It’s almost surreal to even think about how the world will look 9 months from now, but that hasn’t stopped Steven Spielberg from giving us a sneak peek at his upcoming December release “West Side Story.” (via Vanity Fair)
The highly-anticipated adaptation of the Broadway classic is banking on the film being just as relevant today as it was back in the ‘50s, this, in essence, is what prompted Spielberg to jump on-board:
“This story is not only a product of its time, but that time has returned, and it’s returned with a kind of social fury,” the filmmaker said. “I really wanted to tell that Puerto Rican, Nuyorican experience of basically the migration to this country and the struggle to make a living, and to have children, and to battle against the obstacles of xenophobia and racial prejudice.”
The released pictures showcase Tony, Maria, the Jets, and the Sharks, posing in the vivid colors and costumes Spielberg selected for this reworking of the classic story. Stars Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler posing for a few attractive snaps isn’t mind-blowing stuff, but it showcases a bit of what’s to be expected with this movie. Elgort and Zegler are surrounded by a large ensemble cast, which, Spielberg is proud to admit, has 20 of the 33 Puerto Rican characters played by actual Puerto Ricans.
A remake of “West Side Story” is ballsy, but now that there is a woke and more inclusive re-imagining on Broadway, comparisons will surely be made between theater revival and movie adaptation.
Spielberg’s last 10 years as a director have brought forth decent highs (“Bridge of Spies,” “War Horse,” “Lincoln,” “Ready Player One”) and some conspicuous lows (“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skull,” “The Adventures of Tintin” “The BFG”). Where “Wes Side Story” will fit in the Spielberg oeuvre will be decided on December 16th, which is when, for now, the film is set to be released.