Eight years after Crazy Rich Asians hit theaters, HBO is adapting its sequel China Rich Girlfriend into an original series. Here’s what we know and what we’re hoping to see.
In 2018, Hollywood got a glimpse of the elusive and glamorous side Asia: one dripping in diamonds, swimming in money, and, well, crazy rich. Enter Crazy Rich Asians, the cultural phenomenon that brought Kevin Kwan’s world of extravagant wealth and complicated family dynamics to the big screen. The film made history with a predominantly Asian and Asian-diaspora cast, alongside an ensemble of Asian talent behind the scenes, marking a significant moment for representation in Hollywood.
Eight years later, fans (myself included) are still waiting for another taste of that world. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve rewatched the film, and don’t even get me started on Astrid Leong’s iconic “It’s not my job to make you feel like a man” scene. So when news broke that HBO had greenlit an original drama series based on Crazy Rich Asians, you can imagine the collective excitement. Could we finally be getting our next fix of glamour, family drama, and deliciously cutting one-liners?
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What We Know About The New HBO Series
According to HBO, the series will pick up after the events of the 2018 film, opening the door to the next chapter of Rachel Chu and Nick Young’s story. Following Kevin Kwan’s original trilogy, China Rich Girlfriend, the second book, feels like a natural place to start.
For those who need a refresher, Rachel’s story takes an unexpected turn when she gets the chance to find the biological father she has spent most of her life wondering about. The search leads her to Shanghai and a whole new circle of China’s ultra-wealthy, where family secrets, extravagant lifestyles, and complicated social politics make for another deliciously chaotic ride. Along the way, readers meet new characters, including reckless heir Carlton Bao and celebrity socialite Colette Bing, while Astrid Leong faces her own set of relationship troubles. There’s plenty of drama to go around, and Rachel’s next chapter promises a different glimpse into the world of Asia’s wealthiest families.
Of course, we’ll have to wait for HBO to reveal exactly how much of the book will make it to the screen. For now, the prospect of seeing Rachel and Nick navigate this next chapter is already enough to get fans talking.
Behind the scenes, Adele Lim, who co-wrote the original film, will serve as showrunner and executive producer alongside Kwan, producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, and director Jon M. Chu. The series will also reunite familiar faces, with Constance Wu, Henry Golding, and Emmy Award winner Ronny Chieng returning as series regulars, while Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh will appear in a recurring role.
What We Want To See On Our Screens
If there’s one thing we’re hoping the series gets right, it’s giving Astrid Leong the screen time she deserves. Gemma Chan was practically born to play the effortlessly elegant socialite, and after that unforgettable confrontation with her husband in the first film, I’m ready to see more of Astrid’s story. Her complicated marriage and journey toward finding her own happiness deserve a proper spotlight, so here’s hoping Chan reprises her role.
We need more fashion, too. Crazy Rich Asians gave us couture gowns, dazzling jewelry, and enough wardrobe inspiration to keep us scrolling through Pinterest for days. With China Rich Girlfriend taking readers deeper into the world of Asia’s ultra-wealthy, the possibilities for extravagant looks are endless. The book is gloriously over-the-top, from its lavish parties to its larger-than-life personalities, and we’re hoping the series brings that same energy to our screens.
Speaking of personalities, we’re also looking forward to meeting the new faces joining the franchise. Carlton Bao, the rebellious heir, and Colette Bing, the glamorous celebrity socialite, are two characters we’re particularly curious to see cast. Then there’s Evangeline de Ayala, a well-connected Filipino socialite who moves to Hong Kong with her husband, Pedro Paulo de Ayala, from an established Philippine real estate family. Her attempt to help former soap opera star Kitty Pong gain entry into an exclusive social club takes an unexpectedly messy turn when Evangeline herself loses her membership because of Kitty. It would be great to see a Filipina actress bring Evangeline to life on screen, so consider this our casting wish list!
For now, details about the series remain under wraps, but the promise of another chapter in the Crazy Rich Asians universe is already enough to get us excited. With familiar faces returning, new characters to meet, and the world of Asia’s ultra-wealthy waiting to be explored, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Here’s hoping HBO gives us all the fashion, family drama, and jaw-dropping extravagance we’ve been waiting for. Until then, I’ll be rewatching Astrid Leong’s iconic scenes. Some things simply deserve a repeat viewing.
Banner photo courtesy of HBO Max Philippines
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. HBO has greenlit a one-hour original drama series based on Crazy Rich Asians. The series will continue the story after the events of the 2018 film.
The series will pick up after the 2018 film and continue the story of Rachel Chu and Nick Young. It may draw from Kevin Kwan’s second novel, China Rich Girlfriend, which follows Rachel as she searches for her biological father in Shanghai and encounters a new circle of wealthy socialites.
The announced cast includes Constance Wu, Henry Golding, and Ronny Chieng as series regulars, with Michelle Yeoh appearing in a recurring role. Gemma Chan’s return as Astrid Leong is a fan hope mentioned in the article, rather than a confirmed casting announcement.
Adele Lim, who co-wrote the original film, will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Kevin Kwan, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, and director Jon M. Chu will also serve as executive producers.
Carlton Bao, Colette Bing, and Evangeline de Ayala are characters from China Rich Girlfriend that fans may want to see in the series. The article expresses interest in their casting, including the possibility of a Filipina actress playing Evangeline. Their appearances and casting have not been confirmed in the information provided.
