When is West Side Story coming out? Cast, age rating, and more

Something’s coming! (Picture: Niko Tavernise/20th Century Studios )

West Side Story fans have been clicking their fingers in anticipation over director Steven Spielberg’s 2021 remake of the beloved musical.

Inspired by William Shakespeare’s Romeo And Juliet, West Side Story was originally conceived for the stage in 1957 by Jerome Robbins – with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Arthur Laurents.

Its tale of two star-crossed lovers caught between warring street gangs from different ethnic backgrounds – the Jets and the Sharks – was an instant hit, with a film adaptation quickly following in 1961.

It went on to win ten Academy Awards and is one of the most celebrated movie musicals of all time – so, no pressure Mr. Spielberg.

Judging by Metro.co.uk’s review, fans of the musical have nothing to worry about – but just when is can they take to the streets o New York to enjoy the new version?

Here is everything you need to know…

When is West Side Story 2021 coming out?

Could it be? Yes, it could, something’s comin’, something good – the new West Side Story will be released in cinemas across the UK from Friday, December 10.

Who is in the West Side Story 2021 cast?

Spielberg’s film features a cast of familiar faces and newcomers alike.

The Fault In Our Stars actor Ansel Elgort is playing Tony, the ex-Jet with a criminal past who falls in love with Maria, whose brother Bernardo – played by Broadway actor David Alvarez – is the leader of the Sharks.

Rachel Zegler – in her first film – plays Maria after being selected from over 30,000 applicants following an open-casting call for the part.

Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler lead the cast as Tony and Maria (Picture: 20th Century Studios)

Ariana Debose – who appeared in last year’s Netflix musical The Prom – plays Anita, Bernardo’s girlfriend and Maria’s closest confidante, the role Rita Moreno won an Oscar for back in 1961.

Speaking of Moreno, the Academy-Award winning actress returns to West Side in the role of Valentina, an expanded version of the character of Doc written specifically for her. She also serves as an executive producer on the film

The cast also features House Of Cards’ Corey Stoll as Lieutenant Schrank, 13 Reasons Why’s Brian d’Arcy James as Officer Krupke and Broadway actor and singer Mike Faist as Riff, the leader of the Jets.

What rating is West Side Story?

Rachel Zegler makes her big-screen debut, in a Steven Spielberg film nonetheless (Picture: Niko Tavernise/20th Century Studios)

The BBFC has rated West Side Story a 12A for ‘moderate violence, discrimination, sexual threat, and implied strong language.’

Films classified as 12A mean that they are generally not suitable for children under 12. Anyone younger than 12 may see a 12A film but must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the runtime of West Side Story?

The film clocks in at 156 minutes – two hours and 36 minutes – so you may want to plan your toilet break during your least favourite song.

West Side Story will be in UK cinemas from December 10.

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