‘Pitch Perfect 2’ trailer: Rebel Wilson is a showstopper, of sorts

The first “Pitch Perfect 2” trailer clued us in that the Barden Bellas — Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and their fellow divas — were headed to the World Championships of a cappella. Now the second trailer tells us why: redemption.

It all starts with the Bellas performing for the president and first lady in Washington. While serenading the commander in chief with a rendition of Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball,” the charismatic alto Fat Amy (Wilson) suffers an ill-timed wardrobe malfunction and ends up flashing the entire country. It’s a showstopper, but not in a good way.

The ladies are summarily suspended and replaced by their European counterparts, the Sound Machine, but fearless leader Beca (Kendrick) secures a deal in which the Bellas will be reinstated if they win at the worlds.

That will require them to go through their black-clad, trash-talking Teutonic rivals with such songs as Beyonce’s “Run the World (Girls)” and A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario.”

Like the Bellas themselves, “Pitch Perfect 2” will be looking to build on a previous underdog triumph. The first film grossed more than $115 million worldwide on a modest $17-million budget and became a hit on home video.

The second installment represents the feature directing debut of Elizabeth Banks, who also reprises her supporting role as a cheerfully acid-tongued commentator.

Universal Pictures will release the film May 15.

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