Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story Sets Disney+ Streaming Debut

February 9, 2022

20th Century Studios has announced the release date for the forthcoming Disney+ debut of Steven Spielberg’s latest film adaptation of West Side Story. After two months since its U.S. theatrical release, the Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort-led musical drama will officially be available for streaming on March 2, exclusively on Disney+ in the U.S. and in most international countries. It will also be released in Taiwan on March 9 and Japan on March 30.

This announcement comes after the film recently scored seven Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actress for Ariana DeBose’s acclaimed performance as Anita. Earlier this year, it also won three Golden Globe Awards including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for Rachel Zegler’s feature acting debut as Maria.

Based on the hit 1957 musical by Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This new adaptation will once again center around the romance of Tony and Maria, who fall in love despite being affiliated with rival gangs.

This reimagining of the beloved musical is being led by Rachel Zegler (Shazam! Fury of the Gods) as Maria, and Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver) as Tony. Joining them are Ariana DeBose as Anita, David Alvarez as Bernardo, Mike Faist as Riff, Josh Andrés Rivera as Chino, Ana Isabelle as Rosalia, Corey Stoll as Lieutenant Schrank, Brian d’Arcy James as Officer Krupke, and Rita Moreno as Valentina, who is one of the original stars of the 1961 film adaptation.

West Side Story is directed by Oscar-winner filmmaker Steven Spielberg from a screenplay adapted by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Tony Kushner. Moreno – one of only three artists to be honored with Academy, Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers.