreamWorks Animation film. 

The "Pitch Perfect" franchise focuses on an all-female acapella group known as the Barden Bellas as they compete to win annual competitions against other highly talented musical groups.