When Crazy Rich Asians burst onto the scene in 2018, it wasn’t just a box-office success, it was a global cultural moment. Based on Kevin Kwan’s bestselling novel, the film became a milestone in Asian-American representation and grossed over $238 million worldwide against a modest $30 million budget. It launched the careers of many of its stars into new heights, and yet, seven years later, fans are still eagerly awaiting a sequel. Now, with some new updates and clearer direction, the long wait might finally be nearing its end.
Henry Golding Provides a Promising Update
In an April 27 interview with E! News, Henry Golding, who portrays Nick Young, revealed a much-needed dose of hope. “Adele Lim leading the project,” he said. “She helped write the first film with Peter Chiarelli and came out to London to meet me and Gemma [Chan] to discuss our characters. So yes, things are in motion.”
This meeting is more than symbolic, it’s a sign that the team is seriously working to advance the sequel after years of delays.
A Groundbreaking Film That Redefined Expectations
Crazy Rich Asians was not your average romantic comedy. The movie followed Rachel Chu (played by Constance Wu), a Chinese-American economics professor who finds out her boyfriend Nick comes from one of Singapore’s wealthiest families. The plot dives into lavish lifestyles, family dynamics, and cultural identity, all while breaking barriers with an all-Asian cast.
With stars like Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina, Lisa Lu, Ken Jeong, Gemma Chan, and Harry Shum Jr., the movie not only entertained but inspired. It became a turning point for Asian-American cinema and helped normalize diverse storytelling in mainstream Hollywood.
Why the Delay? A Complex Mix of Factors
Despite the success, the sequel has faced repeated setbacks. Director Jon M. Chu now also at the helm of Wicked explained in a 2024 episode of Deadline’s Crew Call that the writing process was especially challenging.
“I would not bring everyone back unless it’s worth it,” Chu emphasized. “The first film didn’t strictly follow the book; we adapted it for screen in a different way. So the second one can’t just follow the book verbatim either. We’ve tried many versions. It’s tough to get right.”
Chu’s careful approach shows he doesn’t just want a sequel, he wants one that lives up to or exceeds the original.
The Pay Gap Controversy That Sparked Industry Reflection
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lim was offered significantly less than Peter Chiarelli, despite her deep cultural insight. Chu publicly addressed the issue, saying that efforts were made to resolve the discrepancy, but the timing led Lim to decline. “She stood up for her worth, and I respect that deeply,” he said.
Though it slowed production, the controversy opened up important discussions around wage equity, especially for women and minorities in Hollywood.
Schedule Conflicts Amid Skyrocketing Careers
Another major reason for the Crazy Rich Asians delay was the overwhelming success of the cast and crew. Jon M. Chu directed In the Heights and Wicked, Michelle Yeoh won an Oscar for Everything Everywhere All at Once, and the entire ensemble became in-demand stars.
As Kevin Kwan explained to Good Morning America in 2024: “The success of the film led to career explosions for nearly everyone. They’ve had to ride that wave before circling back. But now, the Crazy Rich Asians timing is starting to align.”
The Next Chapter: What China Rich Girlfriend Is About
It picks up as Rachel and Nick are preparing to marry. But instead of wedding bliss, Rachel is pulled into a new journey, discovering the truth about her birth father. This revelation leads her into the elite circles of Shanghai, where new characters like Carlton (a billionaire playboy) and Colette (a celebrity heiress) are introduced.
Chu has noted the adaptation might stray from the book’s exact events to better suit cinematic storytelling, just like the first film did.
The HBO Max Series: A New Format to Explore
In February 2025, HBO Max announced plans for a Crazy Rich Asians television series with Adele Lim as the showrunner. Chu and Kwan will serve as executive producers and be ensuring continuity and authenticity.
Chu told The Hollywood Reporter in March 2025, “We needed more storytelling the space. A movie wasn’t enough to delve into all the characters arcs and cultural layers. That’s where a Crazy Rich Asians 2 series comes in.”
This series isn’t replacing the sequel; it’s expanding the universe. Viewers will get a deeper dive into characters and storylines that a film’s runtime can’t always accommodate.
Casting: Who’s On Board?
Though official casting details for the series are still under wraps, it’s clear the core cast is engaged. Henry Golding mentioned recent meetings with Adele Lim and co-star Gemma Chan in London to discuss character evolution.
He also shared a conversation with Awkwafina in New York, expressing mutual excitement for what’s ahead. “With a series format, we finally have the real estate to tell these stories fully,” he said.
Cast Reactions: Ready to Return
The cast remains enthusiastic despite the long gap. Constance Wu, in a 2021 Tamron Hall Show interview, said, “I haven’t seen the script, but I’ll be there when it happens. Acting is my job, and I trust the process.” Awkwafina, in a 2024 interview with E! News, remarked, “No official news yet, but I’d love to be part of it. We all would.” Michelle Yeoh acknowledged the pressure during her 2023 Women in Motion Talk: “You don’t just want to make something bigger, you want to make it better. That’s what we’re all aiming for.”
Harry Shum Jr. added, “Too often, sequels rush out and lose what made the first special. Taking time to get the story right is the smart move.”
Jobs, Budgets, and the Business Behind the Scenes
The first Crazy Rich Asians movie had a budget of around $30 million and made over $238 million globally. Its success created a ripple effect, not just for diversity in film, but also economically.
From costume designers and set builders to producers and assistants, the movie supported hundreds of jobs across multiple departments. The sequel and now the HBO series promise to do the same, offering employment opportunities across international production hubs in Asia, the U.S., and the U.K. As the franchise expands, so does its economic impact. With a likely higher budget for the sequel (rumored to be around $80–100 million to accommodate international locations and an A-list cast), it also stands to generate substantial box office returns, digital streaming income, merchandising, and possibly even tourism boosts for filming locations (Crazy Rich Asians).
A Sequel Worth the Wait
Despite delays and challenges, one thing is certain: Crazy Rich Asians 2 is still a top priority for everyone involved. Director Jon M. Chu has made it clear, he won’t settle for less than extraordinary.
With the sequel and the TV series both in development, fans can look forward to revisiting the glamorous, emotionally rich world that first captured hearts in 2018. Until then, patience and anticipation will continue to build. And when it finally arrives, it’s poised to be another cultural and financial phenomenon.
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