Why ‘Crazy Rich Asians 2’ Is Taking So Long: Jon M. Chu Explains

Filmmaker Jon M. Chu has shared new details about the long-awaited sequel to Crazy Rich Asians, emphasizing the need for the follow-up to live up to the groundbreaking success of the original. Released in 2018, the Warner Bros. romantic comedy shattered box office records with a $35.2 million domestic opening and a global total of nearly $240 million. The film not only launched the careers of stars like Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Awkwafina and Gemma Chan but also marked a milestone for Asian representation in Hollywood.

The sequel, based on Kevin Kwan’s second novel China Rich Girlfriend, has been in development for years, with reports suggesting the story might combine elements from the third book, Rich People Problems. While a draft from screenwriter Amy Wang exists, Chu explained during an interview on Crew Call that the project has faced challenges in adapting the books while maintaining the spirit of the original film.

“I won’t bring everyone back unless it’s worth it,” Chu said. “There’s too much on the line for everybody. I want it to be worthy of what Crazy Rich Asians was.”

Chu acknowledged the difficulty of meeting fan expectations and crafting a story that aligns with the first movie’s success.

“It’s hard because people think the first movie is like the book, but it actually is not. It’s the right spirit, but the plotting is very different,” he explained. “We’ve tried versions, and the fact is, we just haven’t gotten there. There’s no way I’m dragging the audience back… the bar is too high.”

Despite the uncertainty, Chu reassured fans that the franchise remains a priority, with additional projects like a spinoff centered on Astrid Young Teo (played by Chan) and Charlie Wu (Harry Shum Jr.) in the works. HBO is also reportedly considering a Crazy Rich Asians series.

For now, Chu is focusing on a Broadway adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians, calling it “very exciting and very fun.”

Fans eager for a cinematic return to the opulent world of Nick and Rachel’s love story may need to wait, but Chu remains committed to delivering a sequel that meets—and perhaps exceeds—the high expectations set by the original.