Where Are The Stars Now? The West Side Story Cast’s Shocking 2024-2025 Projects, Biographies, And Awards

Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of West Side Story was a critical and commercial success that launched a new generation of Hollywood talent into the stratosphere. The film, a vibrant and gritty re-imagining of the classic 1957 Broadway musical, captivated audiences and earned seven Academy Award nominations, with Ariana DeBose securing an Oscar for her performance as Anita. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the careers of the main cast members—Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort, DeBose, Mike Faist, and David Alvarez—have exploded, spanning major Disney franchises, prestigious Broadway revivals, and high-profile television series, proving that the magic of the Sharks and the Jets was just the beginning for these breakout stars.

The enduring legacy of the *West Side Story* film is not only its masterful direction by Steven Spielberg but also its commitment to casting authentic, multi-talented performers capable of handling the demands of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s iconic score. The ensemble was meticulously chosen, blending established actors with newcomers, creating a dynamic that resonates deeply with the film's themes of forbidden love and cultural conflict. This article dives into the complete profiles of the main cast and reveals their most current, fresh projects that are defining their post-Sharks and Jets careers.

The Complete West Side Story 2021 Cast: Full Biography and Profile

The core cast of the 2021 film were all celebrated for their powerful performances, with several earning major awards and nominations. Here is a detailed look at the actors who brought the iconic characters of Tony, Maria, Anita, Bernardo, and Riff to life, complete with their key biographical details and most significant accolades.

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• Rachel Zegler (Maria)
  • Born: May 3, 2001, in Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S.
  • Descent: Colombian-American.
  • Notable Early Work: Zegler was a high school student when she was cast as Maria after submitting an open audition video, beating out over 30,000 applicants.
  • Major Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical (for *West Side Story*).
• Ansel Elgort (Tony)
  • Born: March 14, 1994, in New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Family: Son of fashion photographer Arthur Elgort and opera director Grethe Barrett Holby.
  • Notable Early Work: *The Fault in Our Stars* (2014), *The Divergent Series* (2014–2016), and *Baby Driver* (2017).
  • Major Awards: Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (for *Baby Driver*).
• Ariana DeBose (Anita)
  • Born: January 25, 1991, in Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S.
  • Descent: Afro-Latina and openly queer.
  • Notable Early Work: Broadway productions of *Hamilton* (The Bullet) and *Summer: The Donna Summer Musical* (Tony Award nomination).
  • Major Awards: Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Supporting Actress, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award (all for *West Side Story*). She is the first Afro-Latina and first openly queer woman of color to win an Academy Award for acting.
• Mike Faist (Riff)
  • Born: January 5, 1992, in Gahanna, Ohio, U.S.
  • Notable Early Work: Broadway productions of *Newsies* and *Dear Evan Hansen* (Tony Award nomination).
  • Major Awards: Grammy Award and a Daytime Emmy Award (for his work on *Dear Evan Hansen*).
• David Alvarez (Bernardo)
  • Born: May 11, 1994, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
  • Notable Early Work: Co-recipient of the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for the title role in *Billy Elliot the Musical* (2009).
  • Training: Trained as a dancer with the American Ballet Theatre.
• Rita Moreno (Valentina)
  • Role in 2021 film: Valentina, a reimagined version of the character Doc, who owns the drugstore where Tony works.
  • Legacy: Moreno won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for playing Anita in the original 1961 film adaptation. She is one of the few EGOT winners (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Award).

The Jets and Sharks Take Over Hollywood: 5 Major 2024-2025 Projects

The success of *West Side Story* has propelled its ensemble into some of the most anticipated film and television projects of the 2024–2025 season. The cast has moved seamlessly from the streets of 1950s New York to major franchises and critically acclaimed indie films, cementing their status as A-list talent.

1. Rachel Zegler: From Maria to Disney Princess and Broadway’s Juliet

Rachel Zegler’s career trajectory since *West Side Story* has been nothing short of meteoric. After her Golden Globe-winning performance, she quickly transitioned into major studio tentpoles. She starred in *Shazam! Fury of the Gods* and the 2023 blockbuster prequel, *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*, where she played the lead role of Lucy Gray Baird.

