Rachel Zegler Shines in the Latest Trailer for ‘West Side Story’

Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort sing and dance through the streets of New York City in the latest trailer for West Side Story. The musical is a reimagined take on the original movie and 1957 Broadway Play. Written by Tony Kushner and directed by Steven Spielberg, West Side Story is a project from Disney and 20th Century Studios.

Experience Steven Spielberg’s #WestSideStory only in theaters December 10. pic.twitter.com/nsbjNBEvkr

— West Side Story (@WestSideMovie) September 15, 2021

Set in 1950s NYC, West Side Story follows a classic tale of forbidden love between Maria (Zegler) and Tony (Elgort). The rivalry between the Jets and Sharks is similar to the 1961 film. But modern themes reflect new audiences.

“I am so thrilled to be playing the iconic role of Maria alongside this amazing cast,” Zegler stated in a press release back in 2019. “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.”

“You’re not Puerto Rican,” Maria can be heard telling Tony in the trailer.

“Is that okay?” Tony questions back.

she feels on top of the world https://t.co/iOtErNLcuq

— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) September 15, 2021

Fans flocked to Twitter over Elgort’s lack of presence in the trailer. He’s there – just not as much as Zegler. The 20-year-old was recently cast in Shazam!: Fury of the Gods and an upcoming Snow White live-action. She already has a strong following early in her career.

i’m so proud of her 😭😭😭 #WestSideStory pic.twitter.com/4h3AisM9JC

— steph (@PianoFreak9) September 15, 2021

rachel zegler in the trailer of her debut movie west side story directed by steven spielberg pic.twitter.com/dXzUAomtmP

— best of rachel zegler (@bestofrzegler) September 15, 2021

Viewers can expect scores of song and dance, which we get a preview of in the trailer. But don’t expect the same music as the original. This is an entirely different tale with new faces.

The movie also stars Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, Josh Andrés Rivera, Corey Stoll, and Brian d’Arcy James. Rita Moreno, who played Anita in the original film, will also be making an appearance. Moreno will be playing Valentina, a role Kushner wrote specifically for her.

West Side Story is expected to release in theatres on December 10. Until then, be sure to check out the trailer above.