Rose Byrne Joins Musical Movie Annie

Rose Byrne has joined the cast of 'Annie'.

The 'Bridesmaids' actress is the fourth big name to sign on for the star-studded remake of the iconic musical film -alongside Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz and Quvenzhane Wallis - and will play secretary Grace Farrell.

Byrne is set to portray the assistant to billionaire businessman Benjamin Stacks (Foxx), a new version of original 'Annie' character Daddy Warbucks who adopts the orphan child played by Wallis, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Meanwhile, blonde beauty Diaz has signed on to play Miss Hannigan, the story's villainous orphanage matron.

The movie - produced by Will Smith and Jay-Z - will put a fresh spin on the family-favourite tale, which was originally adapted from a newspaper comic strip into a musical in 1977, followed by a popular film in 1982.

Fans can also expect a modern soundtrack from co-producer Jay-Z after his recent work on Baz Luhrmann's 'The Great Gatsby' score.

The project has been in the pipeline since 2010 when Smith and Jay-Z conceived the film as a starring vehicle for Smith's young daughter, Willow, but she decided to abandon the lead role last year.

'Easy A' director Will Gluck is set to direct, with filming due to start later this year for a Christmas 2014 release date.