Jay-Z’s film remake of the musical Annie will start shooting next year.

The BBC report that the New York rapper, who sampled Annie on his 1998 single ‘Hard Knock Life’ [below], is also writing the music for the movie. It will be written by Emma Thompson (Sense & Sensibility), who has been working on the script for “nearly three years”, with Willow Smith (daughter of Will and singer of ‘Whip my Hair’) set to play he lead role. Will Smith will produce the film alongside Jay-Z.

It’s not the only film Jay’s set to be involved in: he’ll presumably be present for at least part of Beyonce’s forthcoming documentary. The one she’s directing, starring in and producing, remember?