Crazy Rich Asians 2: Everything we know so far about the rom-com sequel

Dust off your Mandarin collars and bring out the couture; Crazy Rich Asians 2 is finally picking up speed, and we’re already emotionally invested. It’s been years since we fell head over heels for Rachel and Nick’s love story, complete with over-the-top weddings, high-society drama, and mic-drop mahjong moves.

Now, the sequel promises to up the stakes with new destinations, deeper family tension, and yes, even more jaw-dropping fashion. Whether you’re here for the romance, the iconic locations, or just to see what's next for Nick and Rachel after their happily ever after, here’s everything we know so far about the next chapter in this iconic rom-com saga.

Is there a Crazy Rich Asians 2 in the works?

Henry Golding, who played Nick in Crazy Rich Asians, has confirmed that a sequel TV show is in the works and is arriving sooner than you think! Speaking to E! News, the actor said,

"Adele Lim is helming. She's our showrunner. She was one of the writers in the first one with Peter Chiarelli. But she came over to London maybe four weeks ago to see me and Gemma [Chan] to talk about our characters. So things are happening."

For the last seven years, fans have been wondering if a sequel is in the works, considering the novel franchise that the first film is based on consists of three books, which means there are more possibilities for the film franchise to evolve.

In November of 2024, Jon M. Chu spoke about the sequel on Deadline's Crew Call podcast and said,

"I won’t bring everyone back unless it’s worth it. There’s too much on the line for everybody. I want the best thing. I want it to be worthy of what Crazy Rich Asians 1 was. We’ve tried all different versions. It’s hard because people think the first movie is like the book, but it actually is not. It’s the right spirit, but the plotting is very different. And so, you can’t just go and translate."

He then added that there's still a lot of work to be done as he continued,

"We’ve tried versions and the fact is, is that we just haven’t gotten there. And there’s no way I’m dragging the audience back. There’s no way. The bar is too high. So, in time when we get there, we will."

Why is the sequel taking so long?

Still from Crazy Rich Asians (Image via YouTube@/Warner Bros.)

Multiple issues have contributed to the sequel's delay, one of the more significant of which is a dispute between the writers. Adele Lim, one of the writers of the film, left the sequel after there was a pay disparity between her and Peter Chiarelli.

In 2019, Chu spoke about the dispute in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter and said,

"Because I am close with Adele, when I discovered she was unhappy with the initial offer, the producers, myself, and the studio executives leapt into action to ensure we got to a place of parity between the two writers at a significant number. It was both educational and powerful to hear all facets of the debate. Unfortunately, by the time we came up with several different ways to satisfy everyone's needs, a lot of time had passed and she declined the offer."

However, Lim is now on board for the show, as she's the central showrunner for the project.

Another factor that is causing delays for the sequel is the busy schedules of all the actors. Michelle Yeoh went on to star in Everything Everywhere All At Once, while Chu has been busy with his critically and commercially acclaimed Wicked and its sequel. Kevin Kwan, who wrote the novel franchise, spoke about how busy schedules are postponing the sequel, as he told GMA in 2024.

"The amazing great thing is that everyone got so busy. It blew up the careers of Jon Chu and all the actors. Michelle won an Oscar. So they have to do a few amazing victory laps. But I think now everyone's ready to get back and make Crazy Rich Asians 2."

What is the second novel in the franchise about?

If you thought Crazy Rich Asians was extra, just wait till you meet the next one. China Rich Girlfriend, the second book in Kevin Kwan’s dramatic trilogy, cranks up the chaos, couture, and family secrets, and it’s glorious.

The story picks up two years after the first book. Rachel Chu and Nick Young are finally about to tie the knot, but as always, the universe (and its overinvolved relatives) has other plans. On the eve of their wedding, a new twist hits: Rachel’s long-lost father, whom she thought was dead, is not only alive but absurdly wealthy and powerful in China. Suddenly, Rachel is yanked into a new orbit of insane riches, complete with billion-dollar fashion, scandalous dinners, and social hierarchies so cutthroat they make Nick’s family look chill.

But it’s not just Rachel’s story. Astrid Leong returns, still the effortlessly stylish queen we all adore, but now grappling with a toxic marriage and a blast from her romantic past. And then there’s Kitty Pong, the social climber with no shame and unlimited ambition, trying to claw her way into a legit society with the help of an image consultant who deserves her own novel.

The book is a satirical fever dream, equal parts soap opera and love letter to messy families. It’s about old money vs. new, secrets that spill faster than champagne, and the ridiculous ways the ultra-wealthy try (and fail) to be normal. And under all that glitz, there’s a tender story about identity, belonging, and the strange, hilarious ache of trying to find your place in the world.

If the sequel sticks to the book’s DNA, we’re in for a wilder, juicier, and even more emotionally chaotic ride. Buckle up.

More details about Crazy Rich Asians 2 are now awaited. If you want to prepare for the sequel, Crazy Rich Asians is available to stream on Prime Video.