The Internet exploded with news on Nov. 19 that the Barden Bellas will return to the silver screen next spring in "Pitch Perfect 2," the sequel to 2012 sleeper hit loosely adapted from Mickey Rapkin's non-fiction book "Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory." Screenwriter Kay Cannon of "New Girl" fame reprises her role.

Jason Moore, who made his directorial debut with the first film, will not be returning. Instead, Moore, who has kept busy with the hit show "Trophy Wife," is in the process of filming "The Nest," starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

Elizabeth Banks, who produced the first film while dividing her time as a cast member in the "Hunger Games" franchise, will direct, according to MTV News.

The first trailer of the sequel of the schoolgirl musical comedy dropped on Nov. 20. With "Pitch Perfect 2," Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson and rest of the girls are back but will also be joined alongside "Ender's Game" star Hailee Steinfeld. Banks said Steinfeld will portray Emily, the "little sister of the group." Green Bay Packers star Clay Matthews will also appear, USA Today reports.

"I like sequels, I've made many of them myself, and I love when you get to spend more time with characters that you love," Banks told MTV News.

At the time of the interview, Banks noted editing was five weeks in.

When the original film was released in September 2012, it went on to earn $113 million worldwide, becoming the second highest grossing music comedy film behind "School of Rock." Entertainment Weekly reports, however, that box office success didn't dictate the sequel being fast-tracked, but rather the success of DVD sales and a platinum-selling soundtrack, boosted by Kendrick's "Cups" single.

"'Pitch' performed on DVD like a movie that did at least twice what its theatrical business was," said Peter Cramer, Universal's co-president of production.

When "Pitch Perfect 2" headlines theaters across the U.S. on May 15, 2015, it will face off against a few heavy-hitters like Marvel's "Avengers: Age of Ultron," Disney's "Tomorrowland" and the all-star cast of "Mad Max: Fury Road."

Entertainment Weekly issue that hits newsstands Friday will feature Kendrick, Snow and Wilson.

Posting a photo of the three clad head to toe in vibrant showgirl robes and feathered boas, Snow tweeted, "Yes, Anna Kendrick's leg is around me... And I like it."



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