• Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018
Rita Moreno joins Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" film
In this Aug. 25, 2018, file photo, Rita Moreno arrives at the 33rd annual Imagen Awards at the JW Marriott L.A. Live in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)
  • NEW YORK (AP)
  • --

Rita Moreno's portrayal of Anita in the classic 1961 film "West Side Story" won her an Oscar. Now, she has a different part in a remake directed by Steven Spielberg.

The publicist for the 86-year-old Moreno confirmed Wednesday that she'll play Valentina, a reworked version of the character of Doc, the owner of a corner store where Tony works. Ansel Elgort has been cast as Tony.

The story follows two star-crossed lovers, Tony and Maria, who are each associated with rival New York street gangs. The Pulitzer-winning playwright Tony Kushner is adapting the script. Moreno will also serve as an executive producer.

Filming is set to begin next summer.


MySHOOT Company Profiles