As one of the funnier fiction stories set in Singapore, Kevin Kwan’s novel Crazy Rich Asians will be getting the big screen treatment in Hollywood — and we’re mad hyped about it. From the looks of it, folks don’t have to worry about the issue of whitewashing — the studio has assured that it’ll feature an exclusively Asian cast. Finally.
Born in Singapore but based in New York, Kwan published his debut novel in 2013 to rave reviews, offering a glimpse into the elite society of Singapore’s upper echelons, as well as a sharp study of issues all too familiar to modern Chinese folks. You know — tradition versus progress, overseas Chinese versus mainland Chinese, the rich versus the richer and, of course, love. Kwan claims that the novel was loosely based on his own childhood in Singapore.
The book struck a chord among Asians (Chinese and non-Chinese; rich and poor) and someone in Hollywood got the idea of turning it into a movie. Warner Bros. studios have since acquired the rights to Kwan’s book and reportedly fast-tracked the movie production, reported Variety.
Said to be pitched as a combination of Devil Wears Prada and Pride & Prejudice, the film will be set in Singapore and will actually be filmed in Singapore, instead of a generic Asian studio set. According to Variety, production may begin early next year here, while producers are currently on a worldwide hunt for the cast.
“I am beyond thrilled that the amazing film my fans around the world have been waiting for is finally happening,” said Kwan in a statement.
