'Pitch Perfect 3' release date, cast news, plot spoilers: Trebles won't be part of the film; title to have a Christmas-related theme?

The long-running arch enemies of the Barden Bellas will not be present in "Pitch Perfect 3" to terrorize them. Meanwhile, the film's release date will be in next year's Christmas season, and it might have a holiday related theme.

In both the first "Pitch Perfect" movie and its sequel, the Trebles have always given the Barden Bellas a hard time whenever the two acapella teams are battling for the same title. But in "Pitch Perfect 3," it has been confirmed that the Trebles won't be making an appearance.

Skylar Astin, whose character heads the Trebles, posted on Instagram to say that they won't be in the film.

"As of now, the Trebles and I won't be in the third Pitch Perfect movie. They seem to be taking the story in a different direction," the post read.

Although the Trebles are supposed to be the bad guys, their absence in the "Pitch Perfect" film raises the question of what's in store for the Barden Bellas in terms of the movie's storyline. Since Astin confirmed that he won't be part of the cast, it also indicates that the pairing of Anna Kendrick's Beca and Astin's Jesse will not be seen in the film.

It also means that Fat Amy's (Rebel Wilson) new love interest, Bumper (Adam DeVine) won't be seen as well.

Meanwhile, no news regarding the plot of "Pitch Perfect 3" has been released, but it is expected to have a Christmas-related theme.

The Hollywood Reporter reported that Universal only gave one hint upon announcing the film's release date, which is "Get ready to have a Merry Pitchmas." Since the release date is also set in December 2017, it would come as no surprise if "Pitch Perfect 3" did have a Christmas holiday theme.

Stars that will return to reprise their roles are Kendrick, Wilson, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Hailee Steinfeld, and Elizabeth Banks.

Former MTV VJ and Australian model DJ Ruby Rose is also expected to appear as part of the film's cast according to E!

"Pitch Perfect 3" will premiere on Dec. 22, 2017.