The Jets and the Sharks are about to dance their way into the 21st century!
Steven Spielberghasn’t begun filming for hisremake ofWest Side Storybut the prolific director has already made some major casting choices for the upcoming film.
Centering on two teenagers from opposing street gangs who fall in love, the story is based on William Shakespeare’sRomeo and Juliet.
Here is everything we know about the upcomingWest Side Storyremake.
Ansel Elgort as Tony
Before being cast as Tony, Elgort had a bit of practice before landing the role.
The 24-year-old actor starred in a stage production of the musical in 2007 for the Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center when he was just 13, according to Broadway.com.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty; Stagedoor Manor
The budding actor portrayed hot-tempered Action, one of the Jets, in the stage production.
Bringing Back a Legend
While Spielberg hasn’t cast Tony’s love interest Maria yet, he has brought back an iconic actress from the original film.
Rita Moreno, who portrayed Anita, hasjoined Spielberg’s adaptation as Valentina. The character is a re-conceived and expanded version of the character of Doc, the owner of the corner store in which Tony works.
The 1961 film adaptation launched Moreno’s career and won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Rita Moreno in the 1961 film adaptation ofWest Side Story.
Spielberg said they always hoped to have Moreno’s involvement in the film.
“From our earliest discussions, we wanted to include Rita Moreno in our production,” the director said in a statement. “Her Anita [from the 1961 film] is one of the greatest musical performances ever filmed, and a personal favorite of mine. We created an original role for her, and we feel beyond fortunate that Rita will bring her extraordinary gifts as an actress, as well as her deep understanding ofWest Side Storyto this production as an executive producer.”
The 1961 film adaptation won 10 Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress for Moreno, best picture and best director.
Spielberg’s adaptation ofWest Side Storyis set to begin filming in the summer of 2019.
source: people.com
