Just yesterday we learned that Universal was moving forward with PITCH PERFECT 3. Elizabeth Banks' involvement remains a question mark but that may soon become a concrete no if her next project comes together. Deadline reports that Banks may take over directing duties on Universal's adaptation of the young adult novel Red Queen.
Here's the synopsis for the fantasy romance that was published earlier this year. From the sounds of it, it is a blend of medieval action with a HUNGER GAMES style plot. Since Banks has background on screen in that franchise, it may help inform her direction should she take the job on Red Queen.
Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood–those with common, Red blood serve the Silver- blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief in a poor, rural village, until a twist of fate throws her in front of the Silver court. Before the king, princes, and all the nobles, she discovers she has an ability of her own. To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks everything and uses her new position to help the Scarlet Guard–a growing Red rebellion–even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction. One wrong move can lead to her death, but in the dangerous game she plays, the only certainty is betrayal.
The lack of female directors getting major studio jobs in Hollywood has been a hot topic over the last few years and it is nice to see another face join the fray. Elizabeth Banks' direction on PITCH PERFECT 2 was not exactly inspired filmmaking but she was far from terrible. Red Queen is a much different project in terms of tone, scale, and budget, but if Banks can pull it off, that would definitely open her opportunities behind the camera in the future.
Red Queen does not currently have a production or release date, but Elizabeth Banks would be involved in the development of the film from script to screen with aims to make it a franchise.