The first details have started emerging for the upcoming remake of the classic West Side Story, with Steven Spielberg at the helm.

Set in 1950s New York City, the story follows two rival gangs – the Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks – in a Romeo & Juliet story shifts the focus from the nobility to the inner city.

Baby Driver star Ansel Elgort is set to take on the lead role of Tony, with rising star Rachel Zegler as Maria. The film will also star David Alvarez as Bernardo, Mike Faist as Riff, Ariana DeBose as Anita and the legendary Rita Moreno as Valentina – a reworked version of Doc the corner store owner.

Made famous by the 1961 film, Spielberg plans to revisit the original 1957 musical for his version of the tale. The Broadway production was written by Arthur Laurents, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and music from Leonard Bernstein.

Spielberg has recruited playwright Tony Kushner and choreographer Justin Peck to help bring the stage to the screen.

West Side Story is due for release on December 18th, 2020.

OIP Staff