The Academy Awards’ 93rd edition was an eventful one. During the ceremony, Steven Spielberg‘s West Side Story remake debuted first trailer starring Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort.
If you missed the Oscars last night, it was quite eventful. You can check out the winners list right here. But the Academy Awards is also an opportunity to gain more views and publicity. So Disney took advantage of that. Last night, the Steven Spielberg West Side Story remake debuted first trailer.
In a world where remakes are now very common, no one could let this gem get away. They even got Rita Moreno to join the cast, this time, starring as Valentina. In the original version she played Anita. The movie won 10 Academy Awards in 1962, and Moreno won for her supporting role, becoming the first Latina actress ever to win an Academy Awards.
The movie, set in the ’50s in the Upper West Side, is a modern day interpretation of Romeo and Juliet. It explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two gangs who come from different ethnic backgrounds. Tony and Maria are two New Yorkers with ties to different gangs who fall in love.
Prior to the trailer release, main star Rachel Zegler took it to social media to show her gratitude for the opportunity. The 19-year-old newcomer stars alongside Ansel Elgort (Divergent, The Fault In Our Stars, Baby Driver). Rachel wrote on Saturday night: “currently sobbing in bed because life is about to get Real tomorrow. thank you for sharing these past few years of in-between with me.”
west side story was such a labor of love that i continue to hold close to my heart in every endeavor i take on in this industry. i learned so much, i loved so much, i cried so much. i cannot wait to share it with you. and i cannot wait for it to be my introduction to you all. ❤️
— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) April 22, 2021
The film shot in the summer of 2019 with Steven Spielberg at the helm. Tony Kushner wrote the screenplay, which was based on the stage play Arthur Laurents wrote.
You can check out the trailer right here: