The first official trailer for Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story has been released by Disney and 20th Century Studios and it hopes to introduce the iconic Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim musical to a whole new generation.
Ansel Elgort and newcomer Rachel Zegler headline the project as star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria. The official synopsis reads, “‘West Side Story’ tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Rachel Zegler (María); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); Ana Isabelle (Rosalía); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); and Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works). Moreno — one of only three artists to be honored with Academy, Emmy, GRAMMY, Tony, and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers.”
West Side Story serves as the first movie musical for director Steven Spielberg and it’s written by frequent collaborator Tony Kushner, who earned screenwriting Oscar nominations for writing duties on Spielberg’s Munich and Lincoln. Expectations are high for West Side Story as the 1961 film adaptation is considered one of the best of the genre that earned 10 Oscar wins, including Best Picture.
West Side Story is clearly positioning itself for potential Oscar glory as the film opens in the middle of Awards season on December 10, 2021. Did YOU like the trailer?