West Side Story: Legendary Latino Movie Gets a Remake

West Side Story is a tale so classic that even if you don’t know it, you know of it. The name alone has populated pop culture classics ever since the 1957 movie release. In the age of Hollywood revivals it’s no shock that the Sharks and the Jets are heading back to the big screen next. This time, they’ve tapped legendary filmmaker Stephen Spielberg to take the reigns.

For those who are unfamiliar with the story, West Side Story is a musical featuring a Romeo and Juliet like love story. It takes place in New York’s Upper West Side during the 1950s, revolving around the rivalry between the Sharks and the Jets, two street gangs from different ethnic backgrounds. The Sharks are from Puerto Rico while the Jets are a white gang and the two square off throughout the film. Tony, the film’s protagonist, was a member of the Jets who falls in love with Maria, the sister of the Sharks’ leader. The serious thematic elements, legendary musical score and intriguing take on social issues made this story an instant classic, making its mark on pop culture history.

So far we know that the film has found its Maria, a relatively unknown actress named Rachel Zegler. Ariana DeBose and David Alvarez will play Anita and Bernado respectively while Josh Andres Alvarez will play Chino. As required by the filmmakers, each actor has an extensive musical background, some even boasting dance experience. The casting call specifying the necessity for a Latino actors is a much-needed step in the right direction as the original film used Caucasian actors for the parts of the Puerto Rican characters. Not only will these new actors bring new Latino talent into Hollywood, but they will be able to bring an authenticity to West Side Story that was never there before.

So far it sounds like we have a lot to look forward to and we eagerly await for more news on West Side Story’s remake. What about you? Are you excited too? Let us know in the comments below.