'Pitch Perfect 3' release date, news: Upcoming film to start shooting in January 2017

A screenshot from the "Pitch Perfect 2" official trailer. YouTube/Pitch Perfect

It has been more than a year since the Bellas won the World Championship of a capella in "Pitch Perfect 2," and fans have been waiting for the next installment of the hit movie franchise to reveal what has become of the Bellas who graduated from Barden University in the 2015 film. There has been very little news about "Pitch Perfect 3" since it was announced last year, but there is a strong possibility that fans will know more starting next year as the film is said to go into production in January 2017.

According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, an insider said that "Pitch Perfect 3" is set to film in Georgia and will reportedly start shooting in mid-January 2017. The Universal Studios' title is said to be in pre-production at the moment.

"Step Up All In" director Trish Sie will be helming the third film after Elizabeth Banks bowed out of directorial duties. The "Hunger Games" actress explained earlier this year that she won't be directing "Pitch Perfect 3" to focus on her children. However, Banks will be staying on as the film's executive producer, and she will also be returning as a cappella competition commentator Gail.

Anna Kendrick will be reprising her role as Becca, along with Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Brittany Snow, and Alexis Knapp. According to the film's IMDb listing, Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus are rumored to appear in the film.

No details about the film's plot have been released, but it was speculated that "Pitch Perfect 3" could see the Bellas out in the real world as they pursue different careers. It was also said the Steinfeld's Emily could be a senior in the upcoming movie, and it's likely that she would ask the former Bellas' help for the new Bellas to win a major competition.

"Pitch Perfect 3" opens in theaters on Dec. 22, 2017.

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