Spielberg’s West Side Story

[Elegance101]

Bwayfan292 said: "I find it funny how stan twitter is upset its not Ben Platt.

If you wanna see stan twitter, Ben platt retweeted his Audition tape a few hours ago."

Stan twitter isn’t the best at understanding that even though you love a performer doesn’t make them right for every part.

Also, that’s rather tasteless of Platt. Bitter much?

[Sondheimite]

Ben Platt is a spoiled child who would have never got cast in anything if his father wasn't who his father is.  

Period.

 

[Call_me_jorge]

I was rooting for Lucas Hedges, but I’m okay with Ansel. I’m hoping they went with a bigger name for Tony so they can bring in an unknown for Maria.

[BroadwayNYC2]

There was nothing negative about Platt's post. This was not an audition tape, it was him merely singing the song. The caption is below (It was posted in March and he retweeted it tonight)

Actors spend lots of time making tapes that never see the light of day- usually embarrassing, poorly shot ones. This one I liked (it’s still poorly shot) so I’m sharing it- I encourage fellow actors to do the same so long as the material is public stuff

[Sondheimite]

That is 100% an audition for Spielberg's West Side Story.

It was tacky when he shared it months ago, as it seemed like he was trying to use his fan army to get himself cast.

It's tacky now, to retweet it right as the casting announcement was made (which didn't have his name on it)

[BroadwayStar4]

CarlosAlberto said: "Cfried said: "Ansel confirmed for Tony.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Te-Adoro-Anton-Ansel-Elgort-to-Play-Tony-in-Steven-Spielberg-WEST-SIDE-STORY-20181001"

Ugh....Twink Side Story...."

-----------

Well, how old are the characters suppose to be? Because if they're suppose to be in their late teens or young-adults, then Ansel Elgort looks about the right age. One of my biggest pet peeves with Hollywood is that they tend to cast older actors for young roles, and it can be distracting.

[S394206H]

As much as I'd love an unknown to play Maria, I think it's unlikely to happen- this is a Spielberg movie, after all.

[LuPita2]

He's perfect for this. He's beautiful, he's tall, and he can sing incredibly well.  Excited for this casting.  

[smallvillefan16]

Anyone think Selena Gomez will be up for Maria?

[natashalost]

smallvillefan16 said: "Anyone think Selena Gomez will be up for Maria?"

No way in hell. 

[Elegance101]

Platt literally said it was an audition tape. What else would it be for?

Also, he retweets it right as the casting is announced as someone else? And I’m supposed to believe that’s a coincidence? Sure, Jan.

I’m a fan of his, but he has been completely tasteless with this whole thing. Audition tapes don’t see the light of day, as he said, for a reason. Completely disrespectful of him, both to post it originally and to retweet it now. It appears to be a jab of some sort. As a fan, I feel disappointed. Obviously, I’m not going to “cancel” him or whatever, but I really don’t like these moves. Who on his team is letting him do this?

[natashalost]

Does anyone believe Elgort's casting will affect the age of the actress playing Maria? They were asking for 15-25-year-olds in the casting call but Elgort is 24. Obviously, he's the right age to play the part but it would be a little awkward to have a 15-year-old Maria alongside him. 

[Elegance101]

I mean, Ansel in general will affect who plays Maria. But anyone 18 and up shouldn't look too weird next to him.

[Bwayfan292]

Elegance101 said: "Platt literally said it was an audition tape. What else would it be for?

Also, he retweets it right as the casting is announced as someone else? And I’m supposed to believe that’s a coincidence? Sure, Jan.

I’m a fan of his, but he has been completely tasteless with this whole thing. Audition tapes don’t see the light of day, as he said, for a reason. Completely disrespectful of him, both to post it originally and to retweet it now. It appears to be a jab of some sort. As a fan, I feel disappointed. Obviously, I’m not going to “cancel” him or whatever, but I really don’t like these moves. Who on his team is letting him do this?"

My thoughts exactly. Why even retweet it? We already know you auditioned. it’s okay though, his dad can always give him boq in the wicked movie!

