Eight years after the original film became a box office smash, the Young family is finally opening the doors to its ridiculously expensive world again. HBO has officially ordered ‘Crazy Rich Asians‘, an eight-episode sequel series which will reunite several stars of the 2018 romantic comedy, and it will be heading to HBO Max in the UK.
And yes, this really is a sequel, not another reboot or a loose adaptation. The new one-hour drama will pick up after the events of the film, meaning we can finally find out what happened next to Rachel, Nick and their extraordinarily wealthy extended family. Apparently, even billionaires aren’t immune to a sequel taking eight years to get off the ground…
Who Is Returning For The ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Series?
Constance Wu (Fresh Off the Boat) returns as Rachel Chu, alongside Henry Golding (The Gentlemen) as Nick Young, the couple whose relationship caused something of a family earthquake in the original movie.
Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show) is also back as Nick’s cousin Eddie Cheng, while Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) returns as Nick’s formidable mother Eleanor Young, whose ability to deliver a devastating look should really be considered a superpower by now.
Wu, Golding and Chieng are confirmed as series regulars, while Yeoh will have a recurring role.
For anyone who missed the film, it followed American economics professor Rachel as she travelled to Singapore with boyfriend Nick, only to discover he belonged to one of the country’s richest families. Suddenly, meeting the in-laws involved extravagant weddings, vast fortunes, social rivalries and a mother-in-law who was very much not sold on the relationship.
The movie ended with Rachel and Nick engaged, but it’s probably safe to assume their lives aren’t about to become quiet and uncomplicated.
Other familiar faces, including Gemma Chan (Eternals) as Astrid and Awkwafina (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) as Peik Lin, have not been announced as returning. That doesn’t rule out further casting announcements, but for now, those four stars are the confirmed reunion.
Eight Episodes, Rather Than Another Movie
The series is based on Kevin Kwan’s bestselling novels, which continued beyond the first book with China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems. HBO hasn’t revealed precisely which storylines the television sequel will adapt, but eight hour-long episodes give the writers rather more room than a single film.
Adele Lim, who co-wrote the 2018 movie, is returning as showrunner and executive producer. She sounds rather pleased about finally getting the gang back together.
“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.”
It’s quite the upgrade in screen time for a franchise that spent years trying to get a follow-up movie made. A theatrical sequel was discussed following the original film’s success, but never reached the screen. A television adaptation subsequently entered development, and HBO has now confirmed it will continue the movie’s story with the original actors.
The Original Team Is Back Behind The Scenes Too
Original film director Jon M. Chu, who has since gone on to direct In the Heights and the Wicked films, is returning as an executive producer, alongside Lim, author Kevin Kwan and film producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson.
Chu, unsurprisingly, is relieved to finally have an answer for people who’ve been asking about a sequel since 2018.
“Finally, I get to answer the question I’ve been asked almost every day for eight years: ‘When are we getting the sequel?’ Well… bok bok bitch, we’re back.”
The project is co-produced by HBO and Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers also including Chloe Dan and Jeannine Tang of SK Global Entertainment, Naia Cucukov Richards and Rose Lam.
Between the returning cast, the original creative team and the extra breathing room of a television series, there is plenty to be excited about. And given how spectacularly over-the-top the first film looked, we’re rather hoping HBO has put aside a suitably outrageous budget for the clothes, locations and lavish parties. Anything less than several rooms full of designer handbags would just feel cheap.
When Will ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Premiere On HBO Max?
Production is scheduled to begin in 2027, and HBO has yet to announce a premiere date. That means we’re still some way off seeing what Rachel, Nick and Eleanor have been up to, but at least the sequel is finally happening.
‘Crazy Rich Asians‘ Season 1 is coming to HBO Max in the UK and HBO/HBO Max in the USA, with premiere dates to be announced.
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