Jay-Z and Will Smith Want to Work With Emma Thompson on ‘Annie’ Remake

In January, Columbia Pictures put out a press release announcing a remake of Annie by Jay-Z and Will Smith. Smith’s company Overbrook Entertainment has been behind the movie, and his daughter Willow was cast in the title role. At the time, Columbia Pictures president Doug Belgrad stated in the press release: “The time is right to bring back Annie to the big screen. Of course, we’re true believers in Willow’s talent and believe she will be perfect in this role…Combining Willow with the Overbrook team that reimagined Karate Kid and the spectacular Jay-Z makes this a dream project. A decade ago, Jay-Z proved that the power of the underlying Broadway property remains, by showing how these songs could be reinterpreted for a new generation with ‘Hard-Knock Life’. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with our friends at Overbrook as they launch this new venture.”

But, before you start thinking about Annie retooled as Hard-Knock Life: The Musical, Jay-Z and Smith stated yesterday that they would like Emma Thompson, presently working with Smith on Men in Black III, to adapt the screenplay. Thompson, known best for her roles in Sense and Sensibility and Nanny McPhee, isn’t signed on officially as of yet, although there have been further talks about having the actress play the role of Miss Hannigan. Glee’s Ryan Murphy, additionally, may come on board to direct the picture.

Aside from being behind the remake, Jay-Z will be producing. In January, he had stated: “The Overbrook Entertainment family and I have a unified vision. We’ve already produced a Tony Award-winning play [Fela! with Jada Pinkett Smith] and we’re developing a true superstar in Willow. This venture into film development and production is a perfect next step with teams that are accomplished, creative, and innovative.”

There’s no word if Jay-Z will contribute any songs to the film. With Jigga and the former Fresh Prince buoying the remake, Emma Thompson potentially adapting the 1983 film’s screenplay, and Ryan Murphy possibly directing, what do you think the new Annie will look like or, for that matter, sound like? Do you think Smith and Jay-Z will keep the musical’s songs intact or make drastic changes?