Four principal cast members from the 2019 film Crazy Rich Asians are set to reunite for a new television series adaptation. The upcoming show will continue the narrative following the conclusion of the original movie, with Constance Wu and Henry Golding resuming their lead portrayals as Rachel Chu and Nick Young.
Ronny Chieng is also confirmed to return as Eddie Cheng, while Michelle Yeoh, who won an Oscar following her performance in the film, will appear in a recurring capacity as Eleanor Sung-Young, Nick’s mother.
Adele Lim, who co-wrote the screenplay for the original film, serves as the showrunner and executive producer. Describing the project as a “Crazy Rich family reunion,” Lim expressed enthusiasm about expanding on the source material. “It’s the sequel we’ve been waiting for,” she said, noting that the eight-episode series will delve deeper into the characters and worlds established in Kevin Kwan’s novels.
Jon M. Chu, who directed the film, will also serve as an executive producer. Chu reflected on the impact the production had on his career and the cast, stating that the ensemble has since become global superstars. “Bringing everyone back together feels like coming home,” he said.
The series is a co-production between HBO and Warner Bros Television. The announcement comes shortly after parent company Warner Bros. Discovery revealed plans for a £110bn merger with Paramount Skydance. Casey Bloys, co-chair and chief content officer of Skydance Direct-To-Consumer, highlighted the global appeal of the original property, stating that passionate fans of both the movie and the bestselling novels are eager for more content.
Production on the new series is scheduled to begin next year. The original film, adapted from Kwan’s books published between 2013 and 2017, was a major box office success in the United States and received two Golden Globe nominations. It also won the award for best comedy motion picture at the 2019 Critics’ Choice Awards.
Another reboot? Really? Why can’t Hollywood just let this story rest in peace already?
Michelle Yeoh as a recurring character feels like a smart move. Her chemistry with Constance Wu was electric.
I am literally shaking. The original cast is iconic. This is the casting news we needed all year.
Wait, does this mean we get to see more of Singapore’s elite or just richer people being boring?
Honestly, I just want Eleanor and Rachel to have a proper mother-in-law showdown. Give me the drama!