The West Side Story 2021 Cast: Where Are Spielberg's Stars Now? (2025 Update)

Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of *West Side Story* was a critical triumph, breathing new life into the classic 1957 Broadway musical and the iconic 1961 film. The movie was celebrated for its vibrant energy, stunning cinematography, and most importantly, its cast of fresh, talented, and ethnically authentic performers. Now, over three years since its release, the careers of these breakout stars—from the Oscar-winning Ariana DeBose to the viral sensation Rachel Zegler—have exploded, securing their places in Hollywood’s next generation. This December 18, 2025, update explores the complete cast profile and tracks the latest, most exciting projects of the Jets and the Sharks. The film, which earned seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, successfully recaptured the tragic romance of Tony and Maria while deepening the cultural and social commentary of the original material. The casting process was meticulous, resulting in a group of actors who were not only incredible singers and dancers but also brought a profound emotional resonance to the roles of the star-crossed lovers and their rival gangs.

Complete Biographical Profiles of the Main Cast

The success of the 2021 *West Side Story* film rested heavily on the shoulders of its ensemble cast, many of whom were relative newcomers to the big screen. Here is a detailed look at the core actors who brought the beloved characters to life:

• Rachel Zegler (Maria): Born May 3, 2001, in Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S. Zegler is a Colombian American actress who was only 17 when she was cast as the lead, Maria, after submitting an open audition video. She won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for this role.
• Ansel Elgort (Tony): Born March 14, 1994, in New York City, U.S. Elgort was the most established actor among the leads, known for roles in *The Fault in Our Stars* and *Baby Driver*. He played Tony, the former leader of the Jets who falls in love with Maria.
• Ariana DeBose (Anita): Born January 25, 1991, in Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. DeBose, who has Afro-Puerto Rican heritage, was a seasoned Broadway performer (known for *Hamilton* and *Summer: The Donna Summer Musical*). Her performance as Anita earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
• Mike Faist (Riff): Born January 5, 1992, in Gahanna, Ohio, U.S. Faist was a Tony Award-nominated Broadway veteran (*Dear Evan Hansen*) before taking on the role of Riff, the charismatic and volatile leader of the Jets.
• David Alvarez (Bernardo): Born May 11, 1994, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Alvarez, who is Cuban-Canadian, is a Tony Award-winning dancer and actor (for *Billy Elliot the Musical*). He played Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks and Maria’s protective older brother.
• Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino): Born May 1, 1995, in North Carolina, U.S. Rivera, who is of Puerto Rican descent, played Chino, Maria’s intended fiancé who is driven to violence.
• Rita Moreno (Valentina/Executive Producer): Born December 11, 1931, in Humacao, Puerto Rico. Moreno is one of only three people to have achieved EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Award). She famously won an Oscar for playing Anita in the 1961 film and returned for the 2021 version as Valentina, a new, expanded role as the owner of Doc’s store. She also served as an Executive Producer.

The Breakout Stars: Latest Projects and Career Trajectories (2024-2025)

The immediate aftermath of *West Side Story*'s release saw its main cast become some of the most sought-after talent in Hollywood. Their recent and upcoming projects highlight their versatility, moving beyond the musical genre into major action franchises, dramas, and prestige television.

Ariana DeBose: From Oscar Win to Hosting and Thrillers

Ariana DeBose’s career has skyrocketed since her historic Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actress—making her the first openly queer woman of color to win an acting Oscar. Her recent work showcases a deliberate pivot into varied genres:

• Major Film Roles: DeBose starred in the spy action-comedy *Argylle* and the space thriller *I.S.S.* in 2024, demonstrating her range beyond musicals.
• Hosting Triumphs: She has become a fixture as the host of the Tony Awards, hosting the ceremony three years in a row (2022, 2023, and 2024), earning critical praise and Emmy nominations for her dynamic performances.
• Upcoming Stage Work: Proving her commitment to the stage, DeBose is set to star in a Classic Stage Company production of *The Baker's Wife*.

Rachel Zegler and Mike Faist: Franchise Leads and Prestige Drama

Rachel Zegler and Mike Faist, the film’s central romantic and fraternal leads, have leveraged their success into major franchise and critically acclaimed roles. * Rachel Zegler’s Blockbuster Future: Zegler’s post-*West Side Story* career has been defined by high-profile roles. She starred as Lucy Gray Baird in the highly successful 2023 prequel *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*. Her next major project is the titular role in Disney’s live-action remake of *Snow White*, scheduled for 2025. Additionally, she made her Broadway debut in 2024 in a new production of *Romeo and Juliet*. * Mike Faist’s Cinematic Impact: Faist’s portrayal of Riff was universally praised, leading to a major role in one of 2024’s most talked-about films. He starred alongside Zendaya in Luca Guadagnino’s romantic sports drama *Challengers*, playing the tennis champion Art Donaldson. This project solidified his transition from Broadway star to a compelling dramatic film actor. His next anticipated project is the limited series adaptation of John Steinbeck’s *East of Eden*.

