West Side Story?

Question

If you were to remake West Side Story, who would you cast? I know I would cast Vanessa Anne Hudgens (from High School Musical) as Maria. I think she'd be perfect for the role. I'm not as confident who I would cast in the other roles, but I'm thinking Lucas Grabeel (also from High School Musical) as Riff. I'm tempted to say Zac Efron as Tony, but that's kinda making it like a High School Musical reunion. So instead I'll say Drake Bell (from Drake & Josh). However, I don't think he's, like, perfect for the part. I'm sure there is someone else who would be better. I don't know about any other roles (Anita, Doc, etc.). Who would you cast?

I'm not interested in how successful the movie would be. I just wanna know who you would put in it if you could put anyone in it.

Answer 1

Eva Mendes as "Maria". how about a real Hispanic playing an Hispanic.
for Tony, let's have a lil twist:Columbus Short(of Stomp The Yard fame). proven dancer and actor.
Riff:Tyrese Gibson(Four Brothers, Waist Deep, Baby Boy). AND he can sing(remember the Coke commercials?)
Anita:Carmen-Zeta Jones-i mean really...who else? lol
Bernardo:Frankie G(Italian Job, Saw 2). let's keep the Latino flavor here. in modern day Hollywood, no need to cast white actors in Italian/Spanish roles.
Doc:Samuel Jackson(look at his character in "Juice". nuff said...). don't forget to have his Kangol hats in the film!
Officer Krupke:Bruce Willis. don't let him shave and he'll pull off that "pissed off, tired of fighting the good fight" cop.

Answer 2

Wow, if they made a remake for West Side Story the movie industry would be doomed. And I'll tell you that those actors are not half as good as the originals. That's just my two cents worth.

Answer 3

i really don't know. i think vanessa would do great but the public might think it's another one of those awful remakes without watching it because..well..she's vanessa. i'm not saying anything against her, i'm just thinking it would be too celebrity-style for that kind of a movie. not saying natalie wood wasn't a celeb at the time...