Looking ahead, Zegler is set to star as the titular character in Disney’s live-action remake of *Snow White*, a highly anticipated film scheduled for 2025. Beyond film, Zegler is marking a significant return to the stage by making her Broadway and West End debut. She is starring as Juliet in a new, modern production of Shakespeare's *Romeo and Juliet*, directed by Sam Gold, with performances beginning in September 2024.

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2. Mike Faist: A Breakout Role in Challengers and Literary Adaptation

Mike Faist, who delivered a mesmerizing performance as the troubled Jets leader Riff, has become one of the most sought-after actors in prestige cinema. His most prominent recent role was in the critically acclaimed 2024 film *Challengers*, directed by Luca Guadagnino, where he starred alongside Zendaya and Josh O’Connor.

Faist’s next major project is the limited series adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel, *East of Eden*. This new project will showcase his versatility by placing him opposite other major stars, continuing his streak of taking on complex, character-driven roles following his success in *West Side Story* and *Challengers*.

3. Ariana DeBose: Oscar Winner, Tony Host, and Marvel’s Kraven

Ariana DeBose’s Oscar win for Anita solidified her place as a major star. Her post-*West Side Story* career has been a masterful blend of stage, screen, and hosting duties. She has hosted the prestigious Tony Awards for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024), demonstrating her commanding presence and deep connection to the Broadway community.

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On the film front for 2024, DeBose is expanding her reach into comic book territory, starring in Sony Pictures' *Kraven the Hunter*, an addition to the Spider-Man Universe. She is also appearing in the Blumhouse horror feature *House of Spoils*. Furthermore, she is set to return to the stage to star in a New York City production of the musical *The Baker’s Wife*, opening the Classic Stage Company's 2025-2026 season.

4. Ansel Elgort and David Alvarez: TV Thrillers and Series Roles

Ansel Elgort’s turn as Tony was his most significant role since *Baby Driver*. His recent work includes the lead role of Jake Adelstein in the popular crime drama series *Tokyo Vice*, which concluded in 2024, showcasing his dramatic range in a major television project. Elgort is also slated to star in the new survival thriller film *Faster Than Horses*, a project announced in late 2024, which signals a return to the big screen in a high-stakes genre.

David Alvarez, the dynamic Bernardo, has also focused on television, having appeared in the Showtime series *American Rust*. His most recent and upcoming project is the series *Étoile*, where he is cast in the role of Gael Rodriguez, a series set to be released in 2025. This project will allow the Tony-Award-winning dancer and actor to further explore his dramatic acting capabilities.

The Topical Authority of West Side Story’s Enduring Legacy

The success of the *West Side Story* 2021 cast is a testament to Steven Spielberg’s vision of honoring the source material while giving the next generation of performers a platform. The film’s topical authority extends far beyond the screen, connecting to numerous key cultural and artistic entities. The story itself is a direct parallel to William Shakespeare’s *Romeo and Juliet*, a reference point that continues to be relevant, especially with Zegler taking on the role of Juliet on stage.

The film's impact is further highlighted by the cast's subsequent work with major industry players and institutions. Entities like the Academy Award, the Golden Globe, and the Tony Awards are now permanently linked to this cast, particularly Ariana DeBose’s historic win. Furthermore, the film's creative team, including screenwriter Tony Kushner and the original musical creators Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, are vital entities that underscore the production's high artistic caliber. The cast’s transition into high-profile projects like Marvel’s *Kraven the Hunter*, the *Hunger Games* franchise, and the literary gravitas of *East of Eden* demonstrates the wide-ranging influence and career momentum generated by their time as the Jets and the Sharks.

The legacy of *West Side Story* is not just in the film itself, but in the careers it launched. The current projects of Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, Mike Faist, and David Alvarez prove that the talent discovered by Steven Spielberg is now shaping the future of Hollywood, from major blockbusters to prestigious stage revivals, ensuring their names remain at the forefront of the entertainment world for years to come.