Rita Moreno Says Steven Spielberg Is ‘Taking Care of All the Mistakes’ From the Original ‘West Side Story’ With Remake

The 1961 movie is one of the most beloved musicals of all time, but Rita Moreno says West Side Story will be even better when she co-stars in director Steven Spielberg‘s upcoming remake.

“He’s taking care of all the mistakes in the original film,” the former One Day at a Time actress told Closer Weekly in an exclusive new interview, on newsstands now, at the recent Bronx Children’s Museum Gala on May 7.

“I’m thrilled that the boys who are supposed to be Latino are Latino, and the young people who were supposed to be young are young,” Rita — won an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a Grammy for her portrayal of Anita — explained. Playing Anita this time is Hamilton‘s Ariana DeBose.

The 87-year-old EGOT legend is especially impressed by newcomer Rachel Zegler, who plays Maria — the role originated by Hollywood icon Natalie Wood — in the classic movie’s update.

“She’s 18 years old with a beautiful voice,” Rita said of her. “And let’s not forget Tony Kushner, the playwright of Angels in America, wrote the script. What a stew!”

Aside from Rachel and Ariana, the cast also includes Ansel Elgort as Tony (originally played by Richard Beymer), Corey Stoll as Lieutenant Schrank (origially played by Simon Oakland), and Sia’s muse, Maddie Ziegler — just to name a few. It’s slated for release on December 18, 2020.

Those who are worried about what they may see with Spielberg’s version can rest easy because the Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree calls it “a dream come true that I never even had.”

Asks Rita, who is playing a new role, one called Valentina: “Who could dream of that?”

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