West Side Story (2021): First Look

After a year, the anticipation is half over; we finally got to see a first look at Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021). The official trailer was shown during the commercials of the first half of the 93rd Academy Awards. From what we saw, we already know it’s going to be good. This film is special for various reasons: we get to see Rita Moreno (who was in the original film made in 1961) once again, and we get to see upcoming actress Rachel Zegler for the first time.

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/CbUM27qw6a8?t=1

Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican actress famously known for her role as Anita in West Side Story (1961). Moreno has been active since then, she has appeared in many other movies and musicals, this has made her an EGOT winner. She is one of 15 individuals in the world to win all four: an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award. This woman is beyond talented, and to see her reprise a role in the new version of West Side Storybrings tears to our eyes.

This movie makes great room for diversity as it brings individuals of the Latino community into the spotlight. This is especially important because it is difficult to find movies that do that nowadays. Hopefully with this movie out, the stigma of excluding individuals of different races disappears, and more opportunities are presented to the Latino community as well as other communities.

We will finally Rachel Zegler in action! As soon as the word started spreading that Spielberg found his Maria, the world was introduced to Rachel Zegler; she’s stolen our hearts since then. Zegler is a 19-year-old actress from New Jersey, this is her first official role in a movie, and it will certainly not be her last. During her high school career, Zegler was heavily involved in theater. She starred in so many plays, it’s clear that she’s talented; Spielberg couldn’t have chosen a better Maria. Welcoming Rachel into the acting world was one of the best things that has been done. She is honest and transparent via social media and she uses her platform for good. If anyone deserves the spotlight, it’s her. Zegler will also have a major role in Shazam: 2 which is said to come out in 2023- we’re definitely going to see more of her, and we are beyond happy.

West Side Story is to be released on December 10 of this year. Stay tuned for more trailers and updates!