'Pitch Perfect 2' Movie News: Actress Elizabeth Banks to Direct Sequel

"Hunger Games" star Elizabeth Banks will be directing the sequel to popular musical comedy "Pitch Perfect." Banks, 39, will make her directorial debut with "Pitch Perfect 2." Banks produced and co-starred in the original film. 

Banks is also known for her roles in "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" and "30 Rock." Besides directing, she will also reprise her on-camera role in the film. 

"Elizabeth originated the idea for 'Pitch Perfect' and was instrumental in making the first film such a huge success," Universal Pictures chairwoman Donna Langley told The Hollywood Reporter.

"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," she continued. 

Banks' husband, producer Max Handelman, and screenwriter Kay Cannon will also help create the sequel. The first "Pitch Perfect" was directed by Jason Moore. 

"Pitch Perfect" was a surprise hit, grossing $115 million at the box office and generating an estimated $135 million in ancillary sales. 

The New York Daily News reports that the film's stars, Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson, will return for the film's sequel. 

It has also been rumored that singer and "Glee" actress Demi Lovato will join the cast. 

"Pitch Perfect 2" will be released in theaters in 2015.