Cameron Diaz Joins' Annie' As Miss Hannigan

After fading for a bit, Cameron Diaz is in the midst of a major comeback. She helped turn a seemingly random comedy in Bad Teacher into a legit franchise with a sequel and TV series on the way. She has what looks like a showy supporting role in Ridley Scott's The Counselor, and now for her next high-profile gig she'll join Will Smith and Jay-Z's upcoming Annie musical.

Sony had been trying to get Sandra Bullock for the role of Miss Hannigan, the cruel orphanage matron Miss Hannigan, but gave up after negotiations failed to go anywhere. Diaz will now pick up the role, joining Quvenzhane Wallis in the title role, and Jamie Foxx as Benjamin Stacks, a modernized version of Daddy Warbucks. Will Gluck (Easy A) is directing, with Jay-Z and Smith lending some serious producing muscle.

Annie is due to hit theaters on Christmas Day 2014. [Deadline]