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Where Are They Now? The West Side Story (2021) Cast’s Explosive New Careers And Controversies

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Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of the iconic musical, West Side Story, was a critical triumph that launched a new generation of Hollywood stars into the stratosphere, but their careers have taken dramatically different and highly publicized paths since the film’s release. As of December 21, 2025, the ensemble cast, a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh-faced newcomers, has secured major blockbuster roles, earned Hollywood’s highest honors, and navigated intense public scrutiny, proving their breakout roles were just the beginning of their professional journeys.

The film, which received seven nominations at the 94th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, successfully reimagined the classic tale of the Jets and the Sharks, bringing the timeless themes of love, prejudice, and turf wars to a modern audience. The subsequent careers of the actors—from a major Marvel franchise debut to a historic Oscar win—have kept the cast firmly in the spotlight, cementing their status as some of the most watched talents in the industry.

The Breakout Stars: Full Cast Biography and Notable Roles

The core ensemble of the West Side Story 2021 film was carefully selected by director Steven Spielberg and screenwriter Tony Kushner to prioritize authenticity in casting, particularly for the Puerto Rican Sharks. This meticulous process resulted in a cast with deep roots in musical theater and a powerful screen presence. Here is a detailed look at the actors who brought the beloved characters to life.

  • Rachel Zegler (María)
    • Date of Birth: May 3, 2001
    • Nationality: American (Colombian and Polish descent)
    • Notable Roles: María in West Side Story (2021), Anthea in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023).
  • Ariana DeBose (Anita)
    • Date of Birth: January 25, 1991
    • Nationality: American (Afro-Latina heritage)
    • Notable Roles: Anita in West Side Story (2021), The Bullet in Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast), Alyssa Greene in The Prom (2020).
  • Ansel Elgort (Tony)
    • Date of Birth: March 14, 1994
    • Nationality: American
    • Notable Roles: Tony in West Side Story (2021), Miles "Baby" in Baby Driver (2017), Augustus Waters in The Fault in Our Stars (2014).
  • Mike Faist (Riff)
    • Date of Birth: January 5, 1992
    • Nationality: American
    • Notable Roles: Riff in West Side Story (2021), Connor Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen (Original Broadway Cast), Art Donaldson in Challengers (2024).
  • David Alvarez (Bernardo)
    • Date of Birth: May 11, 1994
    • Nationality: Canadian (Cuban descent)
    • Notable Roles: Bernardo in West Side Story (2021), Billy in Billy Elliot the Musical (Original Broadway Cast, Tony Award Winner).
  • Rita Moreno (Valentina)
    • Date of Birth: December 11, 1931
    • Nationality: American (Puerto Rican-born)
    • Notable Roles: Valentina in West Side Story (2021), Anita in West Side Story (1961, Academy Award Winner), EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner.

From Broadway to Blockbusters: The Post-Oscar Careers of Zegler and DeBose

The two leading women of the 2021 film, Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose, have experienced the most significant and high-profile career accelerations, capitalizing on the film's success and critical acclaim. Their trajectories demonstrate the immense power of a major Steven Spielberg production to launch careers globally.

Ariana DeBose’s Historic Oscar Victory and Beyond

Ariana DeBose, who portrayed the fiery and complex Anita, achieved a historic milestone shortly after the film’s release. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman of color to win an acting Oscar.

The win was a powerful moment for representation in Hollywood and immediately elevated her status to one of the industry's most sought-after talents. Her acceptance speech, which referenced her journey from the closeted back seat to the front, was widely praised.

Since her win, DeBose has continued to balance film, television, and stage work, demonstrating her versatility as a triple-threat performer. Her recent projects include starring in the Off-Broadway revival of Stephen Schwartz’s musical The Baker’s Wife. She has also taken on leadership roles, being named a board member of the Entertainment Community Fund, solidifying her influence both on and off the stage.

Rachel Zegler’s Franchise Domination

Rachel Zegler, who was discovered through an open casting call and won the Golden Globe for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for her film debut as María, has quickly become a major player in Hollywood franchises.

