A schoolgirl starring in Spielberg's West Side Story
Steven Spielberg finally found his Maria for the West Side Story remake. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the role of the heroine Natalie Wood was given to seventeen-year-old Rachel Zegler, who responded to an open casting, which was attended by 30 thousand applicants. The upcoming musical will be her film debut.“I'm incredibly happy to play the iconic role of Maria,- said Zegler. -West Side Story - the first musical, where the main character was a Latin American. As a half-Colombian, half-American, I am deeply grateful to be able to embody her image that means so much to the Hispanic community. ”  The film was also joined by Broadway actors Ariana DeBos, who got the role of Anita, and David Alvarez, who will portray Bernando. In addition, Rita Moreno is involved in the musical. She will play Valentina, a reimagined version of Doc, and Ansel Elgort will try on a Tony gangster costume. “When development began a year ago, we announced that we would be recruiting Latinos for the roles of Maria, Anita, Bernando, Chino and Sharks. I am so happy we have assembled a cast that reflects the incredible depth of talent in the Hispanic community,Spielberg said. -I am delighted with these amazing young artists and I believe that they will bring new energy to a great musical that is more relevant now than before. ”  “I am honored to follow in the footsteps of the wonderful women who played Anita, including Chita Rivera and of course the incomparable Rita Moreno,” said DeBos, the Tony Award nominee. -I understand this heroine very well - a strong Puerto Rican who came to New York in search of new opportunities. ” “My parents emigrated from Cuba without any connections, not knowing English, with the hope of a better life. I know how difficult this decision was for them, so I understand Bernardo's internal conflict,- Alvarez shared. -I have dreamed of realizing his image since the first time I saw the original film, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to rethink this character from my point of view - an artist and a Latin American. " The Topic of Article: A schoolgirl starring in Spielberg's West Side Story. |
