Willow Smith will no longer star in the upcoming remake of the classic film Annie, Overbrook Entertainment confirmed recently.
A number of reasons were sited for the casting change, including delays and Smith’s age—she’s now 12.
“Willow was nine years old when we started developing this project, and has since grown out of the role,” read a statement.
Replacements for the young starlet are being tossed around. So far, Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis of Beasts of the Southern Wild and Amandla Stenberg of Hunger Games are both reportedly in the running for the title role.
Jay-Z, who’s scoring the film, released a statement on the changes saying, “For Marcy Media’s (his company) first foray into film, we couldn’t ask for better partners and mentors than Overbrook Entertainment. We are excited to work with Will Gluck and Sony Pictures Entertainment. My well-known affinity for the classic “Hard Knock Life” makes Annie a natural vehicle to lead us into the world of the cinema.”
Who do you think should replace Smith?