[Update: It's looking like Willow Smith will indeed play Annie in the remake.]
As the former Fresh Prince-turned-A-lister with multiple blockbusters under his belt, Will Smith likes to keep his children involved in the family business. His son Jaden is currently lined up to star in M. Night Shyamalan’s next film and now his daughter, Willow, could end up as the leading lady in a remake of the musical Annie.
Not only would this new spin on the tale of Little Orphan Annie feature the 10-year old Miss Smith in the titular role, but Willow’s “Whip My Hair” collaborator Jay-Z could lend his musical talents to the project as well.
Variety cites the success of last year’s Karate Kid remake, which starred Jaden, as having paved the way for a redo of the classic musical about a plucky young redhead who has unwavering confidence about the Earth’s ability to continually rotate around the Sun. Multiple Oscar-winninng director and screen legend John Huston helmed the most famous (or for some, infamous) theatrical version of Annie back in 1982 and the original stage show has long since been a popular choice for high schools to perform.
For an idea of the atmosphere and design of Huston’s take on Annie, watch that film’s version of the orphan-happy “It’s the Hard Knock Life” song and dance sequence below:
Now take a look at Jay-Z’s sampling of that original song for “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” to get a feel for how the Annie remake might differ from the 1982 film:
There’s no word yet as to whether the Annie remake will retain the original Depression-era setting and classic versions of tunes like “Tomorrow”, or whether the flick will be a contemporary re-envisioning with modernized songs by Jay-Z. Some moviegoers will consider it blasphemy if the remake changes a single thing from the original, while others will be infuriated by the mere idea of retooling one of the most widely-known musicals around – and of course there will be those that don’t have especially strong feelings about the project either way.
Which camp do you fall into? Does this remake of Annie sound really cool, terrible, or mostly just uninteresting? Be sure to share your thoughts with us (keep them civil, please) in the comments section below and on Twitter @screenrant and @feynmanguy.
Source: Variety
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pass
No. Just no.
WHY?
I’m a fan of Jay-Z’s older music though, his new stuff is lacking in the lyrical department. And really…the “I WHIP MY HAIR BACK AND FORTH?” girl.
No.
Hahaha, it must be nice to reach that point in Hollywood where producers will give you money for any idea that pops into your head.
Karate Kid Remake turned out ok. I trust in Big Will.
Plus, he and Jay-Z’s last collaboration (The Broadway ‘FELA!’) was pretty good.
I know, next he can remake west side story but instead of jets and sharks it’ll be the crypts and bloods with music by lil Wayne, starring 50 cent.
I thought the Karate Kid remake was horrible. I wouldn’t even watch a new version of Annie. But, hey, why do these people in Hollywood care what I think? Sounds like they’ve already decided on it. I have the (sinking) feeling that we haven’t seen the last of Willow Smith. *sigh*
Just goes to show some sons and daughters of high powered stars cant break into the business without favoritism involved.
I would rather see a full length version starring Dr. Evil and Mini-Me.
I would see the Dr. Evil version haha and just because Willow is Will Smith’s daughter shouldn’t mean she should get an e-z-pass into movies, why does she get special treatment. What are they thinking!?
I just threw up in my mouth a little bit…
While I wouldn’t mind a contemporary Annie, I’m quite tired of Willow Smith and I haven’t seen enough of Jay-Z as a composer for me to be ok with him doing the score. As for a Westside Story remake, I’m game.
So dumb. Just so dumb.
The new Karate Kid stank. I gave it a chance because my kids wanted to see it. The only good think about it was Jackie Chan’s moves.
I won’t be giving this one a chance. No way.
Ugh.
I could care less what they do. It’s not my money they’re using to produce the project. Regardless of who’s in it o wouldn’t see it cause I can’t stand musicals.
I liked the re-make of Karate Kid. I also like the original version of Anne. There already was an Anne re-make so why do another one? My kid happens to love Willow Smith but the world don’t need another Anne!
The only reason the new Karate (Kung Fu)Kid was successful was on the back fo the original movie which to this day has a huge following. I dont think that Annie has as big a following as TKK has so I would say that if this movie is made get ready to see it in the DVD section quicker than Hancock.
Nepotism Big Willie Style strikes again:-)
Hollywood runs on nepotism, sexism and racism — three of the big isms.
Unfortunately, this is not a new thing, and it’s not going away any time soon.
Never seen Annie or the Karate Kid remake and I’m not really that bothered by the pointlessness of these remakes it’s just the way Will Smith seems to be treating the “fame” of his kids. Let them go through school and college and climb up the ladder before they realise they are superstar actors or singers. I have no respect for them because they have nothing to earn their own success.
