Steven Spielberg’s WEST SIDE STORY Casts Its Maria, Anita, Bernardo, and Chino
The cast for Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story is starting to take shape. We already learned that Ansel Elgort will be taking on the role of Tony, now it’s been announced that 17-year old New Jersey High School student Rachel Zegler is set to make her big film debut in the role of Maria, Tony’s love interest. More than 30,000 girls auditioned for this role, so Zegler obviously kicked ass in her auditions! Listen to her sing part of the song “Shallow” From A Star Is Born below. She’s pretty damn talented!
someone: you use autotune😤😤😤😤
— rachel zegler (@rachelzegler) December 14, 2018
me: pic.twitter.com/9sPBkDj2kf
I love that Spielberg is looking to cast fresh new actors in this film! It’s also being reported that Broadway veterans Ariana DeBose will play Anita, David Alvarez will take on the role of Bernardo, and theater performer Josh Andrés Rivera has been cast as Chino.
According to Deadline, “Spielberg and his team were committed to finding the best actors within the Puerto Rican as well as the broader Latinx community. The team has been conducting research and having conversations with Hispanic heritage and advocacy groups. In December 2018, Spielberg and Tony Kushner, who is adapting West Side Story, sat with professors and students at the University of Puerto Rico (Universidad de Puerto Rico – Río Piedras) to learn more about performing arts on the island. The production team maintains a dialogue with the University and Puerto Rican filmmakers there.”
Spielberg had this to say in a statement:
“When we began this process a year ago, we announced that we would cast the roles of Maria, Anita, Bernardo, Chino and the Sharks with Latina and Latino actors. I’m so happy that we’ve assembled a cast that reflects the astonishing depth of talent in America’s multifaceted Hispanic community. I am in awe of the sheer force of the talent of these young performers, and I believe they’ll bring a new and electrifying energy to a magnificent musical that’s more relevant than ever.”
The new cast members also join Rita Moreno, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Anita in the original 1961 movie. She will play Valentina in the remake, and she is “a reconceived and expanded version of the character of Doc, the owner of the corner store in which Tony works.” Moreno also serves as Executive Producer on the film and she had this to say in a statement:
“I simply cannot wait to get on set to work with this group of young actors. What an ensemble, and I look forward to passing the baton to this next generation of Sharks!”
Rachel Zegler, the young woman who plays Maria said:
“I am so thrilled to be playing the iconic role of Maria alongside this amazing cast. West Side Story was the first musical I encountered with a Latina lead character. As a Colombian-American, I am humbled by the opportunity to play a role that means so much to the Hispanic community.”
Ariana DeBose, who plays Anita, said:
“I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of the remarkable women who have played Anita – including Chita Rivera and, of course, the incomparable Rita Moreno. I relate so strongly to Anita – a strong Puerto Rican woman who came to New York in search of opportunity – and I feel so fortunate for the chance to work with this amazing cast and creative team.”
David Alvarez, who plays Bernardo, said:
“My parents emigrated from Cuba with no connections, knowing no English, driven only by the hope of a better life. I know how challenging the decision was for them, and I see a lot of that internal conflict in Bernardo. I have dreamt of playing this part since I first saw the original film, and I am so grateful for the chance to bring my own perspective and journey to this role – as an artist, a Veteran and a Latino – and to work with this incredible cast to breathe new life into these characters’ experiences.”
Josh Andres Rivera, who plays Chino, added:
“West Side Story is the dream for any performer, and to tackle it with this creative team is truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I feel very fortunate to be able to portray the Nuyorican experience alongside these amazingly talented actors. I’m confident Puerto Ricans on and off the island will see ourselves reflected in this project.”
This latest West Side Story adaptation was written by Oscar nominated screenwriter and Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner (Lincoln, Munich). The story was originally written by Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim with music by Leonard Bernstein.
Filming for West Side Story is set to begin in the summer of 2019. Stay tuned for more casting announcements!