The Oscars' youngest Best Actress nominee Quvenzhane Wallis is reportedly in talks to replace Willow Smith as the star of the upcoming Annie movie musical.

The nine-year-old Beasts of the Southern Wild star has emerged as a frontrunner for the big screen remake of the Broadway show, according to EW.com.

Director Will Gluck and producers at Will Smith's Overbrook Entertainment banner and Jay-Z's Marcy Media have yet to make any firm casting decisions, but insiders suggest Wallis is a big hit.

Smith's 12-year-old daughter quit the project last month (Jan13) and her father recently said, "Willow was supposed to be doing Annie, we got Jay-Z to do the movie, go the studio to come in and Willow had such a difficult time on tour with Whip My Hair and she said, 'You know Daddy,' I don't think so... I have a better idea, how about I just be 12?'"