Exclusive: 'Glee's Ryan Murphy in Early Talks to Direct Willow Smith in 'Annie'

Posted February 9, 2011, 7:06 pm   •   by William Pierce   •   2 comments

Glee creator Ryan Murphy is in "very early discussions" to direct a remake of Annie, his publicist has confirmed to Celebuzz. Earlier today it was reported that Murphy was Sony Pictures' top choice to direct "Whip My Hair" sensation Willow Smith, who would play the titular orphan who moves in with a billionaire.

The film is a joint venture by Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith and Jay-Z, among others, who are Overlook Entertainment partners.

Willow's smash hit "Whip My Hair" has given her name recognition enough to headline this movie, but she has acted in two other movies before: her dad's movie I Am Legend and Kitt Kittredge: An American Girl. It doesn't hurt matters that Sony went out on a limb casting her brother Jaden Smith as the lead in the Karate Kid remake last year, which paid out well above expectations.

Because of Glee's overwhelming success, Murphy is now Hollywood's go-to guy for musicals, having been courted to lens a Rocky Horror Picture Show remake and a big screen version of Wicked already.

Watch the trailer for the 1982 original Annie:

What do you think of these two being involved with the film? Tell us in the comments section.