Rita Moreno to Return to West Side Story for Upcoming Movie Remake
(© David Gordon)
Nearly 60 years after winning an Oscar for playing Anita in the film West Side Story, Rita Moreno will return to the iconic musical as part of the cast of Steven Spielberg's upcoming remake.
Moreno will take on the role of Valentina, an expanded and reconfigured version of the character Doc, the owner of the store where Tony works. The West Side Story film, which begins shooting in summer 2019, is adapted for the screen by Tony Kushner. Moreno will also serve as executive producer.
West Side Story will star Ansel Elgort as Tony, with Tony winner Justin Peck serving as choreographer. Additional information is still to be revealed.
The musical was written by Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur Laurents. The 1961 film was directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins. Spielberg, Kevin McCollum and Kristie Macosko Krieger will produce the movie musical, which will be released by Twentieth Century Fox.
