Liam Payne revealed he was given a shot to audition for an upcoming West Side Story remake.
During a recent interview via FaceTime, the "Strip That Down" musician opened up about the time he performed in front of Steven Spielberg for a chance at starring in the legendary director's new production of the 1957 Broadway musical. "I've had some great auditions for a couple of different things," said the former One Direction member. "The first thing I ever auditioned for was the remake of West Side Story."
"On my last birthday, I got a message saying 'You need to meet [Steven Spielberg],'" Payne continued. Sadly, the crooner didn't land the gig but was more than grateful for the opportunity. The 25-year-old has had several minor film credits in the past, including on iCarly, Dynamo: Magician Impossible, and Family Guy.
West Side Story, inspired by Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, is a love tale embroiled in gang culture in 1950s New York. As the story goes, tensions rise and violence ensues as Tony, a Jets gang member, falls in love with his rival gang leader's sister, Maria. A film adaptation based on the play was released by 20th Century Fox in 1961.
While casting confirmations have been kept secret, another big-time star reportedly attached to star in the film was Camila Cabello. Speculations of the "Never Be the Same" star's involvement started a year ago when she posted an image of Juliet, the figure who inspired West Side Story's Maria. However, the songbird later denied the movie gossip in November 2018. (However, recent reports suggest she'll be playing in an upcoming Cinderella retelling — so there's that!)
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