Deadline is reporting that Steven Spielberg has cast newcomer Rachel Zegler as Maria, the female-lead in his upcoming West Side Story adaptation, while stage actors Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez and Josh Andres Rivera will play fellow Sharks Anita, Bernardo and Chino.
Spielberg and his team reportedly auditioned more than 30,000 people from around the world in an effort to find the best actors within the Puerto Rican and broader Latino community.
“When we began this process a year ago, we announced that we would cast the roles of Maria, Anita, Bernardo, Chino and the Sharks with Latina and Latino actors. I’m so happy that we’ve assembled a cast that reflects the astonishing depth of talent in America’s multifaceted Hispanic community,” said Spielberg. “I am in awe of the sheer force of the talent of these young performers, and I believe they’ll bring a new and electrifying energy to a magnificent musical that’s more relevant than ever.”
“I am so thrilled to be playing the iconic role of Maria alongside this amazing cast,” said Zegler. “West Side Story was the first musical I encountered with a Latina lead character. As a Colombian-American, I am humbled by the opportunity to play a role that means so much to the Hispanic community.”
The new additions join the previously announced Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver) as Tony, while Rita Moreno – who won an Oscar for playing Anita in the 1961 film – will portray Valentina, a reconceived version of the character Doc. More casting announcements are expected in the coming weeks ahead of filming this summer.
Originally published January 16, 2019. Updated January 15, 2019.