Ansel Elgort, David Alvarez, and Josh Andrés Rivera’s Diverse Paths

The rest of the main cast have also found success in diverse acting and performance fields: * Ansel Elgort: Elgort is set to star in the upcoming survival thriller film *Faster Than Horses*. Demonstrating his roots in performance, he also made his professional dance debut in the 2025 rock ballet production of *Quadrophenia* at New York City Center. * Josh Andrés Rivera: Following his role as Chino, Rivera reunited with Rachel Zegler in *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*, playing Sejanus Plinth. His most recent high-profile role is as a lead in the FX true-crime series *American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez*. * David Alvarez: The Tony Award-winning actor has focused on television, appearing in the Showtime series *American Rust*.

The Visionary Crew and The Film’s Topical Authority

The 2021 adaptation was a masterclass in modernizing a classic, a feat made possible by the creative team that Steven Spielberg assembled. Their work is essential to understanding the film’s lasting legacy and topical authority. The film's creative backbone included:

• Steven Spielberg (Director/Producer): Spielberg’s commitment to authenticity, particularly in casting Latinx actors for the Puerto Rican roles, was a major cultural shift from the 1961 film.
• Tony Kushner (Screenwriter/Executive Producer): The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, known for *Angels in America*, penned the screenplay. Kushner’s script was lauded for integrating Spanish dialogue without subtitles and deepening the socio-political context of the neighborhood’s gentrification.
• Justin Peck (Choreographer): A resident choreographer at the New York City Ballet, Peck created fresh, dynamic, and muscular dance sequences that honored the spirit of Jerome Robbins’ original choreography while giving the film a distinctly modern feel.
• Kristie Macosko Krieger (Producer): A frequent collaborator with Spielberg, she was instrumental in bringing the film to life, alongside producer Kevin McCollum.

A Legacy of Awards and Cultural Impact

The film’s success was cemented by its critical reception and major awards. It was named one of the top ten films of 2021 by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute. Beyond the box office, *West Side Story* (2021) has had a lasting impact on how classic musicals are adapted, setting a new standard for casting authenticity and social relevance. The film's achievements include: * Academy Awards: 7 nominations, winning Best Supporting Actress for Ariana DeBose. * Golden Globe Awards: Wins for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress for Rachel Zegler. * BAFTA Awards: Win for Best Supporting Actress for Ariana DeBose. The careers of the *West Side Story* ensemble have only just begun. Their recent projects in 2024 and 2025—from Broadway to major Hollywood franchises—confirm that Spielberg’s casting decision was not just a one-time success, but the launchpad for a new generation of versatile, award-winning, and globally recognized talent. The enduring power of this tragic love story has propelled its cast into the spotlight, ensuring their names remain current and relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of film and television.

Detail Author:

• Name : Dr. Elian Wiegand
• Username : bogisich.arnoldo
• Email : kiley.gulgowski@schulist.com
• Birthdate : 1987-07-11
• Address : 7336 Green Lakes Suite 727 Port Oscarton, TX 72623
• Phone : 678.615.2139
• Company : Hansen Inc
• Job : Medical Transcriptionist
• Bio : Et earum natus sequi quia sed ut iste. Quo ipsum dolor voluptatum velit vero. Sequi numquam tenetur asperiores facilis voluptatem consequatur quia.

Socials

tiktok:

• url : https://tiktok.com/@mertzj
• username : mertzj
• bio : Sint molestiae cumque pariatur praesentium asperiores.
• followers : 6487
• following : 443

instagram:

• url : https://instagram.com/mertz1987
• username : mertz1987
• bio : Consequatur ut ipsa odit repellendus libero ad. Optio quis aut molestiae eveniet et occaecati.
• followers : 3298
• following : 1072

linkedin:

• url : https://linkedin.com/in/jarod_mertz
• username : jarod_mertz
• bio : Atque et molestias quisquam rem quis.
• followers : 5536
• following : 168

facebook:

• url : https://facebook.com/jarodmertz
• username : jarodmertz
• bio : Aliquid exercitationem et sit repudiandae. Ea ut enim at.
• followers : 2252
• following : 2686

twitter:

• url : https://twitter.com/jarod7303
• username : jarod7303
• bio : Voluptatibus magni quas suscipit eaque et quia ut omnis. Deserunt ipsa quos repudiandae perspiciatis.
• followers : 4197
• following : 2226