'Pitch Perfect 3' release date, news, cast rumors: Anna Kendrick out, Lea Michele in?

According to the latest reports, the next installment in the comedy musical film series "Pitch Perfect" will happen in the later part of 2017, continuing the story of the charming Barden Bellas. However, there are rumors that the next "Pitch Perfect" will be different with the arrival of new faces plus the movie's lead actress not signing up for a part three.

According to Yibada, it is speculated that the "Glee" star Lea Michele will be involved in "Pitch Perfect 3" next year. The actress' addition to the movie is expected to be a huge hit, given her successful participation in her previous comedy musical stints. Still, there are no confirmed reports yet about Michele's possible role in "Pitch Perfect 3." It is possible that her character will be a new addition to the Barden Bellas, or she could play a member of the Bellas' rival group.

Aside from Michele, it is also speculated that "High School Musical" star Vanessa Hudgens bagged a role for the next "Pitch Perfect" chapter.

With the news of new actors joining the cast of "Pitch Perfect 3," there are now rumors that one of the leads of the first two films will not be involved in the upcoming sequel. As reported by FX News Call, there is a possibility that Anna Kendrick, who plays the Barden Bellas' leader Becca, will not be signing up for "Pitch Perfect 3." This is due to her current busy schedule due to her several Broadway projects.

It is rumored that Kendrick is more likely to focus on Broadway first before returning to making movies. The rumors of Michele and Hudgens joining the cast only give more reason to the fans to think that Kendrick might be leaving the movie indeed. Still, the producers of "Pitch Perfect" is likely to do anything to make the actress stay. The absence of her character in the next sequel will make the movie very different, and the producers will not risk making the fans less interested in the third film.

Billboard reported that the main cast members returning in "Pitch Perfect 3" are Anna Camp and Rebel Wilson, who are popularly known in the first two movies as Aubrey Posen and Fat Amy, respectively. 

"Pitch Perfect 3" is tentatively set to be released on December 22, 2017.