Rebel Wilson recently revealed in her memoir, Rebel Rising, that the original Pitch Perfect cast was nearly replaced for the third installment of the film franchise. The actress, best known for her role as the beloved Fat Amy, shared that the decision was on the brink of being made by Universal Pictures after the second film’s enormous box office success. However, Wilson and her fellow cast members were able to leverage their positions due to the franchise’s success and secure their roles for Pitch Perfect 3.
The Unexpected Announcement
The Pitch Perfect trilogy became a cultural phenomenon, largely thanks to its stellar cast. Rebel Wilson portrayed the fan-favorite character, Fat Amy, whose vibrant personality was a significant draw for audiences. Despite their contributions to the success of the first two films, the cast was nearly replaced for the third installment. According to Wilson’s memoir, Universal Pictures, the franchise’s parent studio, considered refreshing the roster of characters with younger actresses, led by Hailee Steinfeld. This suggestion came as a shock to the original cast and left them feeling underappreciated.
Changes in the Pitch Perfect Franchise
The film’s success, at both a cultural and financial level, was spectacular. The first movie quickly became a sleeper hit grossing over $115 million and helping to make acapella culture mainstream. The sequel, Pitch Perfect 2, helped set a new record as the highest-grossing musical comedy of all time with more than $287 million in worldwide gross. Pitch Perfect 2 also introduced Steinfeld’s character, who Universal Pictures intended to take over as the leader for the new cast in Pitch Perfect 3.
Wilson’s Intervention
Universal’s plan included a scene where the original cast, including Wilson and Anna Kendrick, would pass the torch to Steinfeld’s character. However, Wilson, equipped with her law degree, foresaw that this could be considered a breach of contract, given that none of the original actresses had signed a third-picture deal. The actress played a critical role in leveraging the sequel’s commercial success to ensure the original cast’s return for the third film. This strategy even allowed her to secure a $10 million payday for Pitch Perfect 3.
Future Projects
Rebel Wilson also recounts other experiences from her acting career in Rebel Rising, which is now available in bookstores. Fans can look forward to her future projects, including the action-comedy, Bride Hard, for which a release date has yet to be announced.
Wrapping Up
Rebel Wilson’s revelation underscores the significance of contract negotiations and the power of commercial success in the film industry. The actress’s strategic intervention resulted in the return of the beloved original cast for the third Pitch Perfect film, satisfying fans and contributing to the film’s success. For more exciting entertainment news and updates, make sure to check out HitPlay.
