West Side Story, one of the most iconic musicals of all time, is making its return to the big screen in 2021. But this time around, it comes with a star-studded ensemble that is sure to leave audiences in awe. In this guide, we'll introduce you to the multi-talented cast that's bringing the classic story of love and rivalry to life once again.

Are you a fan of musicals?

Do you love watching talented actors and actresses perform on stage and on the big screen?

Are you curious to know who will be playing the beloved characters of West Side Story this year?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you won't want to miss out on discovering the star-studded ensemble of West Side Story 2021.

Let's start with the lead roles – Maria and Tony. Playing Maria is none other than newcomer Rachel Zegler. This up-and-coming actress was handpicked by director Steven Spielberg himself, and her performance is already generating buzz among fans and critics alike. As for Tony, he'll be played by Ansel Elgort, known for his roles in The Fault in Our Stars and Baby Driver. With vocal talents that match his acting skills, Elgort is sure to bring a fresh energy to the character.

The rest of the main cast is equally impressive. Ariana DeBose, who previously appeared in Hamilton and The Prom, will take on the role of Anita. Meanwhile, David Alvarez, the youngest performer to win a Tony Award, will play Bernardo. Other notable stars include Mike Faist, Brian d'Arcy James, and Rita Moreno – who played Anita in the original 1961 version and will now portray Valentina.

But the talent doesn't stop there. The ensemble of West Side Story 2021 features a diverse group of performers, including many who are making their big-screen debuts. With a combination of established stars and rising talent, this version of West Side Story promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans old and new.

So what are you waiting for? Discover the star-studded ensemble of West Side Story 2021 and get ready for a cinematic event like no other. It's time to sit back, relax, and let the music take you away!

Introduction

West Side Story 2021 is an upcoming American romantic musical movie that has created considerable fanfare. It is a remake of the 1961 West Side Story movie and is directed by Steven Spielberg. The movie's primary focus is on several teenagers belonging to rival gangs in New York City struggling with their love for each other amidst the rising tensions between these two groups.

The movie features a star-studded ensemble of performers from various ethnicities, backgrounds, and experiences. They come together to make a memorable movie that will attract theater-goers from worldwide. This article shall provide the ultimate guide to this multi-talented cast and compare them with their original counterparts in the 1961 version.

The Main Cast

Tony - Ansel Elgort vs. Richard Beymer

Ansel Elgort is a 27-year-old actor and musician known for his performances in movies such as The Fault in Our Stars (2014), Baby Driver (2017), and Divergent (2014). He plays the role of Tony, a former member of the Jets who falls in love with Maria, a rival gang member.

In the 1961 version, Richard Beymer played Tony's character, a former member of the Jets, who falls in love with Maria. Beymer received critical acclaim for his portrayal and even earned a Golden Globe nomination.

Although it remains to be seen how Elgort fares compared to Beymer, his previous roles indicate he can perform complex roles with ease. However, given the public controversy that has arisen around him lately, we can speculate that fans might remain hesitant to receive him well.

Maria - Rachel Zegler vs. Natalie Wood

Rachel Zegler, a recent high school graduate, makes her debut in a leading role with West Side Story 2021 as Maria. She plays the role of a young, freshly arrived Puerto Rican girl who falls in love with Tony.

On the other hand, Natalie Wood played the same character in the 1961 version. The criticism concerning casting her for the role was due to her not being Puerto Rican, and White Americans playing the part of characters of color.

Rachel Zegler's ethnicity aligns with the character's roots, and her prominent social media presence speaks volumes about her talent. It will be fascinating to see how she adds to this brilliant new era in Hollywood movies.

The Supporting Cast

Bernardo - David Alvarez vs. George Chakiris

David Alvarez, a Tony winner from Billy Elliot The Musical, plays the role of Bernardo, Maria's brother, and also the leader Spokesperson of the Sharks.

In the 1961 version, George Chakiris portrayed Bernardo's role excellently and won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He distinguished himself in the movie's iconic song and dance sequence, revealing himself as the elevated choreographer's confidant.

