5 Shocking Ways The 2021 Tony West Side Story Movie Changed The Iconic Character (And What Happened To The Star)
The enduring tragedy of *West Side Story* found new life in 2021 with Steven Spielberg's ambitious cinematic remake, yet the character of Tony, the star-crossed lover at its core, was fundamentally re-imagined for a modern audience. Released on December 10, 2021, the film—with a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner—sought to deepen the narrative and give its central characters more detailed backstories than the beloved 1961 classic. While critically acclaimed, the movie was a box-office disappointment, grossing only $10.6 million on its opening weekend, a failure often attributed to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the Omicron variant keeping older audiences away from theaters.
The new iteration of Tony, played by actor Ansel Elgort, was designed to be less of a simple romantic idealist and more of a young man actively seeking to escape his past and assimilate into a new life. This updated character arc, however, was overshadowed by mixed reviews of Elgort’s performance and, crucially, the controversy surrounding sexual assault allegations against the actor that surfaced prior to the film's release. This article dives into the five most shocking and significant changes made to Tony in the 2021 film and examines the profile of the actor whose casting became a flashpoint for discussion.
Ansel Elgort: Complete Biography and Profile
Ansel Elgort, who took on the challenging role of Tony, is an American actor, singer, and DJ, born into a highly artistic family.
- Full Name: Ansel Elgort
- Date of Birth: March 14, 1994
- Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
- Parents: Arthur Elgort (a fashion photographer who worked extensively for *Vogue*) and Grethe Barrett Holby (an opera director, producer, and choreographer).
- Career Beginnings: Elgort began his acting career with a supporting role in the horror film *Carrie* (2013).
- Breakthrough Roles: He gained widespread recognition for playing Caleb Prior in the *Divergent* film series and for his leading role as Augustus Waters in the romantic drama *The Fault in Our Stars* (2014).
- Music Career: Under the moniker "Ansolo," he has also pursued a career as a music producer and DJ.
- Controversy: In 2020, prior to the release of *West Side Story*, Elgort faced sexual assault allegations, which he denied. The controversy was addressed by co-stars like Rachel Zegler (Maria) in subsequent interviews.
5 Significant Changes to Tony's Character in the 2021 Remake
The 2021 *West Side Story* is not a shot-for-shot remake of the 1961 film. Screenwriter Tony Kushner and director Steven Spielberg meticulously updated the narrative to give the characters, especially Tony, greater depth and context.
1. Tony Has a Clear Path to Assimilation (and a Job)
In the original 1961 film and the stage musical, Tony’s move away from the Jets gang is somewhat abstract—he’s just "too soft" and idealistic for gang life. The 2021 version, however, grounds his ambition in reality. Tony is actively trying to better himself and assimilate into mainstream American society. He is revealed to be taking night courses to become an accountant, demonstrating a serious, tangible commitment to leaving his troubled past behind.
2. The Addition of Valentina as His Mentor and Boss
Perhaps the most critical change impacting Tony's backstory is the inclusion of the new character, Valentina, played by the original film’s Anita, Rita Moreno. Valentina is the widow of Doc, the original drugstore owner, and she now runs the store. Tony works for her, and she serves as his compassionate mentor and employer, offering him a stable environment and a second chance. This change provides a concrete, non-gang-related reason for Tony to be in the neighborhood and gives him a maternal figure who understands the conflict between the Jets and Sharks.
3. His Time in Prison is Explicitly Revealed
The new screenplay makes Tony’s past far darker and more explicit. It is revealed that Tony served time in prison for nearly beating a rival gang member to death. This backstory provides a much stronger, more urgent motivation for his desire to leave the Jets and Riff's influence. It elevates Tony from a simple former gang member to a young man haunted by his capacity for violence, making his yearning for a new life (and Maria) feel more desperate and earned.
4. The Controversial Performance and Casting
While not a change to the character itself, Ansel Elgort's portrayal became a major talking point. Critics were sharply divided. Some found his performance "drab and two-dimensional" and his singing lacking the necessary emotional connection to Tony's inner turmoil. Others defended him, arguing he captured the essence of Tony as a "doofy teenager in love" with a decent voice and dancing ability. The mixed reception, combined with the pre-release allegations against Elgort, created a cloud of controversy that many believe contributed to the film’s underperformance despite its incredible critical reception (a 95% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes).
5. A Deeper Exploration of His Friendship with Riff
The 2021 film spends more time establishing the deep, almost fraternal bond between Tony and Riff (played by Mike Faist). Their relationship is shown to be one of codependency, with Riff struggling to accept Tony's departure from the Jets. This intensified friendship makes Tony’s eventual actions—and Riff’s tragic fate—feel more painful and impactful. The film highlights that Tony and Riff were the co-founders of the Jets, emphasizing the gravity of Tony's decision to walk away from his family-like connection to the gang.
The Legacy of Tony and the 2021 Film's Impact
The 2021 *West Side Story* remake, despite its financial struggles, is widely regarded as a triumph of filmmaking, receiving multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Steven Spielberg, and a win for Best Supporting Actress for Ariana DeBose (Anita).
The film’s approach to Tony—a character striving for assimilation while haunted by a violent past—reflects a more complex, modern understanding of the American immigrant experience and urban decay. Tony's story is a tragic microcosm of the destruction caused by racial and ethnic prejudice in a rapidly changing New York City neighborhood. The updated narrative, penned by Tony Kushner, successfully utilized the character to explore deeper themes of gentrification, marginalization, and the impossibility of escaping one's social destiny in 1950s America.
Ultimately, the 2021 version cemented Tony's place in the pantheon of great tragic romantic leads. While the performance of Ansel Elgort remains a point of contention, the character's re-imagined arc—from a former convict seeking redemption to a man of genuine ambition—gave the classic tragedy a renewed sense of urgency and relevance, ensuring that the star-crossed love story of Tony and Maria continues to resonate with new generations.
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