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27th Apr 2021

WATCH: Steven Spielberg’s trailer for the remake of West Side Story looks sensational

Niamh Maher

Musical theatre helps everything, am I right?

Steven Spielberg has been quietly working away over the last few years on a remake of one of cinema’s classic musicals; West Side Story. We’re finally getting a glimpse at what we can expect and if the trailer is anything to go by, the remake of the 1961 hit musical is promising to be an extravagant affair.

Let’s be honest, it’s a tough act to follow and we’re all still a little shook by the remake of Cats *shudders*, but have no fear, with the line up of talent attached to the movie and Spielberg at the helm we’re sure this revamp won’t disappoint.

The original movie was based on the Broadway show of the same name, which itself was a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. West Side Story, in true star-crossed lover style, follows the lives of Maria and Tony as they navigate the politics of their love amidst the backdrop of their respective gang rivalries.

The trailer aired during the Academy Awards on Sunday night and you can check it out in full below:

 

 

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If the trailer is anything to go by it looks like Spielberg won’t be straying too far from the original, we get a glimpse into some of the more famous dance numbers including ‘Tonight’ and ‘Dance at the Gym’, both of which could almost mirror the original if you look at theatricality and sheer colour on the screen.

Also some good news for fans of the original; Rita Morena, who won an Oscar for her role as Anita in the original movie is set to make a comeback in a supporting role.

The adaptation is due out on December 10, 2021, and will see Ansel Elgort take on the role of Tony with Rachel Zegler in the role of Maria.