From Maria To Marvel: 10 Major Career Updates For The West Side Story 2021 Cast

Steven Spielberg’s 2021 film adaptation of West Side Story, often referenced by its original 2020 release window, was a cinematic masterpiece that introduced a new generation of incredibly talented actors to the world. Released in December 2021, the film not only honored the legacy of the original 1957 stage musical but also garnered critical acclaim, including seven Academy Award nominations and a historic win for its breakout star.

As of December 10, 2025, the careers of the Jets and the Sharks have exploded, with the lead actors securing major roles in blockbuster franchises, highly anticipated dramas, and even a return to Broadway. The cast has moved far beyond the streets of 1950s New York, proving that Spielberg’s vision was a true launchpad for Hollywood’s next era of stars.

The Main Cast: Full Biography and Current Projects (2024–2025)

The core ensemble of West Side Story (2021) was a mix of established names and groundbreaking newcomers, all of whom have seen their careers skyrocket since the film’s release. Their collective success is a testament to the film's enduring impact.

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Rachel Zegler as María

• Full Name: Rachel Anne Zegler
• Date of Birth: May 3, 2001
• Place of Birth: Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S.
• Role in WSS: María Vasquez, a young Puerto Rican woman who falls in love with Tony.
• WSS Accolades: Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, making her the youngest winner in the category's history.
• Current/Upcoming Projects (2024–2025): Zegler is set to star as the titular character in the live-action Disney film Snow White, scheduled for release in March 2025. In 2024, she appeared in the A24 disaster comedy Y2K and voiced a princess in the animated film Spellbound. She also made her Broadway debut in a new production of Romeo + Juliet in 2024.

Ariana DeBose as Anita

• Full Name: Ariana DeBose
• Date of Birth: January 25, 1991
• Place of Birth: Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S.
• Role in WSS: Anita, Bernardo's girlfriend and María's confidante.
• WSS Accolades: Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Supporting Actress, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She is the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman of color to win an Oscar for acting.
• Current/Upcoming Projects (2024–2025): DeBose starred in the sci-fi thriller I.S.S., released in January 2024. She is slated to appear in the upcoming Marvel film Kraven the Hunter and the romantic comedy Love Hurts (2025). DeBose also hosted the Tony Awards for the third consecutive year in 2024.

Mike Faist as Riff

• Full Name: Michael "Mike" Faist
• Date of Birth: January 5, 1992
• Place of Birth: Gahanna, Ohio, U.S.
• Role in WSS: Riff, the charismatic leader of the Jets and Tony's best friend.
• Current/Upcoming Projects (2024–2025): Faist had a critically acclaimed 2024 with a starring role alongside Zendaya in the Luca Guadagnino-directed tennis drama Challengers, which was a major box office success. He also appeared in the drama film The Bikeriders in 2024.

David Alvarez as Bernardo

• Full Name: David Alvarez
• Date of Birth: May 11, 1994
• Place of Birth: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• Role in WSS: Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks and Anita's boyfriend.
• Current/Upcoming Projects (2024–2025): The Tony Award-winning actor (for Billy Elliot the Musical) is set to star as Gael Rodriguez in the Prime Video ballet series Étoile, which is expected to premiere in 2025.

Ansel Elgort as Tony

• Full Name: Ansel Elgort
• Date of Birth: March 14, 1994
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Role in WSS: Tony, a former Jet who falls in love with María.
• Current/Upcoming Projects (2024–2025): Elgort has focused on the television series Tokyo Vice, where he plays the lead role of Jake Adelstein, with the second season airing in 2024.

The Impact of Steven Spielberg’s Vision on Casting

Director Steven Spielberg and screenwriter Tony Kushner made several key decisions that redefined the West Side Story cast. The most significant was the commitment to authentic representation. Unlike the 1961 film, all of the Puerto Rican characters, including María, Anita, and Bernardo, were played by Latinx actors.

This commitment was a cultural milestone, ensuring the film's narrative was grounded in genuine experience. The casting process was extensive, with Rachel Zegler being selected from over 30,000 auditionees to play María, a role that launched her career overnight.

Another crucial element was the creation of the character Valentina, played by the legendary Rita Moreno. Moreno, who won an Oscar for playing Anita in the 1961 film, took on the new role of Doc’s widow, who runs the drugstore where Tony works. This casting choice served as a powerful bridge between the original film and the new adaptation, adding a layer of gravitas and historical context.

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Beyond the Leads: Key Players and Relevant Entities

The depth of the 2021 cast extended far beyond the star-crossed lovers and the main gang leaders. The supporting players, many of whom were Broadway veterans, brought a raw, electric energy to the gang rivalries between the Jets and the Sharks. The film's success is shared by a long list of talented individuals, both in front of and behind the camera, solidifying its place in modern cinematic history.

Supporting Cast and Notable Entities

The following list highlights the other major actors and creative forces essential to the film's success, demonstrating the sheer topical authority of the production:

• Josh Andrés Rivera as Chino: Bernardo’s friend and María’s intended fiancé. Rivera has since starred in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023).
• Corey Stoll as Lieutenant Schrank: The prejudiced police officer intent on driving the Sharks out of the neighborhood. Stoll is a veteran actor known for roles in Ant-Man.
• Brian d'Arcy James as Officer Krupke: Schrank's more compassionate, but still ineffective, partner. James is a celebrated Broadway actor.
• Ezra Menas as Anybodys: A transgender character in this iteration, a groundbreaking change from the tomboy role in the original, who desperately wants to join the Jets.
• Kyle Coffman as Ice: A prominent member of the Jets.
• Maddie Ziegler as Velma: A dancer and member of the Jets' girls. Ziegler is famous for her work with Sia and in the reality show Dance Moms.
• Ana Isabelle as Rosalia: A member of the Sharks' girls, who sings "America" alongside Anita.
• Ilda Mason as Luz: A member of the Sharks' girls.
• Steven Spielberg: The legendary director who helmed the project.
• Tony Kushner: The Pulitzer Prize-winning screenwriter who adapted the book.
• Justin Peck: The choreographer who created the modern, dynamic dance sequences.
• Leonard Bernstein: The original composer of the musical's iconic score.
• Stephen Sondheim: The original lyricist, who passed away shortly after the film's release, making the film a final tribute to his work.
• 20th Century Studios: The studio responsible for the film's distribution.
• The Jets: The white American gang.
• The Sharks: The Puerto Rican gang.

The collective talent of the West Side Story 2021 cast has ensured that the film remains not just a successful remake, but a pivotal moment in the careers of its young stars. From Broadway to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the legacy of this groundbreaking ensemble continues to grow with every new project they undertake.

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