The Pitch Perfect co-star and producer will be at the helm of the upcoming sequel in her directing debut.  According to Variety, Pitch Perfect writer Kay Cannon will be writing the screenplay for Pitch Perfect 2.  Cannon adapted the screenplay for Pitch Perfect from author Mickey Rapkin.   Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson are rumored to be returning for the sequel, according to The Hollywood Reporter.  Paul Brooks from Gold Circle Films will be producing alongside the Brownstone Productions team of Banks and Max Handleman.

The musical comedy centered on the story of a singing group of girls named the Bellas and their journey to the finals of college a capella. The first film brought in $115 million globally and only cost $17 million to produce.  Pitch Perfect‘s soundtrack was also immensely successful, selling more than 1 million units and going platinum, according to The Hollywood Reporter.  The single “Cups” sung by Anna Kendrick single-handedly sold just under 3 million units and almost achieved triple platinum status.  The Hollywood Reporter wrote that it was one of the top-performing DVD and VOD titles in 2013.

While this is her first time as a director, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire star’s ample involvement in the first film instills confidence in Universal and the rest of the film’s production team.  Universal claims that much of Pitch Perfect‘s success was owed to Banks.  “Elizabeth originated the idea for Pitch Perfect and was instrumental in making the first film such a huge success,” Universal Pictures chairman 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.”

Along with her recent roles as Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games series, Banks also provided her voice for the upcoming film, The Lego Movie that is set to hit the screen on February 7th.  The 30 Rock star will also be starring in the upcoming romantic comedy, Walk of Shame.