Crazy Rich Asians Sequel: Will It Ever Happen?

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In 2018, “Crazy Rich Asians” caused quite a stir in the movie industry upon its release. With an approximate gross of $240 million so far and a production budget of just $30 million, the film was not only a commercial triumph but also stands among the rare Hollywood productions boasting a predominantly Asian cast and lead characters. Nowadays, it’s earned a dedicated fanbase, often referred to as a must-watch movie during airplane journeys.

As an avid gamer, I recently found myself immersed in the cinematic world of “Crazy Rich Asians,” a film adaptation from Kevin Kwan’s novel of the same name. In this captivating tale, I step into the shoes of Rachel Chu, an economics professor who embarks on a journey to Singapore, side by side with my boyfriend Nick Young, for his best friend’s wedding.

However, upon our arrival in this opulent city, I soon realize that the man I know and love, Nick, is not the same individual expected of him within his elite social circles. You see, he’s the heir to a vast real estate empire, a fact I was previously unaware of.

As the wedding festivities unfold, I begin to feel an uneasy sensation as I struggle to win the acceptance of Nick’s mother, Eleanor. This growing tension causes me to question my role in Nick’s life and whether our future together is truly meant to be.

The book initiates a trilogy, implying there’s ample content for more movies. Yet, a follow-up to “Crazy Rich Asians” hasn’t been produced as of now. Although progress has been slow, the odds remain favorable that we’ll eventually see “Crazy Rich Asians 2”. It may not be immediately, though.

Why hasn’t Crazy Rich Asians 2 happened yet?

A follow-up movie for “Crazy Rich Asians” has been planned since its initial release in 2018, but various production issues have delayed the sequel. Initially announced in August 2018, the original intention was to film two sequels based on the subsequent books in the series, “China Rich Girlfriend” and “Rich People Problems,” simultaneously in 2020. However, changes within the creative team resulted in a different outcome.

There were conflicts over payment for the initial screenwriters, Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim, of the first adaptation “Crazy Rich Asians”. Reports indicated a substantial disparity in their proposed compensation for working on sequels, with Chiarelli potentially earning between $800,000 and $1 million, whereas Lim was offered only $110,000. This pay discrepancy led to Adele Lim departing the project temporarily, but she later returned to the “Crazy Rich Asians” universe. The incident sparked discussions on the gender wage gap in the entertainment industry, as Warner Bros presented further offers that were declined by Lim.

Everything John Chu has said about Crazy Rich Asians 2

With director Jon M. Chu basking in the success of “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good,” he’s confirmed that a sequel to “Crazy Rich Asians” is indeed in development, but only if the narrative warrants it. This delay isn’t solely due to changes within the creative team, as Chu clarified in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in November 2024. He emphasized that producing another “Crazy Rich Asians” project isn’t just about adapting “China Rich Girlfriend,” which is why fans are still eagerly anticipating.

The director explained, “Contrary to what people may assume, ‘The first film is like the book, so the second book should follow suit,’ the reality is different. There are significant architectural changes, making it not a direct adaptation.” The movie’s ending, where Nick reconciles with his mother, deviates from the resolution in the second book of the series. Additionally, numerous storylines in the second book might not align seamlessly with the tone established by the initial film. “We’ve tried several approaches, but it hasn’t quite worked out yet.

Chu emphasized that he had made a commitment to the cast that they would return for a movie only if the script was as compelling and urgent as the first one. He stated that the bar is set high for everyone involved, so he won’t proceed unless they’re truly prepared. In other words, it’s still being planned, but will materialize only when the script measures up to expectations.

What could happen in Crazy Rich Asians 2

The second installment of “Crazy Rich Asians,” titled possibly “Crazy Rich Asians 2,” might delve into elements of the second book in the series, “China Rich Girlfriend.” Unlike the film’s ending, Nick is no longer in contact with his mother or grandmother after the events depicted in the first movie. This opens up an opportunity to explore other narratives from the book that weren’t covered in the initial film.

In the sequel, Rachel finds herself on a quest to uncover her true biological parent after learning that the man her mother married was not her father. The story takes a darker turn as Rachel gets poisoned at one instance, serving as a warning for her not to return to China due to growing discontent towards her and Nick’s relationship. If adapted into a movie, this plotline could resemble “A Simple Favor” in terms of mystery but with a more playful ambiance. However, it might not be fully represented in the next film.

In the initial version, during the mid-credits scene, Astrid, portrayed by Gemma Chan, shares a meaningful gaze with someone seated beside her at a food table. This person is Charlie (Henry Shum Jr.), her former fiancé. Throughout the movie, we witness the decline of Astrid’s marriage, and introducing Charlie offers a chance to delve into her romantic storyline in the sequel. Where “China Rich Girlfriend” depicts her reconciliation with her husband, Charlie remains significant in that narrative, making him an intriguing element for the second adaptation.

Who will the stars of Crazy Rich Asians 2 be?

If “Crazy Rich Asians 2” chooses to focus on Astrid and Charlie’s story, as suggested by the second book, it’s probable that Gemma Chan and Harry Shum Jr. will reappear, playing their respective roles. Similarly, Henry Golding and Constance Wu are likely to return as Nick and Rachel. Additional cast members who might return include Michelle Yeoh as Eleanor, Lisa Lu as Nick’s grandmother, Shang Su Yi, and if the storyline involves Rachel searching for her biological father, Tan Kheng Hua could reprise her role as Rachel’s mother, Kerry. John Chu’s statement that he would only bring back the original cast if a better script is written suggests that characters from the first movie will appear in some form.

In response to questions about the sequel, actors Golding and Shum Jr. have echoed John Chu’s statements that the team is moving carefully with the project, and have chosen not to reveal details about the plot or their involvement. During an interview for Deadline’s “Scene 2 Seen” podcast in 2023, Shum Jr. did mention that he had lunch with a producer for the sequel, but could not disclose further information. Given that Golding and Chan have met with writer Adele Lim about a potential TV adaptation, it seems that the cast is being kept informed, although no official announcements have been made as of yet.

There is a Crazy Rich Asians TV series in the works

By February 2025, it was officially announced that Warner Bros. was working on a TV show adaptation of “Crazy Rich Asians,” destined for their streaming platform HBO Max. The original book’s author Kevin Kwan, director Jon M. Chu, and the co-writer from the first movie Adele Lim have taken up executive producer roles, with Lim also assuming the responsibilities as showrunner and writer – signaling her comeback to the franchise. However, specific details about the series’ characters, setting, or plot are yet to be disclosed, leaving fans in anticipation, particularly considering that a sequel movie is still on the agenda.

2025 finds me, Henry Golding, eagerly discussing the potential TV adaptation of “Another Simple Favor” on “The Today Show”. I shared that my co-star, Gemma Chan, and I had recently met with the creator, Lim, about this exciting project. Furthermore, I’ve had intriguing conversations with Awkwafina, who brought Peik Lin to life in the film, regarding the possibility. “With a larger, longer-running format for the series,” I explained, “we have more space to fully explore and share the captivating world we only caught glimpses of in ‘Crazy Rich’. We’re beyond thrilled at the prospect of delving deeper!

In 2024, I got excited when it was revealed that “Crazy Rich Asians” was headed to Broadway! The adaptation promises to be a captivating musical, and Leah Nanako Winkler is penning the book for this production. Helen Park will create the music, while Amanda Green and Tat Tong are tasked with crafting the lyrics. Can’t wait to see it on stage!

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2025-05-24 23:30