Corey Stoll, Brian d’Arcy James to dance for Spielberg’s West Side Story

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

It sounds as if ANT-MAN villain actor Corey Stoll and 13 REASONS WHY alum Brian d'Arcy James have a song in their respective hearts and a pep in their step, as both gentlemen have recently been cast in Steven Spielberg's upcoming adaptation of WEST SIDE STORY. Based on the 1957 crime drama musical with music by Leonard Bernstein, West Side Story explores forbidden love, and the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.

Upon boarding the film, Stoll and d'Arcy James have agreed to join leads Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler, who are set to play the destined lovers Tony, a former member of the white gang known as the Jets, and Maria, the younger sister of the leader of the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang, respectively. Also looking to cut a rug for Spielberg's version of the timeless turf war are Rita Moreno  as Valentina, Ariana DeBose as Anita, David Alvarez as Bernardo and Josh Andrés Rivera as Chino.

Stoll will act as Lieutenant Schrank for the film, the New York City-based detective in charge of brokering peace between the warring factions within his district, while d'Arcy James will play Sergeant Krupke, a seasoned cop who patrols the mean streets of both Sharks and Robbins territories.

Spielberg's version will indeed by based on the original 1957 musical, which had been written by Arthur Laurents with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and concept, direction and choreography by Jerome Robbins. Throughout the decades, West Side Story has been re-imagined and re-created by countless talents both on and off the Broadway stage.

WEST SIDE STORY marks Spielberg's first time back in the director's chair since helming READY PLAYER ONE for Warner Bros. The upcoming musical is currently in its pre-production phase, with progress being made to bring it to the big screen with each passing day. With any luck, we'll be hearing about when we can expect WEST SIDE STORY to sing and dance its way into theaters real soon.