Rita Moreno has spoken out about the ‘West Side Story’ reboot.
The 86-year-old actress starred as Anita in the film musical back in 1961 – which saw her be the first Hispanic woman to win Best Supporting Actress – and now Steven Spielberg has announced he is working on a new adaptation of the Robert Wise musical.
But Moreno has spoken out about the news of the reboot and said it is a "moot question" whether she would have a cameo.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Moreno said: "If it’s going to be a contemporary version, then I would imagine that (the music) has to be rap. And if there is that, what happens to the songs? What are the dances going to look like? Are we not going to have the (‘West Side Story’ choreographer) Jerome Robbins dances? I’m just guessing that it’ll be really, completely different. There are no (older) women in this movie, so it’s a moot question. You hear Maria’s mother calling her – I could do that!"
Moreno also said that it’s important for the reboot to have talented dancers in the upcoming movie.
She said: "I don’t know of any teenagers that sing or dance like beasts. What’s most important, I believe, is the dancing ability; you can always loop in someone else’s voice, but you really can’t fake the dancing."
The musical – which is a modern day ‘Romeo and Juliet’ – follows two rival New York street gangs who battle for control of the turf.
The situation becomes complicated when a gang member falls in love with a rival’s sister.
‘West Side Story’ won 10 Academy Awards back in 1962 including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design.
The musical also features popular songs including ‘I Feel Pretty’, ‘Maria’, ‘Somewhere’ and ‘America’.
Rita Moreno speaks out on West Side Story reboot
