Where Are They Now? The West Side Story 2021 Cast: New Projects, Controversies, And Blockbuster Roles In 2024/2025

The 2021 film adaptation of *West Side Story*, directed by Steven Spielberg, was a critical triumph that introduced a new generation of talent to the world. Released just a few years ago, the film breathed fresh life into the classic 1957 musical, earning seven Academy Award nominations and securing a historic win for one of its stars. As of December 2025, the careers of the main cast have skyrocketed, with stars landing massive roles in Disney blockbusters, major Broadway revivals, and highly anticipated streaming series. This in-depth look explores where the *West Side Story* cast is now, detailing their latest projects, career trajectories, and the controversies that have shaped their post-2021 careers. The ensemble cast of the 2021 adaptation, featuring veterans and newcomers alike, has become one of the most talked-about groups in Hollywood. From lead actors stepping onto the Broadway stage for the first time to supporting players taking on major roles in the *Hunger Games* franchise, the Jets and the Sharks have truly flown out of their New York City neighborhood and onto the global stage.

West Side Story 2021 Main Cast: Biographies and Latest Career Updates

The core cast of Steven Spielberg's *West Side Story* (2021) represented a deliberate effort to cast authentic, talented performers, many of whom were making their feature film debut. Here is a complete breakdown of the main cast members, their roles, and their most current career status.

1. Rachel Zegler (María)

Biography: Born May 3, 2001, Rachel Zegler is an American actress and singer of Colombian and Polish descent. She was just 17 when she was selected from over 30,000 applicants to play the leading role of María, marking her professional acting debut. Her performance was praised for its vocal power and emotional depth, earning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress—Motion Picture Comedy or Musical.

Latest Career Updates (2024/2025): Zegler has become one of Hollywood's fastest-rising stars. In 2023, she starred as Lucy Gray Baird in the *Hunger Games* prequel, *The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*, a massive box office success. She is also set to star as the titular character in Disney's live-action remake of *Snow White*, scheduled for release in 2025. Further showcasing her theatrical roots, Zegler is making her Broadway debut in 2024 in a new production of *Romeo + Juliet*.

2. Ariana DeBose (Anita)

Biography: Born January 25, 1991, Ariana DeBose is an American actress, singer, and dancer. She rose to prominence as a contestant on *So You Think You Can Dance* and was a member of the original Broadway cast of *Hamilton*. Her portrayal of Anita in *West Side Story* was a monumental success, winning her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

Latest Career Updates (2024/2025): DeBose’s career has exploded since her Oscar win. She has become a familiar face on television, hosting the Tony Awards for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024), earning Emmy nominations for her efforts. On the big screen, she voiced the lead character Asha in Disney’s animated film *Wish* and is set to star as the villain Calypso in the upcoming Marvel film *Kraven the Hunter*.

3. Ansel Elgort (Tony)

Biography: Born March 14, 1994, Ansel Elgort is an American actor and singer previously known for roles in *The Fault in Our Stars* and *Baby Driver*. His casting as Tony, the co-lead of the Jets, was his first major role in a musical film.

Career Status: Elgort’s career faced significant headwinds due to sexual assault allegations that surfaced prior to the film's release. While he denied the claims, he has maintained a notably lower public profile since the film’s release. His professional focus has shifted somewhat, with his most notable recent role being in the HBO Max series *Tokyo Vice*.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

The Rising Stars: Jets, Sharks, and Key Supporting Players

The depth of talent in the 2021 *West Side Story* cast extended far beyond the romantic leads. Several other performers, many of whom were accomplished on the Broadway stage, used the film as a springboard to major new opportunities, solidifying their status as rising stars in the industry.

4. Mike Faist (Riff)

Biography: Born January 5, 1992, Mike Faist is a Tony Award-nominated actor known primarily for his work on Broadway, particularly for originating the role of Connor Murphy in the hit musical *Dear Evan Hansen*. His nuanced portrayal of Riff, the charismatic leader of the Jets, earned him a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

Latest Career Updates: Faist has successfully transitioned into prestige television. He is set to star in the upcoming limited series *East of Eden*, an adaptation of the John Steinbeck novel. This move highlights his ability to tackle complex, dramatic roles outside of the musical genre, further establishing his versatility.

5. David Alvarez (Bernardo)

Biography: Born May 11, 1994, David Alvarez is a Canadian dancer and actor of Cuban descent. He is a Tony Award winner for his shared role in the original Broadway production of *Billy Elliot the Musical*. His performance as Bernardo, the proud leader of the Sharks and María's older brother, was a powerful display of both dance and dramatic acting.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Latest Career Updates: Following *West Side Story*, Alvarez has continued to work in film and television. He appeared in the 2022 film *American Rust* and has been involved in other projects, leveraging his dual talent for performance and dance.

6. Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino)

Biography: Josh Andrés Rivera, born in 1995, made his feature film debut as Chino, Bernardo's best friend and the man María is expected to marry. His character arc, which culminates in a tragic act, is central to the film's conflict.

Latest Career Updates: Rivera’s career has closely mirrored that of his on-screen co-star, Rachel Zegler. He also landed a major role in *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* (2023) as Sejanus Plinth, a role that reunited him with Zegler. He has also starred in the 2023 dark comedy *Cat Person* and the limited series *American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez*, showcasing his range across different genres.

7. Rita Moreno (Valentina)

Biography: Born in 1931, Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican EGOT winner and Hollywood legend. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for playing Anita in the 1961 film. In the 2021 version, she returned in the newly created role of Valentina, the widow of Doc and the owner of the corner store where Tony works, serving as a powerful link between the film's two versions.

Latest Career Updates (2024): Now in her 90s, Moreno remains active. She was recently seen in the Netflix film *Family Switch* and the comedy-horror film *The Prank*. She continues to tour and appear at speaking engagements, cementing her status as an enduring icon.

The Law Enforcement and Gang Members: Completing the Ensemble

The supporting cast provided the necessary dramatic weight and context for the conflict between the Jets and the Sharks. Their performances contributed significantly to the film’s topical authority and realism, particularly in how it handled the themes of police brutality and racial tension.

8. Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank)

Corey Stoll, known for his roles in *House of Cards* and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, played Lieutenant Schrank, the frustrated and bigoted police detective attempting to control the escalating gang violence. Stoll’s established presence gave the law enforcement figures a menacing, authoritative air.

9. Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke)

Brian d'Arcy James, a highly respected Broadway veteran who famously played King George III in *Hamilton*, took on the role of Officer Krupke. Unlike the comedic treatment of his character in the 1961 film’s "Gee, Officer Krupke," the 2021 version presented him as a more serious, exasperated beat cop, reflecting the film's grittier tone.

10. Ezra Menas (Anybodys)

In a significant update from the original, the character of Anybodys, the tomboyish girl who desperately wants to join the Jets, was played by Ezra Menas, an actor who is gender non-conforming. This casting choice reflected a modern, more inclusive interpretation of the character, whose story arc revolves around finding acceptance and belonging outside of traditional gender norms within the gang structure.

The remaining ensemble cast members, including Ana Isabelle (Rosalía), Mike Iveson (Glad Hand, the dance organizer), and Kyle Coffman (Ice, the new leader of the Jets), all contributed to the film’s vibrant, critically acclaimed world. The continued success of the *West Side Story* 2021 cast members across film, television, and Broadway proves that Steven Spielberg’s vision was not just a tribute to a classic, but a true launchpad for the next generation of Hollywood talent.