Ryan Murphy to direct Willow Smith in Annie remake?

'Glee' creator Ryan Murphy has been approached to direct Willow Smith in a remake of 'Annie'.

The 45-year-old filmmaker - whose most recent cinema outing was with Julia Roberts in romantic comedy 'Eat Pray Love' - has been asked by Sony to consider directing the remake of the classic comedy musical about a bright-haired orphan girl who finds a new home.

Willow is being backed by her film-star parents Will and Jada Pinkett Smith for the role, with both producing the project alongside James Lassiter and Ken Stovitz.

Rap star Jay-Z is also involved in the music of the movie, although it is not yet known if they will be remakes of the original songs or entirely new numbers.

Willow, 10, will be the second child of Will and Jada's who will take a starring role in a movie, with Jaden Smith last year heading up a remake of 'Karate Kid', which grossed $359 million on release.

Ryan is currently shooting the second series of 'Glee', and is attached to work on an unknown follow-up movie with Julia Roberts.