According to The Hollywood Reporter, Max is developing a television series based on Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians novels, marking the franchise’s return in a new format. Director of the film adaptation Jon M. Chu (Wicked, In The Heights) and its co-writer Adele Lim (Joy Ride, Raya & The Last Dragon) are both attached to the project.

Following the massive success of Crazy Rich Asians, which grossed $240 million worldwide, a sequel based on Kwan’s second novel, China Rich Girlfriend, was quickly put into development at Warner Brothers. However, scheduling conflicts and Lim’s departure stalled progress. Chu’s commitments to Wicked and its upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good, further delayed the project.

Now, the franchise is moving forward in a new direction. Lim will serve as showrunner for the upcoming series under Warner Bros. Television, leading the development writers’ room and executive producing via 100 Tigers. Chu is also on board as an executive producer alongside Naia Cucukov (Manhunt, The Baby-Sitters Club). SK Global Entertainment, which produced the 2018 movie, also remains involved.

Kwan’s books follow Rachel Chu, a Chinese-American professor who is introduced to her boyfriend’s ultra-wealthy Singaporean family, leading to an abundance of social drama and cultural clashes. The film starred Constance Wu (The Terminal List, Fresh Off The Boat), Henry Golding (The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Snake Eyes) Michelle Yeoh (Wicked, Everything Everywhere All At Once) and Awkwafina (Kung Fu Panda 4, Quiz Lady), among others.

The idea of a Crazy Rich Asians series was first hinted at by HBO chief Casey Bloys in 2024, but details were scarce. Lim’s return to the franchise is particularly notable, given her departure from the planned film sequel in 2019. At the time, she cited a significant pay disparity between her and co-writer Peter Chiarelli (Now You See Me 2, The Proposal), a controversy that sparked discussions on pay equity in Hollywood.

While the status of a Crazy Rich Asians movie sequel remains uncertain, the TV adaptation ensures that the beloved franchise will continue on screen.