It’s been a few years since we found out that our beloved Crazy, Rich Asians would return for a sequel. Now, it looks as if an element of the second film will be getting its own time in the spotlight, in a newly announced spin-off film.
Based on the incredibly popular books by Kevin Kwan, the second instalment, China Rich Girlfriend, follows the “outrageous story of what happens when Rachel Chu, engaged to marry Asia’s most eligible bachelor, discovers her birth father”.
Whether that will be the sole plot line for the franchise’s next film is still unknown, but what we do know is that the second book’s telling of Astrid’s renewed love interest is getting the film treatment separately.
As for the brains behind the production, the movie is reportedly set to be written by Jason Kim, an Emmy nominated producer and writer for HBO’s Barry.
“Kim came in with a dynamite pitch for the lovebirds’ story, and Warner Bros. swooned for it”,” Deadline reported.
As for whether Astrid’s storyline would be removed from the sequel that’s currently in production, so it could live as its own film, or if the two movies would be able to converge in some way is still unclear.
Ready to know more? Lucky for you, here’s everything we know so far about the Crazy, Rich Asians spin-off below.
What is the plot of the Crazy, Rich Asians spin-off?
As the final credits rolled for Crazy, Rich Asians, you might have noticed an interesting—and rather quick—scene between Astrid and an unknown man. Taking place at Rachel and Nick’s engagement party, Astrid is seated at the bar and looks to her side, where she makes eye contact with a handsome man and the pair exchange smiles, hinting at a future romance.
But for those who aren’t acquainted with the novel’s storyline, then you might not know that Astrid’s love interest, Charlie, isn’t completely unknown. In fact, his character has been around for quite some time.
According to Kwan’s books, Astrid and Charlie were actually engaged during their time at university, before she ever met her husband, Michael. However, while they were in love, Charlie and Astrid were forced to break up because Astrid’s parents never approved of their love match.
In the books, Charlie and Astrid never rediscovered their love for one another until the end of China, Rich Girlfriend. And their romance wasn’t dove into until the final book in the franchise, Rich People Problems. In the trilogy’s final book, it is revealed that Charlie used to be married to Isabel Wu, who he shares a daughter with.
Naturally, Isabel is far from pleased about her ex-husband’s new relationship, and teams up with Astrid’s ex-husband to destroy their relationship.
Since Astrid and Charlie’s blossoming relationship begins in China Rich Girlfriend, it will likely be the focus of the second film, along with Rachel and Nick. However, given that a spin-off is on the way, the second movie could focus solely on Nick and Rachel and leave Astrid and Charlie’s story alone entirely.
Who is cast in the Crazy, Rich Asians spin-off?
Thankfully, both Gemma Chan and Harry Shum Jr. seem to be signed on for the project, as per Deadline. The publication also reported that Crazy Rich Asians’ director Jon M. Chu will also be taking on the project, as well as screenwriter Jason Kim, who initially pitched the project to Warner Bros.
What is the release date for the Crazy, Rich Asians spin-off?
Since the spin-off is only in its early stages of development, there is no idea when filming is set to begin or when the project will be released in cinemas.
In the meantime, keep an eye out here for any and all updates.
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