Perhaps one of the least surprising hits of the summer so far has been Pitch Perfect 2, for which the cast and crew returned to Baton Rouge to film the sequel.
As 225 reports, the film has already grossed more than $230 million worldwide after opening at No. 1 at the box office. In its first weekend, the film raked in nearly $70 million domestically, beating out Mad Max: Fury Road and Avengers: Age of Ultron.
In the new Pitch Perfect, the fictional Barden Bellas are eyeing a world championship vocal victory in Copehagen, Denmark. Directed by Elizabeth Banks, the film’s original cast is back, including fan favorite Rebel Wilson, who plays “Fat Amy” in the film.
Wilson recently sat down with Jeff Roedel for an exclusive interview with 225. The interview is just one part of the magazine’s inside look at Pitch Perfect 2 in the current issue. In it, Wilson dishes on Baton Rouge, as well as some of the differences in the filming here this time around.
Wilson says she has enjoyed both of her stays in Baton Rouge, noting the friendly people and exceptional Southern cuisine as some of her favorite aspects of the city. For the climax of the film, where the group performs in front of thousands, Wilson admits she was nervous.
“That night it was outdoors, and I was seriously sweating like a ‘bushpig,'” she says. “Having such a huge crowd there really did make the park feel like we were perking in the world championships in Europe, and the energy was amazing.”
The current issue of 225 also features interviews with producer Scott Niemeyer and Hana Mae Lee, who returns as Lilly, the group’s fiercest member. Lee says her favorite place to visit while filming in Baton Rouge was The Cove, a bar in Citiplace Court. She was impressed with the city’s friendly vibes, too.
“I thought Southern hospitality was just a stereotype until I went to Louisiana, and I fell in love with the people and all the culture,” she says. “Everyone is super nice there, and people have manners! I want to move there forever.”
