Official confirmation arrived that Cameron Diaz would star as Miss Hannigan in the upcoming Annie remake, joining Jamie Foxx who portrays Benjamin Stacks, the character best known to fans as Daddy Warbucks. The project moved quickly through New York City, with film crews rolling through the metropolis in recent weeks and the first on-set photographs beginning to surface. Diaz’s interpretation of the villainous yet comically flawed guardian seemed to embrace the character’s overbearing habits and sharp wit, paired with a playful bravado that fans have long associated with Miss Hannigan. Onlookers spotted Diaz in a scene that felt both chaotic and oddly affectionate, hinting at how this version might reinterpret the beloved adversary. The actress appeared relaxed and clearly enjoying the playful energy of the role, signaling a fresh, contemporary spin on a familiar antagonist. Reporters noted the contrast between Miss Hannigan’s drear routine and the film’s bright, modern world, a balance the production seemed to chase from day one. Studio insiders indicated Diaz’s performance would anchor a central thread in the movie’s updated take on the cherished family musical.
Photos from the set showed Diaz embracing the character’s edgy fashion sense. Her makeup was heavy and theatrical, with a messy updo that suggested someone who lives in the shadows of the orphanage yet commands the stage. The look included an oversized green boa layered over a leather jacket, a bold mix that mirrored Hannigan’s garish, over-the-top style and a hunger for attention. Diaz wore a broad smile in many frames, conveying the sly humor behind Hannigan’s schemes. In one image, she leaned on a fire escape near what appears to be the orphanage featured in the story, a visual cue that established the character’s domain over the children she tries to control. The outfit focused on cutoff jeans, a loose gray sweater, and a collection of gold jewelry—from chunky necklaces to hoop earrings—items chosen to emphasize a gaudy, carnival-like atmosphere around the role. Diaz herself released a teaser image on social media earlier in the week, offering fans an early glimpse of the transformation and inviting anticipation for the film’s release.
Fans of the property were quick to speculate how the new Miss Hannigan would fit into the storyline, with Diaz’s pairing with Foxx adding a new dynamic to the orphanage’s power structure. The production schedule aimed for a mid-December 2014 release, a winter window known for blending nostalgic charm with contemporary marketing. Observers noted that the remake would preserve the heart of the original while updating its humor and choreography for today’s audiences, including new songs and a refreshed visual palette. The on-set photos offered a sense of the film’s tone: vivid colors, brisk pacing, and a whimsy that could translate to modern cinema while staying true to the musical’s enduring charm. For many fans, Diaz’s portrayal suggested Hannigan who is more than a single-note villain—unpredictable, capable of a joke even as she schemes against Annie’s progress. Media coverage from that period emphasized how Diaz’s star power could anchor a project designed to appeal to families and long-time theater lovers alike, with production notes stressing a nimble approach to the character’s more outrageous moments.
Did Diaz deliver the right energy for Miss Hannigan? Early glimpses and behind-the-scenes chatter suggested she captured the character’s signature blend of menace and mischief with a wink. The performance appeared to balance campy flair with a darker edge, a quality many fans hoped would translate into memorable musical numbers and a few fresh twists on the familiar tale. While some viewers preferred a stricter, more classic interpretation, others welcomed a modern, energetic Hannigan that could hold its own in a contemporary screen adaptation. In the end, the photos and interviews circulated by studio press materials pointed to a bold, confident take that left audiences eager to see how Diaz and the rest of the cast would bring this beloved story to life on the big screen.