HBO Greenlights Crazy Rich Asians Drama With Original Cast

HBO announced Thursday it has greenlit a one-hour original drama series based on Kevin Kwan's bestselling books, "Crazy Rich Asians." The series will reunite original cast members Constance Wu, Henry Golding, and Ronny Chieng. Academy Award-winner Michelle Yeoh will also recur.

The film, released eight years ago, grossed $239 million worldwide. It followed Chinese-American economics professor Rachel Chu as she traveled to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick Young, and discovered his family's immense wealth and elite status. Rachel navigated scrutiny from socialites and Nick's mother, Eleanor, as she immersed herself in their opulent world.

Showrunner and executive producer Adele Lim, who co-wrote the 2018 film, expressed enthusiasm. "It's a CRAZY RICH family reunion!" Lim said. "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." The writers' room is actively developing the series.

Director Jon M. Chu will co-executive produce the series with Lim, Kwan, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson. "Eight years ago, 'Crazy Rich Asians' changed my life, and I got to make it with the most creative and hilarious group of people I've ever known," Chu said, noting the film's widespread popularity.

Production for the new series is scheduled to begin in 2027.