“Beasts of the Southern Wild” Star Lands Lead Role in “Annie” Remake
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Fox Searchlight(LOS ANGELES) — Just hours before she attended the Oscars, 9-year-old Beasts of the Southern Wild star Quvenzhane Wallis had reason to celebrate.
Sony Pictures Entertainment announced on Sunday afternoon that Wallis has been cast in the title role of a new adaptation of Annie.
The president of production for the studio said in a statement, “Quvenzhane Wallis is a true star and we believe her portrayal as Annie will make her a true worldwide star. She is an extraordinary young talent with an amazing range, not only as an actress but as a singer and dancer, and we can’t wait for audiences to further discover her.”
Wallis made history this awards season by becoming the Oscars’ youngest-ever actress nominee.
Annie will be produced by Will Smith, his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, and rapper Jay-Z. It will hit theaters during the 2014 holiday season.
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