Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment, in a joint venture with rapper Jay-Z, has hired Aline Brosh McKenna to pen the screenplay of the updated adaptation of the Broadway classic musical Annie. A film, which Willow Smith will star in as the title role, will have her father signed on as the producer.
Glee creator Ryan Murphy was Will Smith’s first choice to write the film but he turned down the project because of another engagement, according to reports.
Jay-Z, who famously used a the melody from the Annie musical in his song “Hard Knock Life” will also produce the soundtrack for the film.
Reports suggest that Aline Brosh McKenna will use both the Broadway musical and the comic strips that first introduced Annie as sources for the screenplay adaptation. The story for the film will be set in Detroit, Michigan. McKenna has worked on many big projects in the past. Her work history includes penning the screenplays for The Devil Wears Prada, 27 Dresses and We Bought A Zoo.
Although Willow Smith is excited to get started, no director has officially been attached to the Annie reboot as of yet. More details coming soon…
