The first trailer for Steven Spielberg’s much-anticipated adaptation of the iconic musical West Side Story has finally been released.
Originally set to debut at the end of 2020, the film was pushed back a full year off the back of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with its premiere slated for December 2021, we’ve been given a preview of what it has in store.
The minute-and-a-half long teaser hints at a number of the memorable moments from the musical, including the love story between Rachel Zegler’s Maria and Ansel Elgort’s Tony, as well as the rivalry between street gangs the Jets and the Sharks.
On top of that, the clip also features a glimpse of some of the film’s infectious choreography and a snippet of ‘Somewhere’.
Along with lead actors Zelger and Elgort, the film will also star Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, Corey Stoll and Brian d’Arcy James.
As if that wasn’t enough, Rita Moreno, who won an Oscar for playing Anita in the 1961 film, will appear in a supporting role and is heard singing in the trailer.
According to Variety, Moreno will be playing a new character called Valentina, who is said to be a reworking of Tony’s boss from the original stage and movie versions.
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Currently the only cast member from the 1961 version set to appear in the remake, Moreno told Variety it will be “astonishing”.
“To be there, when Steven is giving you directions, and Steven is jumping around like a child with his finder, saying, ‘Rita, look at this. What do you think of this shot?’” she said.
“He’s so enthused and happy — what a joy to work with this man. The sets will blow you away. You will really believe you’re in el barrio. It’s just astonishing.”
Now, all we can hope is that West Side Story helps rebuild the reputation of movie musicals after the disaster that was Cats.
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Watch the first trailer for West Side Story:
