Disney and 20th Century’s ‘West Side Story’ will not premiere in Saudi Arabia and the other Middle Eastern countries. An adaptation by Steven Spielberg of the classical musical has been banned in these countries after the film wasn’t granted a release certificate.&nbsp;

The total countries where the film has been banned are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait. While in some places, they weren’t issued the certificates, in others Disney refused to comply with cuts requested by the censors.&nbsp;

The move doesn’t come as a total shocker as the Middle Eastern countries have strict censorship mandates regarding sexuality, swearing, and other aspects that don’t comply with the nation’s cultural views.&nbsp;

It’s being understood that censors weren’t on board with Anybodys, a character who is transgender and portrayed by non-binary actor Iris Menas. Films with LGBTQ references have been regularly targeted by censors in the Middle East, as well as China.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/justin-bieber-performs-in-saudi-arabia-despite-pressure-to-cancel-the-concert-434794" hreflang="en">Justin Bieber performs in Saudi Arabia despite pressure to cancel the concert</a>

In a similar fashion, MCU’s ‘Eternals’ faced issues with its release and was eventually pulled from release because the film showed Marvel’s first openly same-sex couple. In the movie, Brian Tyree Henry’s otherworldly character Phastos shares a kiss with his mortal husband Ben (Haaz Sleiman).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-shang-chi-sequel-in-works-original-director-destin-daniel-cretton-to-return-434823" hreflang="en">'Shang-Chi' sequel in works, original director Destin Daniel Cretton to return</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ariana-grande-megan-thee-stallion-jimmy-fallon-release-new-christmas-song-434799" hreflang="en">Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Jimmy Fallon release new Christmas song</a>

Meanwhile, Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ will release this Friday in other regions. It comes after a gap of 60 years from its original film which was also an adaptation of 1957 Broadway show. The 2021 film features Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort as star-crossed lovers. The cast also includes Ariana DeBose as Anita, David Alvarez as Bernardo, Mike Faist as Riff, and Rita Moreno as Valentina.

Disney and 20th Century’s ‘West Side Story’ will not premiere in Saudi Arabia and the other Middle Eastern countries. An adaptation by Steven Spielberg of the classical musical has been banned in these countries after the film wasn’t granted a release certificate.

Disney and 20th Century’s ‘West Side Story’ will not premiere in Saudi Arabia and the other Middle Eastern countries. An adaptation by Steven Spielberg of the classical musical has been banned in these countries after the film wasn’t granted a release certificate. The total countries where the film has been banned are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait. While in some places, they weren’t issued the certificates, in others Disney refused to comply with cuts requested by the censors. The move doesn’t come as a total shocker as the Middle Eastern countries have strict censorship mandates regarding sexuality, swearing, and other aspects that don’t comply with the nation’s cultural views. It’s being understood that censors weren’t on board with Anybodys, a character who is transgender and portrayed by non-binary actor Iris Menas. Films with LGBTQ references have been regularly targeted by censors in the Middle East, as well as China. Also read: Justin Bieber performs in Saudi Arabia despite pressure to cancel the concert In a similar fashion, MCU’s ‘Eternals’ faced issues with its release and was eventually pulled from release because the film showed Marvel’s first openly same-sex couple. In the movie, Brian Tyree Henry’s otherworldly character Phastos shares a kiss with his mortal husband Ben (Haaz Sleiman). Also read: 'Shang-Chi' sequel in works, original director Destin Daniel Cretton to return Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Jimmy Fallon release new Christmas song Meanwhile, Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ will release this Friday in other regions. It comes after a gap of 60 years from its original film which was also an adaptation of 1957 Broadway show. The 2021 film features Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort as star-crossed lovers. The cast also includes Ariana DeBose as Anita, David Alvarez as Bernardo, Mike Faist as Riff, and Rita Moreno as Valentina.

Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story' banned in Saudi Arabia, UAE and other neighbouring regions

The trailer of Steven Spielberg's upcoming adaptation of 'West Side Story'&nbsp;is here and it promises nostalgia with a twist. The trailer aired during the 93rd annual Academy Awards.

The 20th Century Fox film follows two starcrossed teenagers, Tony Wyzek (Ansel Elgort) and Maria Nunez (Rachel Zegler), as they fall in love despite each having ties to rival street gangs in 1950s New York City. Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, Corey Stoll, and Brian d'Arcy James have been cast in the 2021 movie as well. 
 
&nbsp;

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Spielberg directed and co-produced the film, while Tony Kushner ("Angels in America," "Munich," and "Lincoln") wrote the screenplay. Justin Peck, the acting resident choreographer of the New York City Ballet, choreographed the on-screen numbers.

Spielberg's 'West Side Story'&nbsp;is an adaptation of the award-winning 1957 Broadway musical of the same name.

The play - written by Arthur Laurents with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim - is loosely based on William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." Upon its release on Broadway, "West Side Story" was nominated for six Tony Awards, winning best choreography and best scenic design.

Co-directors Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins brought the popular play to the big screen in 1961. Their reimagination of "West Side Story" received 11 Academy Award nominations and swept 10 categories, including best picture, best director, and best original musical.

According to Deadline, EGOT winner Rita Moreno, who won best supporting actress for her performance as Anita in the 1961 movie, will appear in Spielberg's upcoming production as a brand new character named Valentina.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I see myself revisiting this seminal work," Moreno told the outlet. "And to be asked by Steven Spielberg to participate is simply thrilling! Then to work together with the brilliant playwright, Tony Kushner - what a glorious stew! I am tingling!"

During a March 2020 interview with Vanity Fair, the director said Bernstein's tunes and Sondheim's lyrics left an influential mark on him as a young boy.

"I grew up surrounded by classical music. 'West Side Story' was actually the first piece of popular music our family ever allowed into the home. I absconded with it - this was the cast album from the 1957 Broadway musical-and just fell completely in love with it as a kid," he said.

Spielberg added, "'West Side Story' has been that one haunting temptation that I have finally given in to."

Initially slotted for release in December 2020, 'West Side Story'&nbsp;was pushed back a full calendar year and will premiere in theatres on December 10, 2021.

The trailer of Steven Spielberg's upcoming adaptation of 'West Side Story' is here and it promises nostalgia with a twist. The trailer aired during the 93rd annual Academy Awards.

The trailer of Steven Spielberg's upcoming adaptation of 'West Side Story' is here and it promises nostalgia with a twist. The trailer aired during the 93rd annual Academy Awards. The 20th Century Fox film follows two starcrossed teenagers, Tony Wyzek (Ansel Elgort) and Maria Nunez (Rachel Zegler), as they fall in love despite each having ties to rival street gangs in 1950s New York City. Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, Corey Stoll, and Brian d'Arcy James have been cast in the 2021 movie as well. Spielberg directed and co-produced the film, while Tony Kushner ("Angels in America," "Munich," and "Lincoln") wrote the screenplay. Justin Peck, the acting resident choreographer of the New York City Ballet, choreographed the on-screen numbers. Spielberg's 'West Side Story' is an adaptation of the award-winning 1957 Broadway musical of the same name. The play - written by Arthur Laurents with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim - is loosely based on William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." Upon its release on Broadway, "West Side Story" was nominated for six Tony Awards, winning best choreography and best scenic design. Co-directors Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins brought the popular play to the big screen in 1961. Their reimagination of "West Side Story" received 11 Academy Award nominations and swept 10 categories, including best picture, best director, and best original musical. According to Deadline, EGOT winner Rita Moreno, who won best supporting actress for her performance as Anita in the 1961 movie, will appear in Spielberg's upcoming production as a brand new character named Valentina. "Never in my wildest dreams did I see myself revisiting this seminal work," Moreno told the outlet. "And to be asked by Steven Spielberg to participate is simply thrilling! Then to work together with the brilliant playwright, Tony Kushner - what a glorious stew! I am tingling!" During a March 2020 interview with Vanity Fair, the director said Bernstein's tunes and Sondheim's lyrics left an influential mark on him as a young boy. "I grew up surrounded by classical music. 'West Side Story' was actually the first piece of popular music our family ever allowed into the home. I absconded with it - this was the cast album from the 1957 Broadway musical-and just fell completely in love with it as a kid," he said. Spielberg added, "'West Side Story' has been that one haunting temptation that I have finally given in to." Initially slotted for release in December 2020, 'West Side Story' was pushed back a full calendar year and will premiere in theatres on December 10, 2021.

