If you don't know how to pronounce her name yet, you might want to start learning as big things are on the horizon for Quvenzhané Wallis. The breakout star and Oscar nominee for "Beasts of the Southern Wild" is making the leap from indie darling to blockbuster lead.
After reports a few weeks back that she was being eyed, Deadline reports that Wallis has been signed up to play the lead in the remake of "Annie." The new version of the musical that was previously turned into a hit 1982 movie, will be directed by "Easy A" helmer Will Gluck and will trade the Great Depression setting for a contemporary story. That's all the details there are for now, but both Will Smith and Jay-Z are producing, which will put the actress in some extrememly powerful company.
We can't really argue with this casting, but let's hope a big studio production can keep the spirit the actress showed in the indie 'Beasts' intact. And certainly, this is big news for young Wallis on the eve of the Oscars, making it a doubly special night for her. No word yet on when production will begin, but "Annie" is aiming for a fall 2014 release.