Will Glee Mastermind Ryan Murphy Direct the Annie Remake, Starring Willow Smith?

Will Smith and Jay-Z’s upcoming Annie film remake, starring Smith’s daughter Willow, is hoping to recruit Glee creator Ryan Murphy to direct the project, according to Deadline.com.

Murphy directed the film adaptation of Eat, Pray, Love, starring Julia Roberts, and is set to reunite with the actress for another as yet to be determined project for Sony. He also directed the film Running With Scissors and oversaw the TV series Nip/Tuck and Popular. Murphy’s name has also been floated around as a potential director for the film version of Wicked. He is also currently developing a TV series for Tony winner and Glee guest star Kristin Chenoweth.

Annie first opened on Broadway on April 21, 1977 and ran for 2,377 performances. Featuring music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and a book by Thomas Meehan, the musical took home seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The show has previously been adapted for the big screen in 1982 and again as a 1999 made-for-TV movie. A James LaPine-directed revival is eyeing a Broadway run in 2012.