Crazy Rich Asians comes out on August 15th. It’s one of those films like Wonder Woman or Black Panther, a film that means a lot more than just the story being told on-screen. Crazy Rich Asians is the first film since The Joy Luck Club to feature an all-Asian-actor cast. The film is based on the wildly popular book by Kevin Kwan, and Warner Bros and Kwan selected John Chu to direct the film. The Hollywood Reporter made the story of the book-to-screen journey their cover story, and it’s a great piece – you can read it here. Here’s the opening story, about how Netflix made a late offer which would have made Chu and Kwan crazy-rich:
Kevin Kwan’s heart was pounding. It was a Friday evening in October 2016, and the author of the breakout 2013 novel Crazy Rich Asians was in his Manhattan home, on a conference call with the producers of the planned film adaptation — Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson and John Penotti — and its director, Jon M. Chu, along with their respective legal teams, about 22 people in all. They had a massive decision to make.
Behind one door: Warner Bros., which had outbid other traditional studios with a distribution offer for Crazy Rich Asians a week earlier. Behind the other: Netflix, the great disrupter, which had come in hot the following Monday, dangling complete artistic freedom, a greenlighted trilogy and huge, seven-figure-minimum paydays for each stakeholder, upfront. Now Warners had come back with not so much a counteroffer as an ultimatum, giving the filmmakers just 15 minutes to pick an option. Jacobson spoke up: “We’re going to go with whatever Kevin and Jon want to do.”
Kwan’s lawyer, Peter Nichols, was pulled over on the shoulder of Pacific Coast Highway texting his client furiously. Kwan and Chu had already tried to rationalize the cash grab: “Maybe we donate a percentage of our extra income to great causes,” Chu recalls the two having discussed the night before. “But where does that money go? Right back to trying to get to this position of getting us [Asians] on the big screen.”
No wonder Kwan, 44, was nervous. “I could sense every lawyer on the call shaking their heads: ‘Ugh, these stupid idealists.’ Here, we have a chance for this gigantic payday instantaneously,” he says. “But Jon and I both felt this sense of purpose. We needed this to be an old-fashioned cinematic experience, not for fans to sit in front of a TV and just press a button.” Adds Chu: “We were gifted this position to make a decision no one else can make, which is turning down the big payday for rolling the dice [on the box office] — but being invited to the big party, which is people paying money to go see us.”
And so the director and the novelist passed on the crazy rich offer — “I could have moved to an island and never worked another day,” says Kwan — and said no to Netflix. After more than a dozen advisers hung up in disappointment, Kwan called Chu. Both were in tears as Kwan asked, “What just happened?”
What happened was that Kwan and Chu made the choice to go traditional and hope to that this would be the kind of groundbreaking film for Asian visibility in Hollywood. Even though Netflix is obviously a giant power player now, “traditional” Hollywood still looks down their noses at Netflix films. Warner Bros has a powerful distribution wing too, so even if Crazy Rich Asians is not a huge hit in North America, it will be a huge hit overseas. That being said, I really hope it’s a huge hit in North America.
Photos courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter, sent from promotional email.
That’s it. I’m sold.
Me too! I will be there for this!
The books are soooooo fun, just hope the movie is fun as well and a big hit!
I LOVED the trilogy and CAN’T WAIT for this! I’m going opening day with a group of friends. This will be great!
Wonder if they are compressing all 3 books in one movie? If they are I would have voted for the Netflix deal!
Hubby and I already have our tickets!
I don’t think Hollywood is in a position to look down its nose at anything.
I wonder if it’ll be better than Ultra Rich Asian Girls?
I’m seeing this opening week, cannot wait!!!
I agree can’t wait!
same here!
honestly, you see aliens on screen more than ppl of asian heritage. I’m all here to support this!!!!!
I really want to see this, but I rarely get to the movies so will probably see it on demand in a few months (we’re watching infinity war this weekend finally lol.)
I hope it does well. I know lots of people who loved the books so I think its going to have a big appeal. I can understand turning down the Netflix deal. Yes, more money, and more artistic freedom, but if they want to play a part in getting more Asian casts on the big screen, they had to put this out on the big screen.
Also – wasn’t Memoirs of a Geisha an all-Asian cast, after Joy Luck Club? but I don’t know if the director or book author were (I’m assuming no to the book author but I actually don’t know for sure) so then I guess it would be Joy Luck Club. (I do remember Memoirs coming under fire for not using all Japanese actors.)
Better Luck Tomorrow came out in 2002, all Asian cast. Granted, it was thru MTV films but it was a big deal when it came out. Decent movie too.
Plenty of all Asian casts in films from Asian countries.
