What's that? An Asian American director being tasked to direct a Hollywood movie about Asians? Crazy Rich Asians, that is. Jon M. Chu is in talks to direct the movie adaptation of Kevin Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians.
Jon M. Chu in Talks to Direct 'Crazy Rich Asians'
The G.I. Joe: Retaliation director is reportedly in talks to direct the adaptation of the hit 2013 novel, which centers on a group of wealthy Chinese families. When the heir to one of the most massive fortunes in Asia brings his American-born Chinese girlfriend to Singapore for a wedding, the gossip, backstabbing and scheming reaches a fever pitch among the three super-rich families.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My biggest fear is that someone would foolishly try to whitewash the cast -- the Rachel Chu character would be the obvious candidate -- but according to The Hollywood Reporter, the project will feature a predominantly Asian and Asian American cast. Whew.
Chu confirmed via Twitter that, indeed, there would be Asian actors in every single role:
With amazing Asian actors cast in EVERY SINGLE ROLE. #itstime #CrazyRichAsians https://t.co/BoLEaaBEOr
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) May 4, 2016
Author Kevin Kwan seems pretty excited too:
So thrilled to share the breaking news! https://t.co/k0ikMWN2uD #jonmchu #crazyrichasians @ Los… https://t.co/vZCtg3MkfA
— Kevin Kwan (@kevinkwanbooks) May 4, 2016
I can get down with this. Crazy Rich Asians will be produced by Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson and John Penotti, while Kevin Kwan will executive produce. Peter Chiarelli (The Proposal) write the script.
In addition to G.I. Joe, Chu's credits also include the Step Up movies, The LXD, a couple of Justin Bieber concert films, Jem and the Holograms, and the Virgin America safety video. Next up, you'll see his work this summer in Now You See Me 2. Crazy Rich Asians ought to be an interesting change of pace.
So the question on everyone's mind: who is going to star in Crazy Rich Asians?
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