I remember the 1982 Annie quite well. I was five when it was released and I think the #1 thing I took away from it all these years later is how much I love Geoffrey Holder, not so much for his role as Punjab, but more for his weird performance in Live and Let Die and his excellent work in Boomerang. Of course there was Albert Finney as Daddy Warbucks and Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan. Nothing came of Aileen Quinn who played Annie, but perhaps 2014’s remake, which will feature the Oscar-nominated star of Beasts of the Southern Wild, Quvenzhané Wallis, in the lead role will only solidify the young actress in the hearts of audiences.
It’s already been reported Jamie Foxx will take on Finney’s role though the name Daddy Warbucks has been upgraded for modern audiences to Benjamin Stacks and Easy A helmer Will Gluck will direct.
Now, Cameron Diaz has joined the cast as Miss Hannigan, stepping in where about a week ago it was thought Sandra Bullock may take the role.
Annie, like the one before it, is a remake of the Broadway musical based upon the popular comic strip and featuring songs with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin and a book by Thomas Meehan. The show originally penned on April 21, 1977, and immediately became a hit, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. [Deadline]
