History of Crazy Rich Asians in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 1, 2025

Crazy Rich Asians follows Rachel Chu, a Chinese-American economics professor, as she travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick Young, for his best friend's wedding. Rachel soon discovers that Nick's family is incredibly wealthy and influential in Singaporean high society. She navigates the complexities of his family's expectations, particularly facing disapproval from his formidable mother, Eleanor, who doubts Rachel's suitability for her son. Rachel must contend with socialites, family pressures, and cultural differences as she decides whether she is willing to fight for her relationship with Nick and a place within his world.

1993: Joy Luck Club Release

In 1993, the last all-Asian cast film, The Joy Luck Club, was released.

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1994: Comparison to Four Weddings and a Funeral

In 1994, Ann Hornaday, writing for The Washington Post, compared the rom-com themes of the movie to Four Weddings and a Funeral.

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2002: Comparison to My Big Fat Greek Wedding

In 2002, Scott Mendelson of Forbes compared the film's contrived humor to the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

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2002: Ke Huy Quan Quits Acting After Second Time Around

In 2002, actor Ke Huy Quan quit acting after Second Time Around due to the lack of opportunities for Asian actors.

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2005: The Suite Life of Zack and Cody

In 2005, Brenda Song portrayed London Tipton in the Disney Channel series The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.

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2006: Comparison to The Devil Wears Prada

In 2006, Time magazine published a cultural review comparing the film's high fashion appeal to The Devil Wears Prada.

2008: Comparison to Mamma Mia!

In 2008, Peter Debruge of Variety compared the film's wedding sequence to the wedding sequence in Mamma Mia!.

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2013: Comparison to The Great Gatsby

In 2013, Peter Debruge of Variety compared the film's visual style and tone to Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby.

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2015: Awkwafina References Aloha

In 2015, Awkwafina joked that it would be bad if producers had cast Emma Stone as Nick, referencing the film Aloha.

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July 2017: Girls Trip Debut

In July 2017, Girls Trip debuted to $31.2 million, which Crazy Rich Asians was projected to outpace in pre-sale tickets.

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August 8, 2018: Crazy Rich Asians special advance screenings

On August 8, 2018, Crazy Rich Asians held special advance screenings, earning an estimated $450,000–500,000 and selling out most of its 354 theaters.

June 23, 2019: Director Chu on the future of film

On June 23, 2019, director Chu participated in a panel discussion about the future of film for The New York Times.

September 2019: Adele Lim Leaves Sequels Production

In September 2019, Adele Lim left production on the Crazy Rich Asians sequels following a pay dispute, citing sexism and racism in Hollywood.

November 2019: Brenda Song's Audition Rejection

In November 2019, Brenda Song stated that she was not permitted to audition for Crazy Rich Asians because her "image was basically not Asian enough".

March 21, 2022: Amy Wang to Write Sequel

On March 21, 2022, it was reported that Amy Wang was set to write the Crazy Rich Asians sequel, replacing Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim.

May 2022: Simu Liu Auditioned Four Times

In May 2022, Simu Liu revealed he auditioned four times for Crazy Rich Asians but was rejected for lacking an 'it' factor'.

2022: Ke Huy Quan in Everything Everywhere All at Once

In 2022, Ke Huy Quan appeared in Everything Everywhere All at Once, inspired by Crazy Rich Asians' positive representation of Asians. Michelle Yeoh also stars.

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