“Daddy what are having for breakfast.”
“Ego.”
“Awww hell naw!”
u know everyone in Hollywood are family who helping out their sons and daughters. what Will Smith is doing is nothing new anyway the only issue is that he not giving his kids guidence but it seems he is.
hahahahha. This is a joke, right?? Seriously?
long live hollywood nepotism, I suppose
Sounds like “The Wiz” redux. Ugh.
My thoughts exactly…
What’s Smith trying to prove?
Annie has always been a pale white girl with red hair,,,
It really sucks when people with power use it like this. I have absolutlely no respect for Smith.
That success is genetic? Who knows, who cares what he is trying to prove, he is fast becoming a symbol of everything I despise about Hollywood
Are you seriously hurt that they are remaking annie or does it bother you more that a little black girl is playing a role meant for a young white girl?
@ 790
You should know how Will Smith & his wife Jada are, they think they’re all that, especially their son Jaden. They’re just grooming their kids to be just like them in films is all. One thing i hated about Scream 2 was Jada was terrible at dying at the beggining, looked too fake like a high school play or somthing & i didn’t bother seeing the Karate Kid remake.
Well is this happens all I gotta say is “Annie get your gun!!”
I suppose I should care less as I am definitely not the target demographic for this..
What’s next, Will Smith cast as JFK, in the upcoming biopic. He was *fabulous as James West. (Thanks for killing that franchise)
Imo, The increasing levels of political correctness that are permeating into films are meant to weaken and help destroy the American culture…
There’s a pattern I see in Smiths endeavors…
*(sarcasm)
Well he did ruin the character of Jim West for life.
God forbid black actors should should try to branch out. THose guys should stay in their place and stick to hood flicks and tyler perry movies…where they belong lol. Do you hear yourself?
@ Ice: There are just some roles that make no sense to be PC about.
Imagine if Jim Carrey was cast MLK in a biopic movie and Jack Black was cast as Malcolm X? I beleive you would be the first person going nuts over such casting.
I am all for broadening horizons in casting multi-culturally, but when it makes sense to the screenplay or the character.
This Annie casting would make as much sense as having Morgan Freeman play Castro.
Santa,
You make a good point and then blow it with this:
“This Annie casting would make as much sense as having Morgan Freeman play Castro.”
Based on the description of the character (orphan child) and the environment she comes from, Annie could be any race whatsoever.
Vic
You are aware that JFK was a real-life, famous person, whereas Annie is a fictional one?
And, besides, do you get mad at the whitewashing that has been going on in Hollywood and American entertainment for decades?
The great majority of the time, white people end up benefitting.
Ah, there’s that catch phrase or term again, “political correctness.” It only bothers you if such tactics help minorities, but do you still realize that even with ALL this “political correctness,” whites still benefit leaps and bounds above minorities, and that the racist system still heavily favors whites?
Michael annie wasnt real…what black actor has ever been cast in the role of a real white person? I dont get mad at the whitewashing in hollywood (ive accepted it) ive learned that its not something i can fix so why get mad. Besides when a movie is fiction does it really matter the skin color as long as the actor is capable.
I try to ignore it but it always bothers me when i hear someone say the only reason a black actor got a part was because of political correctness( like their acting ability is less because of the color of their skin). Why cant it be because the actor regardless of skin color was the best man or woman for the job.
Iceman, I was responding to 790. I agreed with what you posted. We’re both on the same page when it comes to the issues discussed in this thread. Sorry for not being clear as to whom I was directly replying to.
Iceman, if the character is one ethnic background, why shoehorn another ethinic background into the role of an existing property?
Why not develop a musical plot based around an orphan and call it whatever you want?
Once you start tinkering too much with an established IP, it becomes worthless as a selling point. You might as well develop an original concept at that point.
But heaven forbid someone in Hollywood does something original.
Seriously though, I honestly don’t care much about Annie, I dont think I’ve ever even seen the movie in its entirety. I dont really think a character being fictional changes anything, in terms of it being all right to change the race/gender. I mean, It would be pretty damn weird having a white guy play Black Panther.
And beyond all this PC-stuff, it’s detestable that any actor gets to shoehorn their kids into roles like this, just because of their own succes.
Here’s the real question. Would any of you actually go see it if it wasn’t Will Smith’s kid and some no name actress? I don’t think there’s a huge amount of Little Orphan Annie fans on this site
.
Unless your talking about Annie Hathaway…
I despise every version of Little Orphan Annie I’ve ever seen.
Vic
Vic, same here, just not my cup of tea.
good for you.
but some people love the musical.
