Adam Devine talks Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin

Adam Devine sat down with Solzy at the Movies to discuss the recently released Peacock series, Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin.

Devine reprises the role of Bumper Allen–originated in Pitch Perfect–in the new-spinoff series. In the new series– developed for television by Megan Amram and Elizabeth Banks–Bumper moves to Berlin after learning one of his songs is a hit in Germany. Devine stars alongside Sarah Hyland, Jameela Jamil, Lera Abova, and Flula Borg.

Congrats on the new series.

Adam Devine: Thank you.

How exciting was it to be able to perform during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Adam Devine: Well, I flew into that blind. I did not know—I think I’m just an idiot. I didn’t realize what a giant thing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is. They were like, hey, we want you to perform in a parade. I’m like, What am I—like a beauty queen? What am I going to do? And then I looked up—truly, our family just didn’t watch it so I didn’t know how big of a deal it was. There was like 3 million people along the parade route. Right as they were giving us our earpieces so we can hear the song so we can sing, the guy was like, Alright, have fun. Remember, there’s gonna be 50 million people watching. Okay, and three. And we’re like, ah. It was a little nerve-wracking. But it was it was so fun. It was cool. And in hindsight, it might be the biggest thing I’ve ever done. Truly—everyone in the whole dang country watches that except for my family, apparently.

How quickly were you able to get back into character as Bumper Allen for the new series?

Adam Devine: It was easy. Bumper is such a fun character to play. It was easy but we didn’t want the Bumper to be different than the movies. We haven’t seen him since the second movie and that’s been seven years now. Oh my G-d. I wanted Bumper to grow a little bit as a person and not just be so one-dimensional, not to be the villain in the Pitch Perfect movies. We wanted him to be a more well-rounded person. I think we pulled that off in the series.

What did you think when you first read the scripts?

Adam Devine: Well, they didn’t give me the scripts at first. At first, they just pitched me the idea. Elizabeth was like, this might be a crazy idea but would you ever want to play Bumper again? I’m thinking they’re gonna do another movie. I’m like, yeah, maybe. She was like, it’s a spin-off series for Peacock, Bumper in Berlin, and you would go to Berlin. I was like, oh, that’s so fun.

I wasn’t in the third movie and the Pitch Perfect movies truly changed my life as they did with any actor or actress that was in the movies. It truly changed our lives. Suddenly, we were allowed to be in movies now. The fact that it was as big of a hit as it was—I wanted to put that experience to bed and put a little bow on it for myself. This series is kind of my way of doing that. Admittedly, it’s such a blessing, I guess, to be able to do it one more time. Hopefully, more than one more. I would love to do another season of it.

None of the Barden Bellas appeared in this season. If we get another season, would you love to have a scene with Rebel Wilson?

Adam Devine: Oh, absolutely. Absolutely, yes.. If she can take a timeout from being an international movie star and come and do a small part on my series. I would love it. I’d love it, Rebs. But I mean, I love Rebel. I feel like me and her have stayed the closest out of everyone in the cast. I call her my work wife. She really is. Between her and Sarah Hyland, I’ve really lucked out by surrounding myself with strong, incredibly talented women so I’m very lucky in that regard.

How did the pandemic change up your usual process when it came to prepping for the role?

Adam Devine: The pandemic was—everything just stopped, especially in our industry. Nothing was happening and obviously, for most industries. I remember coming back after the pandemic and the first thing I worked on was my HBO show, The Righteous Gemstones. It was a full year after we were going to shoot our season 2. A full year passed before we were back on set. You could feel the rust. As an actor, you’re used to looking at something and memorizing it. It’s like a muscle and the more you do it, the better you’re at. That first few days, I was just having the hardest time remembering any lines. I was like, No, I think I’m a total idiot now and maybe I can’t do this job, but luckily, it came back.

It was so great to see you again. It’s been since the Critics Choice Awards in 2020.

Adam Devine: Yeah, that’s what I thought. Awesome, yeah. Great to see you, too.

Yeah. Thank you so much.

Adam Devine: Take care. Happy holidays.

Likewise. Bye.

Adam Devine: Bye.

All episodes of Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin are streaming on Peacock.

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