HBO orders Crazy Rich Asians to series

HBO has greenlit high-profile drama series Crazy Rich Asians, with Constance Wu, Henry Golding and Ronny Chieng among cast.

The show is based on the bestselling books written by Kevin Kwan and will pick up after the events of the 2018 film. HBO and Warner Bros. Television produce.

Adele Lim, co-writer of the film, will showrun and executive produce the series alongside Kwan, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, and the film’s director Jon M. Chu. Michelle Yeoh is among recurring cast.

The high-profile series has been in development with HBO Max since last year and is being positioned as a drama, rather than a romcom as per the film. It also sets down something of marker from Casey Bloys, who took up his new role of co-chair and chief content officer for Skydance DTC earlier this week.

He said: “We are so excited that Adele and the team behind the history-making film are bringing the next chapter of this story to life.

“Constance, Henry, Ronny, and Michelle are global superstars, and we know the passionate fans of the film and megahit novels can’t wait to see more. We’re glad to be in partnership with this talented producing team and cast.”

Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and WBD US Networks, added that Crazy Rich Asians had “solidified its place as one of the most beloved stories in popular culture” following the novels and film.

“Kevin Kwan created an irresistible world filled with the perfect blend of glitz, humour, and heart, and the talented Adele Lim returns to adapt this renowned tale for a new television audience.

“We are equally thrilled to welcome Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Ronny Chieng, and Michelle Yeoh back to reprise their iconic roles. We can’t wait to bring this series to life with our partners at HBO.”

Adele Lim is EP via her banner 100 Tigers, alongside Naia Cucukov Richards and Rose Lam, and Chu via Electric Somewhere. Other EP’s include Kwan, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson via Color Force - which developed and produced the film - as well as Chloe Dan and Jeannine Tang for SK Global Entertainment, which co-financed the film.