The Upswing

popculturebrain:

Will Smith developed a remake of The Karate Kid for son Jaden, and it was the surprise hit of the summer with a sequel on the way.  But the Fresh Prince is not one to play favorites with his offspring.  Let’s see, what 1980s film would be perfect for a gift to daughter Willow Smith?  Oh, of course: Annie.  The property originated in 1924 as Little Orphan Annie, a comic strip about a parentlessly plucky young redhead which inspired a Broadway musical in 1977.  But the film based on the musical opened in 1982, so it counts. The idea of “The Smiths Present Annie” is plenty entertaining on its own.  But gee whiskers, it gets better: Jay-Z is in talks to collaborate on the music.  Details after the jump: There is context to Jay-Z’s involvement, of course.  Young Smith reached #11 on the Billboard Top 100 with “Whip My Hair” earlier this year.  Jay-Z was apparently a fan and signed her to his label Roc Nation.  Plus, the rapper has a history with Annie.  He sampled one of the musical’s signature songs for “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem).” According to Variety’s report, the project is in the very early stages of development at Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment.  It is not clear if there will be any original songs, or if this is a contemporary version of Annie.  They should absolutely keep it set during the 1920s to lend sinister racist undertones to the entire race-switching premise.

“Willow can mop the floor by whipping her hair.” -larabryn

That’s it! Will Smith is working my nerves.