I was in the pit orchestra for performances of it and loved every second. It’s a wonderful play with a touching script and catchy tunes.
I hated the film, but mostly because they actually cut out a bunch of really good parts and tossed in some incredibly sucky ones.
I’m a traditionalist.
I don’t care that Will smith is black or any of that. What I object to is the “updating” of the music. They could make it on Mars with purple aliens for all I care, but leave the music alone. All this bullcrap about “updating” the music is horsepucky. The music is perfect as it is. It’s a period piece. The musical style is FROM that period. Wrapping it in modern pop styles won’t improve it.
What’s next? Is Will Smith going to “update” Amadeus and make (c)rap versions of all of Mozart’s works just so the film can appear “cool”?
You say you are a traditionalist and it is a period piece but you don’t care if they change location, aliens for actors, situate it on another planet but don’t touch the music. You are contradicting yourself..Annie the Musical on Mars certainly doesn’t sound tradionalist to me..
Heh, “horsepucky”. I’m using that one.
I would totally see an Annie remake if it were done properly. First time hearing about this and it seems like it’s not heading in the direction I would like. This reminds me of when people were shooing in Donald Glover (who is African American) to play Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the reboot. *shiver*
I don’t care if your’e white, black, purple, green, yellow or pink.
What I do care about is a character’s history, even if fictional. Annie is a little white girl. Leave it be.
What if a white man were hired to portray Will Smith in a biopic?
lol
Lol Sully.
Reason I commented was because I hate to see this kind of political correctness.
sounds more like racism…but oops your comments arent racist. Its true blooded patriotism *sarcasm*
Does racism bother you? Probably not, right?
I think your use of the term political correctness is seriously misguided…to act like will smith is trying to make a political statement by casting his daugher as annie is ridiculous.
For all you know the Smiths are huge fans of the original movie and feel like it would be a great role for willow. Believe it or not but not everyone sees a black actor in a white role (or visa versa) as a conspiracy to topple america or its values.
For example i love spiderman (always been a huge fan)a studio comes to me one day and says hey Iceman08 we want to know what youd like to see made into a movie, give us your ideas. Just because i happen to cast someone of a different race or sexual orientation doesnt mean I did it because of political correctness…maybe i just wanted to see that person in the role.
The very notion of “political correctness” and how it’s used, and what is has come to mean is illogical and hypocritical.
It’s a term that the conservatives have implanted in people’s brains through repeated usage. It’s a weapon used against stances and beliefs held by liberals.
Yet, when it comes to the sensitivities and views of the right, they don’t look at the protection of their own sensitivities as being politically correct.
I’ve noticed over time that almost everyone who cries against “political correctness” don’t even know what racism is and pick and choose small, minor examples rather than stepping back and seeing the whole picture. Picking those small exceptions helps their faulty, illogical arguments.
They call it racism when a minority person tries to create opportunities for themselves in a very racist environment (such as Hollywood), but they don’t have a problem with the racist status quo that still heavily favors white directors and actors.
Michael,
OK, let’s not go down this path shall we? I’m a Conservative, find far greater faults in logic on the Liberal side and I’m biting my tongue in order to not respond beyond that.
And as to Annie being black or white, I agree – what’s the difference? Based on the description of Annie from Wikipedia:
“She escaped from a Dickensian orphanage and made her way in the world by pluck, hard work and a cheery disposition. In 1925, she met Oliver Warbucks, an idealized capitalist who, at that time, resembled Jiggs of Bringing Up Father. Although Annie had been taken on trial by Warbuck’s wife, the cold-hearted daughter of a plumber, it was he who showed her the most affection, insisting on their first meeting that she call him ‘Daddy’.”
“However, Annie did not get on with Mrs. Warbucks, who thought that Annie was more than a bother, and between her and Oliver, was ruining her socially. She often bemoaned that because of Annie being there, she couldn’t have her gossipy friends around, and was often thinking of ways to get rid of her, and send her back to “The Home”, and often complained about Oliver’s shortcomings.”
…it wouldn’t be odd at ALL for someone other than a redheaded little white girl to play the role. In fact it might be more fitting for her to be a black child.
Vic
the only problem is you are misquoting the story of Annie.
what you are referencing is the comic strip (the description from Wiki you quote is NOT that of “Annie”, but of “Little Orphan Annie”… two different entities).
What Will Smith is remaking is the MUSICAL.
The stories are radically different.
Mike E.
I thought the musical “Annie” was based on the comic strip, no? Orphaned Annie? Daddy Warbucks?
If I’m mistaken, I stand corrected.
Vic
VERY loosely based upon.
there is no Mrs Warbucks, there is no contextual reason for any reference to “inappropriate” relations between Daddy Warbucks and Annie.
