Anna Kendrick Reflects on Pitch Perfect Friendships and the “Hard Shell” They Helped Break

Anna Kendrick is opening up about the personal and professional impact of her Pitch Perfect years — and how the friendships formed on set remain among the most meaningful of her life. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE on October 17, 2024, the actress, now making her directorial debut with Woman of the Hour, reflected on a decade-long journey that shaped both her career and her character.

A “Hard Shell” Softened by Friendship

Kendrick described herself as someone who can carry a “hard shell” — a protective exterior she admits has often defined her demeanor. But working closely with the Pitch Perfect cast over three films between 2012 and 2017 slowly began to change that.

“I think that I can have a hard shell,” Kendrick shared. “And the fact that I was around these women making movies for 10 years, I feel really grateful that they were just around enough to wear me down, I guess.”

Her choice of words — “wear me down” — hints at a gradual dismantling of barriers, driven by years of collaboration and shared experiences. In an industry where connections often fade once filming wraps, Kendrick found something rare: friendships that endured.

“Some of the Most Rewarding Relationships”

Kendrick calls the relationships forged during Pitch Perfect “some of the most rewarding in my life.” She expressed genuine surprise and gratitude that they’ve lasted, noting, “I can’t believe they’ve stuck around.”

It’s not the first time she’s compared the cast to family. In an earlier October 7 interview with Hoda Kotb on Today, Kendrick described the “Pitch Perfect girls” as family “in the truest sense.” The sentiment underscores how these bonds extend far beyond the films — offering emotional support, encouragement, and professional collaboration.

Brittany Snow’s Perfect Advice

One moment in particular captures the trust within the group. Before stepping onto set for her directorial debut Woman of the Hour, Kendrick reached out to co-star Brittany Snow expecting a pep talk.

Instead, Snow gave her something even better: blunt reassurance. “Anna, you’re gonna get on set and you’re gonna know what to do,” Snow told her. Kendrick said it was “exactly what [she] needed to hear,” a testament to the honesty and confidence that define their friendship.

This exchange also shows how the Pitch Perfect network continues to influence Kendrick’s career today. Fellow cast member Kelley Jakle even appears in Woman of the Hour, bridging the gap between their shared past and Kendrick’s new creative chapter.

A Cast That Stuck Together

The Pitch Perfect ensemble — Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Ester Dean, Alexis Knapp, Hana Mae Lee, Shelley Regner, and Kelley Jakle — was more than just a cinematic lineup. For Kendrick, it became a support system that helped her grow personally and professionally.

From inside jokes on set to ongoing collaborations, the group’s chemistry has translated into lasting relationships — rare in Hollywood’s often fleeting social landscape.

From Aca-Awesomeness to Directing

While Woman of the Hour marks a new phase in Kendrick’s career, her reflections on Pitch Perfect make it clear that the bonds formed there remain central to her story.

They softened her “hard shell,” gave her the kind of candid advice only tru