After the success of "Crazy Rich Asians," it was recently announced a sequel is now in the works. The Warner Bros movie studio is reportedly in early stages of developing a follow-up film based on Kevin Kwan's second book, "China Rich Girlfriend."
"Crazy Rich Asians" is a trilogy followed by "China Rich Girlfriend" and "Rich People Problems." According to The Hollywood Reporter, the original cast is expected to return in the movie sequel. Jon M. Chu would also return as the film director.
Chu told the publication "Crazy Rich Asians" sequel will tell the story of Astrid's (Gemma Chan), Nick's (Henry Golding) cousin, life with Charlie (Harry Shum Jr.). Fans will also see the gold-digging character of Kitty Pong (Fiona Xie) back as she is set to play a bigger role in the second film.
"We needed to hire somebody who can really act because in time she becomes much more significant," Chu said.
Aside from Chu, the creative team behind the success of "Crazy Rich Asians" will also return to do the sequel. The screenwriters Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim will be back along with the producers Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, and John Penotti.
However, it is not yet revealed when "Crazy Rich Asians" sequel will hit the theaters. The movie has no written script and signed deals yet. Also, Chu is set to direct the movie adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical "In the Heights," which will be out in June 2020.
Meanwhile, "Crazy Rich Asians" came just right in time when Hollywood is being asked to feature "greater diversity on screen, per Variety. The movie marked a milestone as the first major movie from an international studio that featured an all Asian-American cast in 25 years. This is after 1993's "Joy Luck Club."
"Crazy Rich Asians" cast members include Constance Wu, Golding, Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, Ken Jeong, and Michelle Yeoh.
The film successfully topped the United States and Canadian box offices with US$26.5 million of ticket sales on its first weekend. It also got US$35 million in five days and dramatically climbed up to US$44 million on Tuesday. These figures showed a "solid start" for the film that carried a US$30-million price tag and the biggest rom-com movie released in recent years.
"Crazy Rich Asians" also received 93 percent "certified fresh rating" review on Rotten Tomatoes and a grade A from CinemaScore. The film is now showing in theaters all over the world.