Her most prominent role post-West Side Story was playing the lead, Lucy Gray Baird, in the prequel to The Hunger Games series, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which became a global box office success.

Zegler's future slate is packed with high-profile projects, including the controversial live-action Disney adaptation of Snow White, where she will play the titular princess. She is also slated to star in the comedy-drama She Gets It From Me and an upcoming biopic where she will portray the iconic '80s music star Gloria Estefan, showcasing her vocal and acting range.

The Jets and Sharks: Mike Faist, Josh Rivera, and Ansel Elgort’s Diverse Paths

While the leading ladies garnered the most awards attention, the male leads and supporting cast have also seen significant shifts in their careers, navigating new genres and, in some cases, public controversies.

Mike Faist’s Cinematic and Stage Triumphs

Mike Faist, who delivered a critically acclaimed performance as the troubled Jets leader Riff, has successfully transitioned from his Broadway roots (including a Tony nomination for Dear Evan Hansen) to major film roles. His most recent and widely discussed project is the 2024 romantic sports drama Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino.

In Challengers, Faist stars alongside Zendaya and Josh O’Connor as Art Donaldson, a tennis champion caught in a complex love triangle. This role has solidified his presence in the indie film world. Additionally, Faist has returned to the stage, starring opposite Michelle Williams in a revival of Eugene O’Neill's classic play, Anna Christie, demonstrating his commitment to his theatrical background.

Josh Andrés Rivera’s Rise in Franchise Cinema

Josh Andrés Rivera, who played Chino (María’s intended fiancé and a Shark), has quickly followed his co-star Rachel Zegler into major franchise territory. He was cast in a pivotal role in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, playing Sejanus Plinth, a friend and confidant to the young Coriolanus Snow.

Rivera's career continues to diversify with his casting in the FX true-crime drama series, American Sports Story, where he is set to portray the late NFL player Aaron Hernandez. This dramatic shift showcases his range and willingness to take on complex, real-life characters, moving far beyond his musical theater debut.

Ansel Elgort and the Controversy Aftermath

Ansel Elgort’s casting as Tony was met with significant public discussion, largely due to sexual assault allegations made against him in 2020, prior to the film’s release. The controversy cast a shadow over the film’s promotional tour, leading to a notable absence from much of the press.

Since the film's release, Elgort has maintained a relatively low profile in the U.S. market but has continued to work. He starred in the HBO Max crime drama series Tokyo Vice (2022-2024) and is attached to the upcoming film Dinner With Audrey. The ongoing public conversation surrounding his involvement in major projects remains a sensitive topic for the cast and the film’s legacy.

The Legacy of Rita Moreno and the Topical Authority of Spielberg’s Film

The inclusion of EGOT winner Rita Moreno, who won an Oscar for playing Anita in the 1961 film and returned to play the new role of Valentina (a reimagined Doc’s wife) in the 2021 version, provided a powerful bridge between the two cinematic adaptations.

Moreno’s presence brought immediate topical authority and historical weight to Spielberg’s project. Her role as both an actress and an executive producer underscored the film's commitment to honoring the original while making necessary updates, particularly in ensuring the Sharks cast was authentically Latinx, a key criticism of the 1961 version.

The 2021 film’s critical success was marked by its numerous accolades, including the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and the Oscar win for DeBose. The film’s screenplay, penned by Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner, was praised for its deeper exploration of the socio-economic and racial tensions that fuel the conflict between the Jets and the Sharks, providing a fresh, relevant perspective on the classic material originally conceived by Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim.

The diverse and highly talented cast of West Side Story (2021) has not only honored the legacy of the original musical but has also carved out individual, dynamic careers that continue to shape the landscape of modern cinema and theater. Their ongoing projects, from major franchises to serious dramatic roles, ensure that the shadow of Spielberg’s ambitious remake will stretch far into the future of the entertainment industry.

cast of west side story film
cast of west side story film

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