If you're anyone who loves musicals, heck just incredible films in general, then I don't need to explain to you what West Side Story is.
For the rest of you, the iconic 1961 film (based on the 50s-set Broadway musical) starred Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and Russ Tamblyn and also won 10 Academy Awards — which, for the record, is the most Oscar wins for any musical film ever.
Fast forward to 2019! Steven Spielberg is directing a remake (shooting begins this summer) and they recently announced who's been cast as the leads! Here's a look...
Maria — played by Natalie Wood then and Rachel Zegler now:
Fun facts: Wood did not actually provide the singing voice for Maria in West Side Story, she was dubbed over by Marni Nixon. As for Zegler, she is a 17-year-old high school student in New Jersey and this will be her feature film debut! And you can see her singing here.
Tony — played by Richard Beymer then and Ansel Elgort now:
Fun facts: Richard Beymer also starred in Twin Peaks with fellow West Side Story pal Russ Tamblyn (Riff). And Elgort has a side career as an EDM artist under the name Ansølo — you can listen to his Soundcloud here.
Anita — played by Rita Moreno then and Ariana DeBose now:
Bernardo — played by George Chakiris then and David Alvarez now:
Fun facts: Chakiris won both a Golden Globe and Academy Award for his role as Bernardo. And Alvarez was one of the original three boys cast to play Billy on Broadway in Billy Elliot the Musical — they went on to win a Tony Award for their roles.
Chino — played by Jose De Vega then and Josh Andrés Rivera now:
Doc — played by Ned Glass then and by Rita Moreno now:
Riff, who was played by Russ Tamblyn in 1961, has yet to be cast/announced for the new film... so STAY TUNED!
Fun fact: Tamblyn is actress Amber Tamblyn's dad!
Here come the Jets! (And Sharks and EVERYONE!)
*Snaps*
