Rebel Wilson has officially wrapped filming on Girl Group, the star-studded music comedy she wrote, directed, produced, and stars in—marking her second feature as a filmmaker and a bold, glittery love letter to girl power. Principal photography began in September 2025 and concluded in late October in London, England, with the cast still buzzing in glittery pop costumes after a final lip-sync session to a remix of Nicki Minaj’s ‘Beez in the Trap’ and 4 Non Blondes’ ‘What’s Up.’ The film, produced by Live Nation Studios and Future Artists Entertainment under Wilson’s own Camp Sugar banner, brings together a rare fusion of pop legends and rising talent in a story that’s equal parts nostalgia and fresh energy.

The Story Behind the Song

Wilson plays a former early-2000s girl group star who gets dumped from her own reunion tour—only to be handed the chaotic task of mentoring a group of teenage girls trying to win a record label competition. It’s a classic underdog arc, but with a twist: the teens aren’t just learning to sing—they’re learning how to survive the music industry’s absurdities, from toxic managers to viral trends that vanish overnight. The fictional band Wilson forms with real-life icons Melanie Chisholm (Mel C), Ashley Roberts, and Shaznay Lewis is called ‘Girlfriends,’ a nod to the generational divide between the seasoned stars and their raw, TikTok-savvy protégés.

A Cast That Reads Like a Pop Hall of Fame

The ensemble is nothing short of extraordinary. Joining Wilson are Sheridan Smith, the British stage and screen powerhouse; Jennifer Coolidge, whose comedic timing is legendary; Nicole Scherzinger, who brings both vocal prowess and charisma; and Randall Park, playing the bemused record executive caught in the middle. Then there’s the teen cast—led by Loren Gray, the 22-year-old social media star turned actress, who was chosen after a nationwide U.S. search for authentic young talent. The film’s choreography, helmed by Chris Scott (fresh off The Wicked Movies), promises to be as sharp as the dialogue.

From ‘Seoul Girls’ to ‘Girl Group’

The project began in 2019 as Seoul Girls, a story centered on a Korean-American teen forming a band. But Wilson, ever the storyteller with a sense of humor and heart, radically reshaped it. “I realized the real magic wasn’t in the location—it was in the legacy,” she told Radio Times. “These women—Mel C, Ashley, Shaznay—they didn’t just sing hits. They shaped how a generation saw themselves.” The new script leans into the messy, triumphant reality of female artists navigating fame, aging, and reinvention. It’s not just about the music. It’s about who gets to be seen—and who gets to be the mentor.

Why This Matters Now

Why This Matters Now

Live Nation Studios has been quietly building a reputation for bold music-driven films. Their 2025 Tribeca slate includes Something Beautiful with Miley Cyrus and K-Pops with Anderson .Paak—each blending documentary realism with narrative flair. Girl Group fits right in. But unlike those, this one doesn’t just celebrate artists—it gives them the spotlight as characters, not just cameos. And with Wilson at the helm, it’s not a tribute. It’s a takeover.

“It’s not Pitch Perfect,” Wilson clarified in an interview with The Fan Carpet. “But if you loved Fat Amy’s chaos, her heart, her refusal to apologize… this is that energy, but with real women who lived it.” The comparison is fair. Both films turn musical competition into emotional catharsis. But Girl Group adds layers: the pressure of legacy, the loneliness of being past your prime in an industry obsessed with youth, and the quiet power of passing the torch.

What Comes Next

Post-production is now underway, with a target release date of summer 2026. The film’s soundtrack—featuring original songs and reimagined pop classics—will be a major part of the rollout. Live Nation Studios plans a global campaign, including pop-up concerts with the teen cast and a documentary-style behind-the-scenes series. Fans have already reacted with viral enthusiasm to Wilson’s Instagram wrap post, with one fan writing: “The collab we never knew we needed.”

Behind the Scenes: A Partnership Forged in Music

Behind the Scenes: A Partnership Forged in Music

Future Artists Entertainment, based in Los Angeles, specializes in music-centric storytelling, while Live Nation Studios—the film arm of the global concert giant—brings unparalleled access to artists and industry insight. Their collaboration on Girl Group signals a new era: record labels aren’t just licensing songs anymore. They’re producing narratives that give artists control over their own stories. Producer Matt Williams of Future Artists Entertainment called it “a cinematic celebration of resilience,” while Live Nation’s Ryan Kroft and Michael Rapino emphasized the film’s “cultural relevance at a time when young women are reclaiming their voices in music.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ‘Girl Group’ a sequel to ‘Pitch Perfect’?

No, it’s not a sequel. Rebel Wilson has been clear: while the film shares the same spirit of musical competition and female camaraderie as ‘Pitch Perfect,’ it’s an original story with real pop icons playing fictionalized versions of themselves. The tone is more grounded, the stakes more personal, and the cast includes actual legends of the girl group era—not just actors playing them.

Who are the real-life girl group members in the film?

The film features three iconic British pop stars: Melanie Chisholm (Mel C) of the Spice Girls, Ashley Roberts of The Pussycat Dolls, and Shaznay Lewis of All Saints. They play themselves as former members of the fictional band ‘Girlfriends,’ mentoring Wilson’s character and the new teen group. Their real-life histories as global stars lend authenticity to the film’s portrayal of fame, burnout, and reinvention.

Why was London chosen as the filming location?

London was selected for its rich pop music heritage and production infrastructure. The city has been home to countless girl group hits since the 90s, and its studios, rehearsal spaces, and diverse youth culture made it ideal for capturing both the nostalgia of the past and the energy of today’s teen artists. Plus, several key cast members, including Mel C and Shaznay Lewis, are UK-based, making logistics smoother.

What’s the significance of the title ‘Girl Group’?

The title is intentionally simple—no clever puns, no alliteration. It’s a deliberate contrast to ‘Pitch Perfect’ and a statement: girl groups aren’t a genre, they’re a movement. The film explores how the term has evolved from 2000s manufactured bands to today’s self-made collectives. It’s about reclaiming the label, not just using it.

When can we expect to see ‘Girl Group’ in theaters?

The film is slated for a summer 2026 theatrical release. Post-production is currently underway, with sound design, editing, and original music scoring in progress. Live Nation Studios plans a global rollout, including exclusive screenings tied to pop music festivals and a companion digital series featuring the teen cast’s journey from audition to stage.

How did Loren Gray get cast as the lead teen?

After a nationwide casting call across the U.S., over 1,200 young performers auditioned. Loren Gray, a 22-year-old singer and social media star with over 10 million followers, stood out not just for her vocal ability but for her raw, unfiltered presence. Wilson said she saw “the same spark I had when I was 18—naive, fearless, and ready to break the rules.” Gray’s real-life experience with fame and online pressure made her the perfect anchor for the teen storyline.