With the delay of “Indiana Jones 5,” Steven Spielberg is free to focus on another project — “West Side Story.” And with production on his big-screen adaptation of the iconic musical set to begin next summer, it appears that the filmmaker is ready to begin casting. And for the first cast member, Spielberg is bringing on somebody with some singing and dancing experience. Oh yeah, and he’s a good actor too.
According to Variety, actor Ansel Elgort has signed on to star as Tony in Spielberg’s “West Side Story.” For those not familiar with “West Side Story,” the musical follows the classic “Romeo and Juliet” story of forbidden romance. Tony, the leader of the street gang known as the Jets, falls in love with the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the rival street gang, the Sharks. The story was the basis of the 1957 musical, as well as the classic 1961 film.
Elgort has a history in music. For years, when he’s not acting, Elgort has been dabbling in music, releasing numerous singles and an EP called “Supernova” earlier this year. As for his film credentials, he’s been in a number of big films, such as “Divergent,” “Men, Women & Children,” and of course, 2017’s “Baby Driver,” which allowed for Elgort to act, as well as flaunt his dance moves and musicality, earning him a Golden Globe nomination in the process.
As mentioned, the next project for Spielberg was intended to be ‘Indy 5,’ but after Disney/Lucasfilm decided to focus on a new script, the project got pushed back, with filming to expected to begin until late-2019, at the earliest. This gives the director plenty of time to work on “West Side Story.” Most recently, Spielberg found himself with another box office hit on his hands with “Ready Player One,” which premiered earlier this year.
“West Side Story” doesn’t have a release date planned, but the Jets and Sharks are most likely going to hit the big screen again in 2020.