20th Century Fox has released its first look at Steven Spielberg‘s adaptation of 1957’s West Side Story. Based on the Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise film of the same name starring Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer, this latest iteration of the beloved musical, which takes inspiration from Romeo and Juliet, pairs Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as Tony and Maria, respectively. And now we can have an idea of what to expect from the film just by looking at the setting and costume design. Check out the official image here below.
Steven Spielberg‘s West Side Story has found its actress to play Maria opposite Ansel Elgort‘s Tony.
It’s been confirmed that New Jersey high school student Rachel Zegler will be playing the iconic role of Maria, the love interest of Tony, who is a member of a rival street gang. Natalie Wood played Maria in the 1961 original. The film was ahead of its time and one of the few to feature a richly diverse cast that had people of color in lead roles. It was one that helped Rita Moreno, who played Anita in the original and has a role in this new take on the story, to become the iconic figure that she is now.
Obviously with a film like West Side Story, any talent that is brought into the film will need to be able to sing. And before you question whether or not Zegler can sing, I suggest you take a look at the video of her singing a cover of “Shallows” from A Star Is Born. It left me floored. Check out who will be joining Zegler on the cast and the video, below.
Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press