It will be a challenge for anyone to assume George Chakiris' mantle because of the level of diversity and artistry he brought into play. However, David Alvarez lacks nothing in his artistry, having honed his expertise as a Broadway performer for years. Fans will undoubtedly appreciate his portrayal.

Anita - Ariana DeBose vs. Rita Moreno

Ariana DeBose, a 30-year-old actress, came to national attention with her performance in Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway sensation Hamilton, which received overwhelmingly critical acclaim. She will be reprising the role of Anita, a supporting character, in this magnificent musical.

Meanwhile, Rita Moreno portrayed the same role incongruously brilliantly more than five decades ago in the 1961 version. She has since earned many accolades throughout her career, including an EGOT; which is an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.

Ariana DeBose perfectly suits the character's description because of her impressive versatility, creativity, artistry, and many other abilities that allow her to take the audience's breath away. She is a perfect fit for the role.

Conclusions

Comparing the 1961 version of West Side Story and 2021's Steven Spielberg's rendition, one can discern film-making's enormous development in the past 60 years. Steven Spielberg has chosen a talented cast thoroughly, which promises a fantastic result.

While the comparisons are inevitable, the truth is that these two productions stand alone and should get their due credit. West Side Story 2021 is poised to capture the hearts and minds of all modern audiences looking for their next big musical experience.

Discover the Star-Studded Ensemble of West Side Story 2021: The Ultimate Guide to the Multi-Talented Cast

West Side Story has been a classic for over five decades, and it’s finally getting a modern makeover in the upcoming 2021 adaptation. This beloved musical tells the story of two rival gangs in New York City, the Jets and the Sharks. The gangs come from different ethnic backgrounds, the Jets being white and the Sharks Puerto Rican, and their conflict is intensified when a member of each falls in love.

The lead role of Maria will be played by newcomer Rachel Zegler, who was discovered through an open casting call. Ansel Elgort will play Tony, the male lead. The rest of the cast includes Ariana DeBose as Anita, David Alvarez as Bernardo, Mike Faist as Riff, and Josh Andrés Rivera as Chino.

One notable change in the 2021 West Side Story is that many of the actors will actually be of Puerto Rican descent. This will be the first time that the majority of the Sharks are portrayed by people who are actually Puerto Rican, which is a significant step forward in terms of representation in Hollywood.

In addition to the talented cast, Steven Spielberg is directing the film. He is no stranger to directing iconic movies, having helmed classics like Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Indiana Jones. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner wrote the screenplay, so there’s no doubt that this movie will be a spectacular production.

If you’re a fan of musicals and/or classic movies, you won’t want to miss West Side Story 2021. With its diverse cast and legendary director, this movie is sure to be a hit.

Thank you for reading our ultimate guide to the multi-talented cast of West Side Story 2021. Don’t forget to check out the movie when it hits theaters!

People Also Ask About Discover the Star-Studded Ensemble of West Side Story 2021: The Ultimate Guide to the Multi-Talented Cast

1. Who are the main characters in West Side Story?

   • Tony, played by Ansel Elgort
   • Maria, played by Rachel Zegler
   • Bernardo, played by David Alvarez
   • Anita, played by Ariana DeBose

2. What is West Side Story about?

   West Side Story is a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in 1950s New York City. The story follows two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, and the forbidden love between Tony, a former Jet, and Maria, the sister of the leader of the Sharks.

3. Who directed West Side Story 2021?

   West Side Story 2021 was directed by Steven Spielberg.

4. Who wrote the music for West Side Story?

   The music for West Side Story was composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

5. What other movies has Ansel Elgort been in?

   Ansel Elgort has also starred in The Fault in Our Stars, Baby Driver, and The Goldfinch, among others.

6. What other Broadway shows has Ariana DeBose been in?

   Ariana DeBose has also appeared in Hamilton, A Bronx Tale, and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.

7. What awards has West Side Story won?

   The original 1961 film version of West Side Story won 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The stage musical has won numerous Tony Awards over the years.