Exclusive: 'Crazy Rich Asians' Star Confirms Sequel Series is Officially Happening!
The hit film "Crazy Rich Asians" is finally getting a sequel, transitioning into an HBO series with filming set for 2027. Star Constance Wu confirmed the long-awaited project, revealing the series format will allow for a deeper exploration of Kevin Kwan's rich literary universe and its many characters.
Eight years after its surprise success, "Crazy Rich Asians" is finally moving forward with a sequel, though not in the format many fans might have expected. The beloved romantic comedy, which introduced audiences to the glamorous world of Singapore's elite and a host of new stars, will return as an HBO series, with filming scheduled to commence in 2027.
Constance Wu, who starred as Rachel Chu in the original movie alongside Henry Golding, exclusively confirmed the project's progression with Collider. Wu revealed that she had been aware of the upcoming HBO series for over a year but deliberately refrained from speaking about it publicly. Her caution stemmed from the common experience in Hollywood where offers and negotiations often fall through, and she didn't want to prematurely raise the expectations of the movie's enormous fanbase.
The actress further elaborated on the greenlighting process, explaining that while negotiations had been ongoing for a considerable time, the project wasn't officially greenlit until just a couple of days before HBO's public announcement. This confirmed commitment has now set the stage for the expansion of the "Crazy Rich" universe.
The decision to adapt the story into a television series rather than another feature film is seen as a strategic move to leverage the broader narrative possibilities. Wu highlighted that author Kevin Kwan's extensive collection of novels within the same world, akin to Jack Carr's literary universe, provides ample material. This longer format will allow the creative team to delve into many other existing characters and introduce new ones, exploring storylines that a single movie wouldn't accommodate. Wu believes this approach will be particularly pleasing to fans of the original books.
Despite the official greenlight, Wu urged audiences to manage their expectations regarding the premiere date. She stressed that production has yet to begin, with filming slated for 2027, and will encompass several months of shooting followed by an extensive post-production phase. The series is set to be filmed in New York, which is also Wu's home city, adding a personal convenience for the actress.
The original "Crazy Rich Asians," released in 2018 and directed by Jon M. Chu, was a significant box office triumph, earning approximately $239 million worldwide against a production budget of $30 million. It chronicled Rachel's journey to Singapore, where she discovered her boyfriend Nick's immense family wealth and their less-than-welcoming reception to their relationship. Fans can currently watch the original movie on digital platforms while awaiting further updates on the eagerly anticipated HBO series.