Steven Spielberg is renowned for fearlessly tackling challenges, such as adapting the iconic shark thriller, Jaws, and resurrecting deadly dinosaurs in the world of Jurassic Park. Synonymous with cinematic excellence and his ability to craft the most ambitious of visions into reality, Spielberg’s unique talents set him league apart from his contemporaries.
Yet, even for a director of his stature, some projects might seem too daunting to undertake. And screenwriter Tony Kushner certainly thought so when Spielberg approached him for the first time to transform the original classic into one more suited to contemporary tastes.
Screenwriter Tony Kushner Felt One Classic Was Challenging Even for Steven Spielberg
Based on the widely renowned 1950s stage musical by Jerome Robbins, Steven Spielberg‘s 2021 West Side Story adaptation was certainly befitting and consistent with the source and the 1961 Oscar-winning film adaptation. Known for tackling even the fiercest of challenges when it comes to filmmaking, Spielberg’s wish to remake the classic was not taken well by screenwriter Tony Kushner.
When he was first approached by Spielberg, Kushner was apprehensive about adapting a play and film that was deeply entrenched in American culture and transforming it into something that contemporary audiences can relate to. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the screenwriter stated,
The first time I heard about it was when Steven and I had breakfast in New York around 2016. He said, ‘I have a project that I’d like to propose.’ And he said he wanted to do West Side Story. And my first thought was, ‘You’re out of your mind.’ And I came home and told [my husband, author] Mark [Harris]. I said, ‘Steven wants to redo West Side Story. I can’t think of anything harder, and I hope he drops it.’ But he didn’t drop it.
Feeling that even a director as talented as Spielberg would fail to remake such an iconic story, Kushner thought it better that the director drop the project. However, Spielberg’s persistence and passion for the project eventually won him over, resulting in the Oscar-nominated flick.
Steven Spielberg’s Persistence Eventually Convinced Tony Kushner
West Side Story might not have been as successful at the box office, grossing just $76 million (via Box Office Mojo), but the film was certainly a massive critical success. Now hailed as one of the best musical films of all time, it is all thanks to Spielberg’s direction and the brilliant talents of its lead stars, Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort.
However, the film would not have been what it is now if Tony Kushner hadn’t agreed to write the screenplay of the film. Eventually somewhat afraid of such a monumental challenge, Spielberg’s passion finally convinced him to say yes to the project. While talking to THR, he revealed how the Jaws director’s uncanny ability to tap into the zeitgeist and address the fault lines in society made him say yes.
Steven has a real knack for figuring out where the fault lines in society are, what’s in the zeitgeist right now, what are people concerned about. And the inclusiveness that is at the heart of the American democratic experiment and willingness to expand the franchise and the enormous importance of multiculturalism to the American democratic experiment — these are all really near and dear to Steven’s heart and to mine.
Spielberg’s vision for West Side Story wasn’t just about retelling the classical story, which was based on the tragedy of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but about addressing the contemporary issues of race, bigotry, and inclusion. And the director’s unwavering dedication to conveying the relevance of the story to contemporary society made Kushner say yes.
More than a reboot or remake, Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated flick is a reflection of his commitment to social issues and his talent as a filmmaker.
West Side Story can be streamed on Disney+.
