'Glee' Creator Drops 'Annie' Reboot
by Elizabeth Sexton
Ryan Murphy has orphaned Will Smith’s reboot of “Annie.”
Murphy, the expected director, has left the film that will star Willow Smith as the title character.
According to Deadline, “talks broke off” with Murphy. Willow’s parents, Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith will produce the film, while Jay-Z will oversee the musical side.
It’s unknown why Murphy left, but MTV points towards his loaded work schedule, like directing “The Normal Heart” starring Mark Ruffalo and a $5 million open offer from Sony to reunite after “Eat Pray Love” with Julia Roberts.
Murphy may also be involved in several other musical film productions. After the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” - themed episode of “Glee," there was talk that Murphy might be on board for a remake of the 1975 film. He has also been one of the directors mentioned for film adaptation of “Wicked.”