Sara Bareilles Still Holds Out on Joining the ‘Girls5eva’ Film

When NBCUniversal announced that the beloved sitcom Girls5eva would transition from the small screen to a full‑blown theatrical release, the internet erupted. The four‑woman pop‑group‑turned‑comedy‑ensemble has a built‑in fanbase, and everyone wanted to know: would Sara Bareilles, who scored the series’ iconic opening number “I’ve Got a Friend,” return for the big‑screen version?

According to insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity, the studio reached out to Bareilles shortly after the film got the green light. They reportedly sent her a package that included a rough cut of the script, a few demo tracks, and a nice note from creator David Zuckerman. The idea was simple: have Bareilles either write a new song for the climax or even cameo as a mentor‑type figure for the fictional pop group.

So far, Bareilles is “still holding out,” as one source put it. She’s thanked the team profusely for thinking of her, but she’s taking her time to weigh the commitment. “I love the show,” she told a close friend, “and I’m flattered they want me back, but I have a few projects on the burner and I need to make sure any new thing fits my schedule and my creative vibe.”

That hesitation isn’t shocking. Bareilles is known for being meticulous about the projects she attaches her name to, often turning down offers that don’t align with her artistic direction. In recent months she’s been deep in the studio, working on a new album that’s slated for a spring 2027 release, and she’s also co‑producing a limited‑series documentary about women in music.

Fans, however, are not giving up. Social media is buzzing with hashtags like #BringBackSara and #Girls5evaMovie, and a handful of memes already picture her in a sequined costume, belting out a power ballad alongside the four leads. Some even argue that her involvement could be the missing piece that elevates the film from a nostalgic romp to a bona fide pop‑culture event.

Meanwhile, the film’s production is moving ahead. Director Karyn Kusama (who helmed the series’ “Love, Death & Pop” episode) confirmed that the script is locked, and filming is set to begin early next year in New York. The cast—Ana Gasteyer, Paula Pell, Casey Wilson and others—has been rehearsing dance numbers, and the studio says the soundtrack will feature a blend of original songs and ’90s‑era pop hits.

Whether Sara Bareilles ultimately decides to jump back in remains to be seen. For now, the pop‑savvy singer is taking the usual artist’s pause—reviewing, reflecting, and perhaps waiting for the perfect moment to strike a chord with the Girls5eva crew once more.