In the end, I don’t object to a little black or asian or native american girl playing Annie. as a matter of fact, I suspect that there are probably proportionately more non-caucasian children in orphanages than “adorable cute little red-headed” girls. I would probably be the first to audition a non-red-headed girl for Annie were I to produce a new stage version of the musical.
But I’m bothered by the idea of “updating” the musical to a hiphop/rap whatever update, and to Will Smith using THAT as a vehicle for another of his talentless progeny.
Most of the songs in “Annie”, however, have lyrics so firmly rooted in the depression-era setting, that a massive reworking of all the lyrics becomes a necessity if one wants to “update” the musical. I just don’t trust people like Will Smith to have the talent and subtlety to handle this “update”. It has nothing to do with anyone’s colour or “race”. I’m about as colourblind as they come. It has to do with people like Smith feeling the need to ghetto-ize everything they touch.
The original musical “Annie” has a timeless quality to it, despite being so firmly rooted in a specific historic timeframe. It comes across as a sort of snapshot of naiveté and optimism, contrasted with the reality of profound hopelessness. And in that contrast, in those contradictions, lie its quality. It has a great deal of heart.
It’s a story about children, about love, about orphans. How will the “street music” qualities of rap and hiphop reflect well with that? Probably I’m just too much of an old fuddy-duddy and not “up” on all the latest pop music. But I just don’t see this working successfully as anything more than a vanity project by Will Smith.
I love me a good ol’ Will Smith action flick. He’s fine when he’s in his element. But sorry, I don’t trust him with this project.
Here here to everything you just said, Mike. I was nodding with agreement throughout.
@790
You’re just throwing the term “Political correctness” out there as a buzz word. This situation doesn’t even fit the definition of that term.
Just man up and say you don’t like seeing “white roles” go to minorities. Have some conviction. What you’re doing (ironically enough) is hiding your true feelings behind a veil of political correctness.
You’ve become everything you hate – or maybe you always were?
@Ice_man08, if Tom Cruise produced and cast his daughter for the role of Dee in the What’s Happining movie my comments would read the same.
I don’t have a problem with casting a black girl in the movie but it seems driven by other agendas. As you can see how it has stirred up a r-word debate with your comments.
But you’re not looking at the bigger picture. The default setting in the Hollywood system is white. The great majority of roles are for whites.
There’s virtually no limit on opportunities for whites.
But there are limited opportunities for minorities. While blacks have received greater opportunities over the past couple decades, as seen in the influence that Will Smith has, minorities still get short shrift.
Have you seen how Hollywood is still casting white people to play Asian characters? Oh, wait, I’m just being too sensitive, right?
And you’re not being too sensitive?
It’s funny how when minorities complain about legitimate issues, many whites often go directly into DENIAL mode, and pull the “stop being PC!” card, and yet everyone’s supposed to cater to white people’s sensitivities. Don’t you see how absurd it is to be complaining about other people’s sensitivities? You tell them to get over it.
Why don’t you complainers get over it? Why does it bother you so much that other people don’t share the same sensitivities as you do? And just because those sensitivities are different doesn’t make them any less valid than yours.
This society is far from a level playing ground and is still systematically and institutionally racist, in favor of whites.
790 you said:
“What’s Smith trying to prove?
Annie has always been a pale white girl with red hair,,,
It really sucks when people with power use it like this. I have absolutlely no respect for Smith.”
My comments were a reaction. If tom cruise wants to remake Whats happening with a white cast thats fine. But i would question his motives since 1. It wasnt a very popular show and 2. Remaking a show like that with a white cast may be culturally insensitive. (kinda like black face movies of the early film era).(does it offend you that they want to put willow smith in the role of annie?) because i never considered that maybe thats culturally offensive to many white people. But back to Tom Cruise if thats what he wants to do its not my place nor my money to stop him.
I have to apologise i dont want to imply your racist…but that your comments came across as biased and a little offensive to me. Maybe you could clarify a little better next time..for the slower people like me lol.
well Anne is now a black girl with red hair
@Ice_man08, I would say that a What’s Happening movie would make more then an Annie film.
I grew up on that show and loved the characters.
Whats Happening was a good show!!!
I loved What’s Happening? Just don’t cast Seth Rogen as Rerun
I’m intrigued to see how this will turn out. I thought his remake of The Karate Kid was going to be horrible, but it was so completely different I thought it turned out to be pretty good. I just hope they put a truly unique spin on the whole thing – Willow is no old school Whitney Houston and certainly no Aileen Quinn! I happen to love The Wiz – BTW.