In 2022, Steven Spielberg, the director and producer of West Side Story, was part of the Producers Guild of America awards nominee breakfast. Despite being competitors for the same prize, each producer showered praise on Spielberg.
Spielberg delivered some memorable insights, confirming that he won’t be taking on the role of director for another musical project following West Side Story. However, when it comes to producing, he and his company, Amblin Entertainment, are actively involved in the musical adaptation of The Color Purple.
Steven Spielberg Will Not Direct Another Musical
Steven Spielberg expressed that the most challenging day during the filming of West Side Story was the final day, as it marked his decision not to direct another musical in the future.
“The worst day of the West Side Story shoot was the last day, because I knew I wouldn’t direct another musical,” said Spielberg.
During the PGA’s breakfast panel at the Skirball Cultural Center, Spielberg spoke highly of Krieger, who was unable to attend. Spielberg emphasized that many of his trusted producers over the years have been women, such as Kathleen Kennedy, who currently heads Lucasfilm. It’s worth noting that both Krieger and Kennedy started their careers as his assistants.
“The smartest thing I do is hire women,” Spielberg said. “I always will.”
Spielberg injected some humor into his story about visiting the late Stephen Sondheim while working on the new West Side Story adaptation.
Did Steven Spielberg Take A Dig At Elizabeth Banks
Were Steven Spielberg’s remark about hiring women a subtle dig at the actress who accused him of sexism? Elizabeth Banks, a highly skilled American actress, director, and producer, has left a lasting mark on the entertainment field with her remarkable career. In 2017, the Hunger Games actress received recognition at the Women in Film Crystal+ Lucy Awards for her outstanding work in feature directing.
During her acceptance speech, while expressing gratitude and emphasizing the significance of equal representation and women’s roles in the entertainment world, she subtly hinted at the accomplished director Steven Spielberg, noting his absence in directing films with a female lead.
“I went to ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Jaws’ and every movie Steven Spielberg ever made… he’s never made a movie with a female lead. Sorry, Steven. I don’t mean to call your a*s out, but it’s true.”
Banks’ statement, however, doesn’t align with the facts, as Steven Spielberg has indeed directed films like The Color Purple and Sugarland Express, which prominently feature female leads. Fans promptly criticized the actress for what they perceived as unfounded and negative views. Some even labeled her as overly critical, drawing comparisons to the term “Karen,” suggesting she was calling out the accomplished director without valid cause.
West Side Story is available for streaming on Disney+.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
