Crazy Rich Asians
Constance Wu found overnight fame as the scene-stealing dragon mom on the Eddie Huang-based sitcom Fresh Off the Boat. She would, then, cross over into the film world with the global sensation Crazy Rich Asians. Crazy Rich Asians captured the Chinese culture like no Hollywood production had in decades, garnering an immediate fanbase that propelled it to box office success and awards recognition, even getting Golden Globe and SAG nods. With that, it’s no wonder sequel talk was on the table. But director Jon M. Chu isn’t going to do it just to get people back in theaters, he’s going to do it because a Crazy Rich Asians sequel has to matter.
HBO series
Chu initially thought the bar for a sequel was high, with the plan being to adapt the second book in Kevin Kwan’s series, China Rich Girlfriend. Now, Deadline is reporting that instead of a movie adaptation for the sequel, the continuation is coming in the form of an HBO series. The project was originally planned for streaming on HBO Max, but HBO has given the show a greenlight for its normal premium channel. The series has been in development for a couple of years now from the film’s co-writer, Adele Lim, director Jon M. Chu, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson.
The series is set to bring back the film cast, which includes Wu, Henry Golding, Ronnie Chieng and Michelle Yeoh.
Casey Bloys, Co-Chair and Chief Content Officer, Skydance Direct-To-Consumer, made the statement, “We are so excited that Adele and the team behind the history-making film are bringing the next chapter of this story to life. Constance, Henry, Ronny, and Michelle are global superstars, and we know the passionate fans of the film and megahit novels can’t wait to see more. We’re glad to be in partnership with this talented producing team and cast.”
Channing Dungey, Chairman, Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, also said, “From a bestselling novel to a blockbuster film and now television, Crazy Rich Asians has solidified its place as one of the most beloved stories in popular culture. Kevin Kwan created an irresistible world filled with the perfect blend of glitz, humor, and heart, and the talented Adele Lim returns to adapt this renowned tale for a new television audience. We are equally thrilled to welcome Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Ronny Chieng, and Michelle Yeoh back to reprise their iconic roles. We can’t wait to bring this series to life with our partners at HBO.”
Adele Lim added, “It’s a Crazy Rich family reunion! This series is the sequel we’ve been waiting for, but instead of just one movie, we get eight episodes to delve into the characters and worlds of Kevin Kwan’s brilliant books. Getting to work with the original creative team with the support and vision of HBO and Warner Bros. Television has been a dream. Our writers room is humming and we can’t wait to share what we’ve come up with.”
According to the official Instagram announcement, production is set to begin in 2027.
