Watch Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ Trailer

The first trailer for Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story was revealed during the 2021 Oscars ceremony. The film stars Baby Driver’s Ansel Elgort as Tony and newcomer Rachel Zegler as Maria, the young lovers trapped in a feud between rival gangs the Sharks and the Jets. Rita Moreno, who won an Oscar for her role as Anita in the original movie, returns in a reimagined role as Valentina, the owner of the corner store where Tony works, and is also one of the film’s executive producers.

Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story will be released on 10 December 2021, exactly 60 years after the original film was released in 1961. It was originally scheduled for release in December last year but was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The film has been adapted from the 1957 Broadway musical

West Side Story tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 in New York City and is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Steven Spielberg’s film has been adapted for the screen from the 1957 Broadway musical which was written by Arthur Laurents with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and conception, direction and choreography by Jerome Robbins.

Tony Kushner who has written the new screenplay for Steven Spielberg’s film, Justin Peck has created new choreography, and the iconic score is conducted by Gustavo Dudamel.

“I grew up surrounded by classical music”

Steven Spielberg has loved West Side Story since he was a child. He told Vanity Fair, “Our entire home was festooned with classical musical albums, and I grew up surrounded by classical music. West Side Story was actually the first piece of popular music our family ever allowed into the home.

I absconded with it – this was the cast album from the 1957 Broadway musical – and just fell completely in love with it as a kid. West Side Story has been that one haunting temptation that I have finally given in to.”

Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story will be released on 10 December 2021.

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