5 Shocking New Projects And Career Twists That Prove Elizabeth Banks Is Hollywood's Ultimate Power Player

Elizabeth Banks, the powerhouse talent known for seamlessly transitioning between acting, directing, and producing, is currently dominating headlines with a slate of surprising and high-profile projects set for 2025 and beyond. As of December 2025, the Emmy-nominated star is not only taking on one of the most talked-about true-crime stories in recent memory but is also stepping into a major academic role, underscoring her multifaceted influence across entertainment and culture. Her recent work, from the viral horror-comedy hit *Cocaine Bear* to her ongoing development slate, demonstrates a strategic pivot towards high-impact, genre-bending content, proving she is one of Hollywood's most versatile and bankable creative forces today.

Elizabeth Banks: Complete Career Biography and Profile

Elizabeth Irene Banks (née Mitchell) has built a career defined by versatility, moving from breakout comedic roles to major franchise characters and, eventually, establishing herself as a formidable director and producer.

• Full Name: Elizabeth Irene Banks (née Mitchell)
• Date of Birth: February 10, 1974
• Place of Birth: Pittsfield, Massachusetts
• Education: University of Pennsylvania (B.A., 1996), American Conservatory Theater (M.F.A.)
• Spouse: Max Handelman (m. 2003)
• Children: 2 (Felix and Magnus)
• Key Roles (Acting): Effie Trinket (*The Hunger Games* franchise), Avery Jessup (*30 Rock*), Lindsay (*Wet Hot American Summer*), Gail Abernathy-McKadden (*Pitch Perfect* franchise), Laura Bush (*W.*)
• Key Roles (Directing/Producing): *Pitch Perfect 2*, *Charlie's Angels* (2019), *Cocaine Bear* (2023)
• Production Company: Co-founder of Brownstone Productions with husband Max Handelman.
• Awards/Nominations: Three-time Emmy Award nominee (for *30 Rock* and *Modern Family*).

The Shocking True-Crime Role: Banks as Karen Read

One of the most significant and unexpected announcements of late 2024/early 2025 is Elizabeth Banks' commitment to a new Prime Video limited series based on the controversial Karen Read murder trial.

A High-Stakes Character Study. Banks is slated to star as Karen Read, the Massachusetts woman accused of killing her police officer boyfriend, John O'Keefe, in what became a highly publicized and contentious case.

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This project marks a dramatic shift for Banks, who is perhaps best known for her comedic timing and blockbuster franchise roles. Taking on the complex, real-life persona of Read, whose trial captivated the nation, demonstrates Banks' intention to tackle meatier, more challenging dramatic material. The series is expected to delve into the sensational aspects of the case, the intense media scrutiny, and the legal battle that ensued.

Double Duty as Executive Director. Further solidifying her status as a Hollywood power player, Banks will also serve as an executive director for the limited series. This dual role allows her to shape the narrative and tone of the show from behind the camera, ensuring a specific vision for the sensitive and high-stakes story. This move is consistent with her career trajectory, where she often pairs her acting roles with producing or directing credits through her company, Brownstone Productions.

From 'Cocaine Bear' to the Commencement Stage: Banks' 2025 Cultural Impact

Elizabeth Banks’ influence in 2025 is not limited to the screen; it extends into academia and popular culture, following her massive directorial success.

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The Acclaimed Director and the Viral Hit

While her acting career remains robust, Banks has proven her mettle as a director, most recently with the 2023 horror-comedy *Cocaine Bear*. The film, based on a bizarre true story, became a viral sensation and a box office success, showcasing Banks' ability to handle high-concept, genre-blending material with a unique, dark comedic flair.

This directorial success follows her debut with *Pitch Perfect 2* (2015), which was a critical and commercial smash, and her work on the 2019 reboot of *Charlie's Angels*. Her diverse directorial portfolio highlights a keen business sense and a willingness to take creative risks, a trait highly valued in the modern entertainment landscape.

A Return to Her Roots: The Penn Commencement Speaker

In a major honor, Elizabeth Banks has been named the 2025 University of Pennsylvania Commencement speaker. Scheduled for Monday, May 19, this event will see Banks return to her alma mater, where she graduated in 1996. The university will also grant her an honorary doctor of arts degree.

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This selection underscores her achievements not just as an entertainer but as a successful entrepreneur and creative leader. Her address is highly anticipated, offering insights into her journey from a Penn graduate to a multi-hyphenate Hollywood mogul.

Upcoming Projects and The Future of Brownstone Productions

Banks' production company, Brownstone Productions, co-founded with her husband Max Handelman, continues to be a driving force behind her most ambitious projects. The company's focus is on developing content that features strong, compelling female characters and narratives, a theme evident in her past work like *Pitch Perfect* and *Charlie's Angels*.

A Slate of High-Concept Films. Banks' upcoming filmography includes a number of fascinating, high-concept projects that are currently listed as "TBA" (To Be Announced) or in development:

• *The Invisible Woman*: Banks is attached to direct and star in a new take on the classic Universal Monsters character. This project is expected to be a modern, character-driven story, continuing her trend of directing major studio pictures.
• *Signal Hill*: Details are scarce, but this is another project listed in her upcoming credits, suggesting a continued focus on varied genres.
• *Magic School Bus*: Banks is involved in a live-action adaptation of the popular children's franchise, which would showcase her family-friendly producing side.
• *When Prince Made a Chambermaid His...*: A uniquely titled project that hints at a return to her comedic or romantic roots, potentially a directorial effort.

The combination of her new, intense dramatic role as Karen Read, her continued directorial ambition with projects like *The Invisible Woman*, and her cultural role as a major commencement speaker paints a clear picture: Elizabeth Banks is not slowing down. She is actively shaping the future of Hollywood, not just as a recognizable face, but as a savvy producer and director who controls her own narrative and the stories she wants to tell.