For all the movie lovers who have been waiting for a long time now just to watch one of the most awaited versions of “West Side Story”, the good news is that the movie is soon to be released in theaters this month. Talking about the movie it is not just any version but is an update directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Tony Kushner. The most cherished musical released back in 1957 by Steven Sondheim was first adapted for the big screen in 1961. The version of the movie released in 1961 was so successful that it went ahead to win 10 Oscars including Best Picture. Talking about this new iteration, Spielberg has maintained the 1950s New York City setting. Also, the main plot of this version will be revolving around the main beats of a Romeo and Juliet-esque story of star-crossed lovers from rival families.
Well as expected the cast of this latest version is different and something that has made many social media users happy after they came to know about the news. So if you want to know about the cast and the roles of the cast acting in “West Side Story” then a complete list of casts and characters guide is here below. The film is expected to be released on Dec. 10 exclusively in theaters.
- Rachel Zegler as Maria- the actress will fill the role of Maria, a young Puerto Rican girl. She falls in love with Tony.
- Ansel Elgort as Tony- Famous for her roles in films like “Baby Driver” and “The Fault in Our Stars,” the star will play the role of Tony, a former member of the gang known as the Jets.
- Ariana DeBose as Anita- Being a Tony-nominated actress with Broadway cred who also appeared in the Netflix musical “The Prom,” will play the role of Anita who is Maria’s best friend. She also acted in the 1961 film and won an Oscar.
- David Alvarez as Bernardo- Tony- He appeared in Broadway’s “Billy Elliot,” plays Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks gang. He is also the older brother of Maria and the boyfriend of Anita in the version.
- Mike Faist as Riff- The actor who was seen on Broadway in “Dear Evan Hansen,” now plays the role of the Riff, who is the leader of the Jets and also his best buddy of Tony.
- Rita Moreno as Valentina- Rita will return for Spielberg’s version of “West Side Story” playing the role of Valentina that takes the place of Doc in the original version. Serving as a mentor character to the teenagers and is married to a white man.
- Brian d’Arcy James as Officer Krupke- Veteran of both stage and screen, actor Brian d’Arcy James will be playing the role of a beat officer running into both gangs as Officer Krupke.
- Corey Stoll as Lieutenant Schrank- The cherished actor was seen in “Ant-Man” and “House of Cards” who will be playing the role of Lieutenant Schrank, a skilled detective.
