As Hollywood continues to grapple with a diversity issue, the subject of the white-washing of certain Asian roles has sparked further debate. Recently Ghost In the Shell and Marvel's Doctor Strange have been critized for the casting of Scarlett Johansson and Tilda Swinton as characters who are typically Asian. Fortunately, a film like Crazy Rich Asians is on the way to help balance the scales just a little bit.
Asian-American director Jon M. Chu (Now You See Me 2, G.I.Joe: Retaliation) is set to direct an adaptation of Kevin Kwan's book, Crazy Rich Asians. The story follows three wealthy Chinese families, an heir to a vast fortune, and the American-born girlfriend he brings to a wedding in Singapore. Here's the book synopsis:
"When New Yorker Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home and quality time with the man she hopes to marry. But Nick has failed to give his girlfriend a few key details. One, that his childhood home looks like a palace; two, that he grew up riding in more private planes than cars; and three, that he just happens to be the country’s most eligible bachelor. On Nick’s arm, Rachel may as well have a target on her back the second she steps off the plane, and soon, her relaxed vacation turns into an obstacle course of old money, new money, nosy relatives, and scheming social climbers."
This will be one of the rare films to not only feature an Asian director, but a predominantly Asian cast, as well. And in case there was any doubt of Chu's plans to follow through on that...
With amazing Asian actors cast in EVERY SINGLE ROLE. #itstime #CrazyRichAsians https://t.co/BoLEaaBEOr— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) May 4, 2016
Has there been a high-profile studio film like this since Justin Lin's Better Luck Tomorrow? If things go well, we could see Chu return to direct Kwan's book sequel, China Rich Girlfriend. [THR]
