The fervor following Crazy Rich Asians’ cinematic triumph left fans eagerly awaiting its sequel. Released on August 7, 2018, the film garnered widespread acclaim, amassing a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and raking in over $238 million at the box office. The prospect of Crazy Rich Asians 2 initially seemed promising, but the lack of recent updates raises questions about the sequel’s destiny.
In August 2018, The Hollywood Reporter (THR) hinted at Warner Bros.’ intentions to craft a sequel following Crazy Rich Asians’ impressive box office performance. Director Jon Chu and the majority of the original team, including producers Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, and John Penotti, along with screenwriters Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim, were reportedly set to reunite for the sequel. Despite Warner Bros. not officially green-lighting the project at that time, development signals were evident.
September 2019 marked a setback when screenwriter Adele Lim exited the project due to pay disparity concerns with co-writer Peter Chiarelli. Lim highlighted the challenges of achieving true equity, expressing her frustration with the existing industry norms. Jon Chu emphasized the team’s focus on perfecting the sequel’s narrative, prioritizing story quality over adhering to a strict timeline.
In March 2019, Gemma Chan, who portrayed Astrid in the first film, hinted at potential delays, stating that shooting might not commence until 2020 at the earliest. She also suggested that the sequel and a possible threequel would be shot back to back. However, the unforeseen global COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these plans.
Fast forward to March 2022, and reports surfaced that Amy Wang had replaced Peter Chiarelli to pen the script for Crazy Rich Asians 2. Despite this development, the film has remained veiled in secrecy, with no major updates or insights into plot details or casting.
By March 2022, no significant updates had surfaced regarding the much-anticipated sequel. Amy Wang’s involvement as the new scriptwriter marked the last reported development. The shroud of secrecy surrounding plot details, cast announcements, and Warner Bros.’ reticence adds an air of uncertainty to the sequel’s fate.
Crazy Rich Asians 2 is expected to draw inspiration from the second book in Kevin Kwan’s trilogy, “China Rich Girlfriend.” The story could explore Nick and Rachel’s journey towards marriage, navigating their relationship amidst familial complexities, particularly with Michelle Yeoh’s character, Eleanor Young. Additionally, the sequel might delve into Rachel’s reunion with her billionaire father and Astrid’s reconnection with her former fiancé, Charlie.
As the mystery around Crazy Rich Asians 2 deepens, fans are left wondering if the sequel will ever grace the theaters. While the lack of official updates might be attributed to the film not being on Warner Bros.’ official slate, the prolonged silence remains conspicuous. The fate of Crazy Rich Asians 2 lingers, teasing fans with the promise of a continuation that is yet to materialize.
