IT’S DEVINE
Adam reprising Bumper Allen in ‘Pitch Perfect’ series
HE’S back, pitches. Peacock has ordered a “Pitch Perfect” spinoff, with Adam Devine reprising his role from the film franchise that the movies’ fans all loved to hate.
“When we saw the opportunity to create a series for ‘Pitch Perfect’ with Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman and Paul Brooks plus more earworm classics for superfans to enjoy, we jumped at it,” Susan Rovner, chairman of entertainment content for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, told Variety. “And to top it off, we are so fortunate that Adam Devine is headlining the series and bringing fans the quirky, laugh-outloud sensibility they loved in the film franchise.”
The “Pitch Perfect” franchise first launched in 2012. Featuring the vocal talents of Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow and Anna Camp, the film centered on an all-girl collegiate a cappella group called the Barden Bellas. Devine played Bumper Allen, the leader of the all-male rival a cappella group the Treblemakers. In the second film, Bumper becomes the love interest of Rebel Wilson’s character, Fat Amy.
Devine was missing from the final film, and one can assume that after his character’s shoddy performance on “The Voice,” his career has hit a sour note. However, Peacock will finally give this aspiring superstar his spotlight. According to the network, the series is set years after viewers last saw Bumper in the films and will follow the struggling singer as he moves to Germany to “revive his music career” when one of his songs becomes big in Berlin.
Back on-board to oversee the “Pitch Perfect” spinoff series are Banks, Handelman and Brooks — all of whom executive-produced the three original films — as well as Devine and “The Good Place” co-writer and producer Megan Amram.
This series marks the latest acquisition in the company’s film and television division. Earlier this year, Peacock announced plans to revive movies like “Field of Dreams” and “Ted” as new shows on the
NBCUniversal-owned streamer.
“Our upcoming ‘Pitch Perfect’ series is another example of the unmatched synergy NBCUniversal is able to expand upon,” Rovner said.
The “Pitch Perfect” franchise has grossed nearly $600 million at the box office to date and has reached cult status in pop culture largely thanks to its catchy music, talented cast and female-centric
narratives.