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

I would be truly shocked if Spielberg went with “stars” who couldn’t deliver. He’s one of the most famous directors EVER who has the clout to make any film he wants. He is known for putting projects aside if he can’t properly cast them (“The Post” only happened because he was having trouble finding a young actor for a different film so he abandoned it). And he is a self-admitted musical theatre fan (SMASH was his idea!) who has smartly surrounded himself with theatre people like Tony Kushner, Justin Peck, and Kevin McCollum.

Am I skeptical? A bit! Tbh, looking back, the original movie looks kind of corny today, even though it was a monumental hit in its day. But I applaud Spielberg for taking on this project, and I think it could be very special if it’s done right.

[RippedMan]

Kushner is the only one who gives me hope, but thought Lincoln was a total bore and thought the original Wss was a total bore so... and Ansel ... eh. He will be fine.

[Sondheimite]

Elegance101 said: "Platt literally said it was an audition tape. What else would it be for?

Also, he retweets it right as the casting is announced as someone else? And I’m supposed to believe that’s a coincidence? Sure, Jan.

I’m a fan of his, but he has been completely tasteless with this whole thing. Audition tapes don’t see the light of day, as he said, for a reason. Completely disrespectful of him, both to post it originally and to retweet it now. It appears to be a jab of some sort. As a fan, I feel disappointed. Obviously, I’m not going to “cancel” him or whatever, but I really don’t like these moves. Who on his team is letting him do this?"

His Daddy.  Ben's had a long day.  He demands a oscar winning role from Daddy Platt and a Goose that lays golden eggs.. and a Bean Feast.



 

[bwaylinds]

Am I the only one who couldn't see Platt as Tony? 

[Valentina3]

Sondheimite said: "Elegance101 said: "Platt literally said it was an audition tape. What else would it be for?

Also, he retweets it right as the casting is announced as someone else? And I’m supposed to believe that’s a coincidence? Sure, Jan.

I’m a fan of his, but he has been completely tasteless with this whole thing. Audition tapes don’t see the light of day, as he said, for a reason. Completely disrespectful of him, both to post it originally and to retweet it now. It appears to be a jab of some sort. As a fan, I feel disappointed. Obviously, I’m not going to “cancel” him or whatever, but I really don’t like these moves. Who on his team is letting him do this?"

His Daddy. Ben's had a long day. He demands a oscar winning role from Daddy Platt and a Goose that lays golden eggs.. and a Bean Feast"

 

You really need to calm down lol. 

[theatreguy12]

Never heard of the guy.  But that might be a good thing.  Going in with no expectations one way or another.  I'm going to have to decide though if it's something I'd want to see anyway.  I'm sort of West Side Story'd out.

[Speed]

theatreguy12 said: "Never heard of the guy. But that might be a good thing. Going in with no expectations one way or another. I'm going to have to decide though if it's something I'd want to see anyway. I'm sort of West Side Story'd out."

He's a movie star and Golden Globe nominee.  

[Speed]

Call_me_jorge said: "I was rooting for Lucas Hedges, but I’m okay with Ansel. I’m hoping they went with a bigger name for Tony so they can bring in an unknown for Maria."

Wasn't Camila Cabello cast as Maria?

[lovebwy]

Sorry, but I think Ansel is hotter than ****, bro. His lips are like two red, fluffy pillows.

I'd let him do unspeakable things to me.

It's good to have a sexually magnetic Tony and Maria. It makes their love at first sight make sense. Like with Leo in Romeo and Juliet. You totally fell for him with her.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Ben Platt has absolutely zero of the magnetism and charm that Tony needs to have. People who think he “lost out” on this role need to have their heads checked.

I’m not the craziest about Elgort, but I’m sure he’ll be great in the role. He certainly looks the part, and they’re doing a smart job of getting a lead that’ll appeal to the late millennial/Gen Z audience. I’m here for it.

My biggest casting anticipation for this movie is Anita.

[Plannietink08]

bwaylinds said: "Am I the only one who couldn't see Platt as Tony?"

 

No. You’re definitely not. Platt is incredibly talented at what he does but he needs to realise his own limitations. He just simply isn’t a handsome, romantic lead and whoever is convincing him he is needs to be fired. 
His audition tape comes across as a suburban nerd who has fallen in love with his attractive next door neighbour. It was clunky and awkward and uncomfortable to watch.