Last week,we reportedthatSteven Spielbergwas consideringIndiana Jones 5or a remake ofWest Side Storyas his next project withThe Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortarafalling on the backburner because Spielberg couldn’t find a child actor capable of carrying the film. Last night, journalistMark Harristweeted out a casting call forWest Side Story(Harris’ husband, Pulitzer-prize winning playwrightTony Kushner, is writing the film):
The casting call is looking for actors to play the lead roles of Tony, Maria, Anita & Bernardo. For those who are unfamiliar withWest Side Story, it’s a spin onRomeo & Julietfocusing on two gangs where Tony, a member of the Jets, falls in love with Maria, who’s the sister of the leader of the rival gang, the Sharks. There’s also a heavy racial aspect as the Jets are all white while the Sharks are Puerto Rican. As immigration comes to the forefront of discussion in our country, you can see why Spielberg would find the project appealing. Even though Puerto Ricans are American, the plot ofWest Side Storyis how one group believes the other is unworthy of being part of our country.
However, even with this casting call, it’s still not certain thatWest Side Storywill be Spielberg’s next movie.Mortarastalled out over casting concerns, so it’s possible thatWest Side Storycould meet the same fate. That being said, finding a good child actor is a lot harder than finding four talented adults. The larger question, for me, is how Spielberg will tackle the musical genre, which he’s never done before, and especially with a remake of a classic movie. The originalWest Side Storywon 10 Oscars including Best Picture. While I attempt to make it a point to never underestimate Spielberg, he certainly has his work cut out for him with this one.
