Steven Spielberg to Helm WEST SIDE STORY Big Screen Reboot?

Deadline reports that a big screen revival of the clasic film WEST SIDE STORY may be in the works at Fox. According to the report, award-winning director Steven Spielberg has expressed an interest in helming the project. While no writer is yet on board, Spielberg's enthusiasm for the project has inspired the studio to set the wheels in motion.

The 1961 classic musical was directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins. The film was an adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical of the same name, which in Turn was inspired by William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. It starred Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno and George Chakiris.

Released on October 18, 1961, West Side Story became the second highest grossing film of the year and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won 10, including Best Picture, as well as a special award for Robbins. West Side Story won more Academy Awards than any other musical film.