Watch the trailer of Steven Spielberg's upcoming adaptation of 'West Side Story'

The first look of Steven Spielberg`s highly-anticipated film `West Side Story` is finally out and it features Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as star-crossed lovers and members of the rival Sharks and Jet gangs arrayed across a street. 
 
Spielberg`s production company Amblin Entertainment shared the first look of the cast of the film on its Twitter handle and it is as dramatic as it can get!"Meet the cast of director Steven Spielberg`s WestSideStory: Maria (newcomer Rachel Zegler), Tony (Ansel Elgort), The Jets (left) and The Sharks (right)," the caption read.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Meet the cast of director Steven Spielberg's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestSideStory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestSideStory</a>: Maria (newcomer Rachel Zegler), Tony (Ansel Elgort), The Jets (left) and The Sharks (right).<a href="https://t.co/NjNzw4lOBx">https://t.co/NjNzw4lOBx</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StevenSpielberg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StevenSpielberg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rachelzegler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rachelzegler</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AnselElgort?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnselElgort</a> <a href="https://t.co/39RMq4zgr4">pic.twitter.com/39RMq4zgr4</a>
— Amblin (@amblin) <a href="https://twitter.com/amblin/status/1140559532768157696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The first look shows the rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks standing across a street. In the middle of the groups, Elgort and Zegler`s characters can be seen standing holding each other`s hands. 
 
The upcoming musical, about young love and the tension between rival gangs, is in production. Elgort stars as Tony and Zegler as Maria, the star-crossed lovers, alongside a host of other cast members in the first picture. 
 
Apart from Elgort and Zegler, the first look photo also reveals the other official cast members of the film including the Jets members: Anybodys (Ezra Menas), Mouthpiece (Ben Cook), Action (Sean Harrison Jones), Jets leader Riff (Mike Faist), Baby John (Patrick Higgins), Maria`s brother and Sharks leader Bernardo (David Alvarez) and Sharks members Quique (Julius Anthony Rubio), Chago (Ricardo Zayas), Chino (Josh Andres Rivera), Braulio (Sebastian Serra) and Pipo (Carlos Sanchez Falu).The cast also includes Ariana DeBose (Anita), Ana Isabelle (Rosalia), Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank), Brian d`Arcy James (Officer Krupke), Curtiss Cook (Abe) and Oscar winner Rita Moreno, who plays Valentina and also serves as one of the film`s executive producers.

Interestingly, the female lead Zegler is a high school theatre kid whose viral performance of Lady Gaga`s `Shallow` caught Spielberg`s attention after which she scored the role in the film.The upcoming film is a remake of the Oscar-winning 1961 musical about rival gangs in the streets of 1950s New York, reported The Hollywood Reporter.The much-awaited movie tells the story of Tony, a one-time member of the Jets, who falls in love with Maria, the sister of the Sharks leader, Bernardo. Their love has deadly consequences. 
 
Spielberg is adapting the original Broadway musical, which was inspired by Shakespeare`s `Romeo and Juliet`. Spielberg is directing as well as producing the film with a script by Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Tony Kushner. 
 
