'West Side Story' trivia and fun facts
A Bilingual Musical
The movie will include the Spanish dialogue and lyrics from the 2009 Broadway revival.
Another Remake
This will be the second time Steven Spielberg has produced a remake of a film directed by Robert Wise. He previously produced 'The Haunting' (1999). The original film also featured 'West Side Story' cast member Russ Tamblyn.
Without John Williams
Fourth Steven Spielberg film to not feature a score written by John Williams after 'The Color Purple' (1985), 'Bridge of Spies' (2015) and 'Ready Player One' (2018).
Everything Comes Full Circle
The original 'West Side Story' was directed by Robert Wise, who later directed 'The Andromeda Strain', which was based on a Michael Crichton novel. Steven Spielberg actually met Crichton on the set of that film, and later adapted his novel 'Jurassic Park'.
Family-Related
Spielberg's previous film 'The Post' featured David Cross, whose father-in-law is original cast member Russ Tamblyn.
15 Years Later
This is Spielberg's first remake since 'War of the Worlds' (2005).
Longtime Collaborators
Director Steven Spielberg and screenwriter Tony Kushner previously worked together on Munich (2005) and Lincoln (2012). They also worked together on the film 'The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara', now shelved.
Relation with 'Twin Peaks'
The original film featured future 'Twin Peaks' cast members Richard Beymer and Russ Tamblyn. Spielberg once tried to direct an episode, but had to withdraw due to scheduling issues. His own film 'Jurassic Park' featured future 'Twin Peaks' cast member Laura Dern.
For the First Time
This is the first time that Steven Spielberg will direct a film for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Spielberg previously produced 'Poltergeist' (1982) for MGM, but did not direct. Coincidentally, 'West Side Story' will also be a co-production with 20th Century Fox and Amblin Entertainment.
"María, María, María"
Emma Stone, Kristen Bell, Jennifer Lawrence were rumored, but those rumors were debunked.
Naya Rivera as Anita?
Naya Rivera has expressed interest and sent an audition tape in for the role of Anita. She had previously played this role (and sung the song "America") in 'Glee' on the episode 'The First Time', during the schools' rendition of 'West Side Story'.
First Musical
This will be the first time that Spielberg directs a musical after the failed project 'Reel for Reel'.