In excellent news for fashion-conscious moviegoers, box office sensation Crazy Rich Asians, the 2018 cultural phenomenon that boasted some of the best on-screen style moments of the year, is getting a sequel.
Based on Kevin Kwan’s book trilogy, the second and third films in the series will begin filming in 2020, meaning that we probably can’t expect a sequel too soon, sadly.
Regardless, the second film will be based on Kwan’s sophomore novel, China Rich Girlfriend and we have enough information from the book to be able to surmise what the cast and plot will look like.
Warning: Small spoilers about the second ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ movie to follow.
While you can assume most, if not all, of the original cast members will be returning a second time round, the book sees the arrival of several new exciting characters who will need to be cast.
Rachel’s brother, Carlton Bao, will be one of the new additions, but by far the most exciting new cast member from a fashion perspective will be Colette Bing, the Chinese mega-blogger who dresses in head-to-toe couture at all hours of the day.
As for what else we know, keep reading to learn all about the finer details.
The Release Date
Gemma Chan, who plays Astrid in the movies, confirmed to Variety that the second and third movies would be filmed “back to back” in 2020.
This likely means we won’t have a second movie until late 2021.
The Plot Of Crazy Rich Asians 2
Without revealing too many spoilers, the second movie is all about Rachel finding and reconnecting with her birth father, who she was originally told had died in a car accident before she was born.
However, thanks to the private investigating efforts of Nick’s mother, Eleanor, Rachel discovers that her father is very much alive and well and just so happens to be one of the wealthiest men in China.
She invites him to her wedding, and through their meeting she gets to know her half-brother, Carlton, a charismatic wild child with a dark past. For their honeymoon, Rachel and Nick go on a multi-country tour with Carlton and his on-again-, off-again girlfriend, the beautiful but eccentric Chinese fashion blogging sensation Colette Bing.
Wild antics, family drama, random violence, extreme shopping, fast cars and private planes ensue.
Colette Bing: Lana Condor
By far the most popular choice to play fashionista Colette Bing is Lana Condor, the American star of Netflix’s To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. Given she’s hung out with the Crazy Rich Asians cast before, this isn’t such a long shot.
Colette Bing: Hannah Quinlivan
Although no official casting decisions have been made as yet, Taiwanese actress and model Hannah Quinlivan is a favourite to take the glamorous role of Colette. Given her experience in the fashion industry, she’d be more than capable of carrying off Colette’s elaborate outfits.
Colette Bing: Heart Evangelista
A Filipino actress, TV host, and socialite, Heart Evangelista has been tipped as a possible casting call for the role of Colette after she travelled to China and dropped hints that she had “a major secret” she couldn’t tell anyone.
Carlton Bao: Simu Liu
One the actors keen to play Rachel’s long-lost brother is Canadian sit-com star Simu Liu, who auditioned for the role of Nick in the first film but missed out. He’s already openly expressed his enthusiasm to play the role.
Bao Gaoling: Adrian Pang
Asian media has been quick to suggest Adrian Pang, a Malaysian-born Singapore-based actor, to play the role of Rachel’s wealthy and influential father, who is also known as Kao Wei.
Carlton Bao: Ross Butler
The former Riverdale star is also another top pick to play Carlton, and is also a popular choice to play Richie Yang, Colette Bing’s long-term boyfriend.
Richie Wang: Kris Wu
A top pick for either the role of Carlton Bao or the role of Richie Wang, Chinese-Canadian actor Kris Wu could handle either with ease.
Michael Teo: Pierre Png
Despite suffering marital issues in the first movie, the second book in the series sees Astrid Leong reunited with her husband, who is now super-successful and far more interesting in keeping up appearances. Singaporean actor Pierre Png will likely return in this role.
Corinna Ko-Tung: Luna Kwok
An image specialist who helps wannabe billionaires to class up their lives and become a part of society’s elite, Corinna is a pivotal player in the second movie. Many have suggested Chinese actress Luna Kwok could be a good fit for the role.
Eleanor Young: Michelle Yeoh
Nick’s tough mother (who’s an even tougher mother-in-law to Rachel) will return in the sequel, giving brilliant actress Michelle Yeoh another chance to flex her acting muscles.
Rachel Chu: Constance Wu
The film’s protagonist will obviously be making her return, and we can’t wait to see her in a wedding dress.
Roxanne Ma: Kelly Marie Tran
Star Wars actress Kelly Marie Tran is a popular choice to play Colette Bing’s scheming, overbearing and highly efficient assistant, Roxanne Ma.
Kitty Pong: Fiona Xie
The former soap star who inherited billions when she married Bernard Tai (and became Mrs Bernard Tai), Kitty Pong will return in the sequel and undergo a major style makeover. We can’t wait to see actress Fiona Xie transform.
Bernard Tai: Jimmy O. Yang
The billionaire husband of soap star Kitty Pong mysteriously goes missing in the second book, but we will no doubt get at least a cameo from the actor behind the character, Jimmy O. Yang.
Bao Shaoyen: Carina Lau
Carlton’s stubborn and eccentric mother, who has a room full of Hermès Birkins and constantly worries about her son, would be well played by Hong Kong-based actress and singer Carina Lau.
Charlie Wu: Harry Shum Jr
Given Astrid’s good-natured ex-boyfriend Charlie Wu has a prominent role in the sequel, we’ll likely see Glee star Harry Shum Jr back on our screens.
Goh Peik Lin: Awkwafina
Rachel’s hilarious best friend returns, in the form of American rapper and actress, Awkwafina.
Astrid Leong: Gemma Chan
Asia’s most stylish woman will, of course, be in the second movie and will once again be played by British star Gemma Chan.
Eddie Cheng: Ronny Chieng
Eddie Cheng has a part to play in the second film, so Australian comedian Ronny Chieng will likely reprise his role as Nick’s shallow, money-obsessed cousin.
Kerry Chu: Tan Kheng Hua
Rachel’s adorable mother makes a comeback in movie number two to see her daughter walk down the aisle… and to reconnect with Rachel’s dad, and her own former flame.
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