Tony-winner Justin Peck will choreograph the musical numbers in the film. The film`s music team includes Gustavo Dudamel, who will conduct the recording of Bernstein`s iconic score, reported Variety. 
 
The original 1957 Broadway musical, from which the upcoming film is adapted, was written by Arthur Laurents with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and concept, direction and choreography by Jerome Robbins.`West Side Story` hits the big screens on December 18, 2020.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The first look of Steven Spielberg`s highly-anticipated film `West Side Story` is finally out and it features Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as star-crossed lovers and members of the rival Sharks and Jet gangs arrayed across a street.

The first look of Steven Spielberg`s highly-anticipated film `West Side Story` is finally out and it features Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as star-crossed lovers and members of the rival Sharks and Jet gangs arrayed across a street. Spielberg`s production company Amblin Entertainment shared the first look of the cast of the film on its Twitter handle and it is as dramatic as it can get!"Meet the cast of director Steven Spielberg`s WestSideStory: Maria (newcomer Rachel Zegler), Tony (Ansel Elgort), The Jets (left) and The Sharks (right)," the caption read. Meet the cast of director Steven Spielberg's #WestSideStory: Maria (newcomer Rachel Zegler), Tony (Ansel Elgort), The Jets (left) and The Sharks (right).https://t.co/NjNzw4lOBx#StevenSpielberg @rachelzegler @AnselElgort pic.twitter.com/39RMq4zgr4 — Amblin (@amblin) June 17, 2019 × The first look shows the rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks standing across a street. In the middle of the groups, Elgort and Zegler`s characters can be seen standing holding each other`s hands. The upcoming musical, about young love and the tension between rival gangs, is in production. Elgort stars as Tony and Zegler as Maria, the star-crossed lovers, alongside a host of other cast members in the first picture. Apart from Elgort and Zegler, the first look photo also reveals the other official cast members of the film including the Jets members: Anybodys (Ezra Menas), Mouthpiece (Ben Cook), Action (Sean Harrison Jones), Jets leader Riff (Mike Faist), Baby John (Patrick Higgins), Maria`s brother and Sharks leader Bernardo (David Alvarez) and Sharks members Quique (Julius Anthony Rubio), Chago (Ricardo Zayas), Chino (Josh Andres Rivera), Braulio (Sebastian Serra) and Pipo (Carlos Sanchez Falu).The cast also includes Ariana DeBose (Anita), Ana Isabelle (Rosalia), Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank), Brian d`Arcy James (Officer Krupke), Curtiss Cook (Abe) and Oscar winner Rita Moreno, who plays Valentina and also serves as one of the film`s executive producers. Interestingly, the female lead Zegler is a high school theatre kid whose viral performance of Lady Gaga`s `Shallow` caught Spielberg`s attention after which she scored the role in the film.The upcoming film is a remake of the Oscar-winning 1961 musical about rival gangs in the streets of 1950s New York, reported The Hollywood Reporter.The much-awaited movie tells the story of Tony, a one-time member of the Jets, who falls in love with Maria, the sister of the Sharks leader, Bernardo. Their love has deadly consequences. Spielberg is adapting the original Broadway musical, which was inspired by Shakespeare`s `Romeo and Juliet`. Spielberg is directing as well as producing the film with a script by Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Tony Kushner. Tony-winner Justin Peck will choreograph the musical numbers in the film. The film`s music team includes Gustavo Dudamel, who will conduct the recording of Bernstein`s iconic score, reported Variety. The original 1957 Broadway musical, from which the upcoming film is adapted, was written by Arthur Laurents with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and concept, direction and choreography by Jerome Robbins.`West Side Story` hits the big screens on December 18, 2020.

First look of  Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story' is out!

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Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story' banned in Saudi Arabia, UAE and other neighbouring regions

Watch the trailer of Steven Spielberg's upcoming adaptation of 'West Side Story'

First look of Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story' is out!