Spielberg on the importance of putting a modern spin on West Side Story

In creating a new version of the classic musical, Spielberg was conscious of current racial issues in America, and went to great lengths to show an appreciation of Latinx culture 

Ariana DeBose and other cast members in West Side Story. 

Six decades on from West Side Story’s big screen debut and the world’s cultural divisions appear to have only deepened – or so says Hollywood director Steven Spielberg. “We’re probably listening both more and less than we’ve ever listened in our collective histories,” says the 74-year-old filmmaker earnestly.

It is an observation the three-time Academy Award-winning Schindler’s List director says has served to “really inform” his latest project – a reincarnation of the hit 1957 play and subsequent 1961 film for 21st century cinema audiences.