Buckle up for more extravagance and luxury: not only is Crazy Rich Asians is getting a sequel, it’s also getting a new spin-off.
Starring Gemma Chan as Astrid Young Teo, the cousin of Henry Golding’s character Nick Young, the spin-off will reportedly explore the relationship between her and old flame Charlie Wu (played by Harry Shum Jr).
During the first Crazy Rich Asians film, Chan’s character Astrid broke up with her husband Michael due to his infidelity.
Though Astrid ultimately walked out on him, a mid-credits scene in the first film set up a potential reunion between her and Charlie.
As detailed in the books, the pair were previously engaged but broke things off after Astrid’s family considered him an unsuitable match.
Their blossoming relationship is described in China Rich Girlfriend, Kevin Kwan’s sequel to his original hit book Crazy Rich Asians.
China Rich Girlfriend also explores the next step in original protagonists Rachel (Constance Wu) and Nick’s story (most notably, in which Rachel discovers that her birth father is a rich member of the Shanghai elite).
However, this storyline will form the plot of the main Crazy Rich Asians sequel - and though no cast members have been confirmed for this yet, we’re crossing our fingers for a return of Akwafina’s Peik Lin Goh.
It has been a busy few years for Chan, who became a fan favourite due to her portrayal of Astrid.
Alongside starring in the upcoming spin-off, she has clocked up several appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe recently, playing separate characters Sersi and Minn-Erva in Eternals and Captain Marvel.
According to Deadline, screenwriter Jason Kim will be writing the script for the spin-off, with the project currently in the earliest stages of development.
Crazy Rich Asians’ director Jon M. Chu is also signed on to direct.
And if you’re hungry for more glamour, there isn’t long to wait: in April, it was revealed that Kevin Kwan has reportedly written a script for an upcoming film that will be set in the Philippines.
It was described as a “love letter to the Philippines” by Hollywood producer Lawrence Bender, who revealed the news at a panel in Manila.
“We’re hoping that it happens here because we really want to come and shoot this movie here,” he added.