I am Asian American. Let me summarize for some of the commenters here. Asia is diverse continent and it is not the same as the Asian American experience.
Yes, there are plenty of films from Asia or Hollywood trying to make films about Asia (mess) but there hasn’t been any about the Asian Americans (made by Asian Americans either) —- and again we are talking about a huge group with all of the diversity within this group alone. There hasn’t been anything authentic on the big screen. It is like saying films out of Europe represent Americans base on being Caucasian etc. Of course not… what Asian now produce out of Asia isn’t what Asian Americans can relate to and vice versa etc.
The Joy Luck Club was the last big screen representation of Asian Americans and the story of generational dynamics. It focuses on the stories of Chinese Americans, which isn’t the same for like example Vietnamese Americans as refugees from the war or Japanese Americans and what they went through during WWII etc.
Memoirs of a Geisha was a messy Hollywood attempt to tell an history East Asian, specifically a Japanese story, which is not what we Asian Americans can relate nor is it our story etc.
Yes our ancestors and relatives may come from Asia and we can support and relate historically to the films out of Asia but it doesn’t represent my experience or that of other Asian Americans that grew up in America or similarly Asian British or Asian Australians etc. etc.
It is not that we don’t have films about Asians. It is about having films that authentically represents the true diversity of the various Asians etc.
Ai, thank you. That was a thorough and important explanation of the issue.
Ai, thanks for the information. Kaiser had a comment in the post about this being the first all-Asian cast (presumably she meant in a major American movie) since Joy Luck Club, so that was why I commented about Memoirs.
Yes, Better Luck Tomorrow, Saving Face, and even Harold and Kumar (two Asian American leads) all came out this century. Except for H&K, however, the other two films didn’t have the money behind them that Crazy Rich Asians has. But, yeah, Better Luck Tomorrow did get a lot of press. Anyway, I would rephrase the line about CRA being the first film with an all Asian cast to come out since JLC to CRA is the biggest widescreen release with a mostly Asian American cast to debut since JLC.
@ Ai I think one of the things I notice about racism leveled at Asian-Americans is there is a tendency to regard them as foreign. You hear Asian Americans being told they speak perfect English (like… they’re American?) or you hear the stupid ching-chong accent being directed at people who aren’t even Chinese or don’t speak any Asian language at home because they’re not first or even second-generation. So I think the idea that Asian Americans should be satisfied with foreign films, as well as the tendency of Hollywood to cast Asian actors in token roles in Blockbusters (Fan Bing Bing in X-men, or Jing Tian in King Kong, there have been others) instead of Asian Americans, contributes to this foreign-ization racism.
To PPP:
Yes, exactly. Asian Americans are a large and very diverse group and we have very little representation in media.
It gets even more complicated too for Asian Americans who have families that have members that are totally American (like 5 generations already) and also members that maybe have just got citizenship etc. Or a mixture of different Asian heritages like me- a mix of Chinese, Indian and Thai but can’t speak Chinese or Hindi but can speak English , Thai and Japanese). This is what modern society is — complex and diverse. Film and art should reflect this.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon??
That was a Chinese movie that Hollywood imported.
First All asian movie that doesn’t feature Asians in stereotypical plot (honor drama, martial arts, period costumes, WW II.) First time Asians are seen in a comedy/romance. Of course Michelle Yeoh is still present (but who is complaining?) but at least this time she is not wearing a costume. And also we don’t see James Hong somewhere in the trailer giving Confucian advice.
Adrien I loved that it’s a rom com! No martial arts is a win here.
This looks good, I hope it does well. I respect their decision to decline the Netflix money and put it out traditionally in theaters, so I hope it ends up profitable for them.
I won’t be able to see it in theaters. If it dropped on Netflix I would definitely have seen it immediately. As it stands now I’ll wait until demand. I get their decision though and respect it
It was made for the cinemas. Netflix wouldn’t have done the first film justice.
It might be a hit in North America but it has its fair share of controversy in Singapore and Malaysia. Average Singaporeans and Malaysians may not relate to this. It’s more American Born Chinese centric than Asian centric. It’s still good exposure for the ABC actors.
Really? Do you think? There aren’t many ABC’s in it, and the book was written by and mostly revolves around Singaporeans (of a very particular type).
And perhaps not the average person. It pinpoints the ultra rich.
Yes the book is meant to revolve around caricatured rich Chinese Singaporean majority, but I’m referring to the movie. The trailer does not even feature much Singaporean accent. Our elite generally do not speak with American accents. Michelle Yeoh is the closest but hers is Malaysian. Regardless, while the trailer was controversial to some Singaporeans here, it is a trailer and I personally think the movie should be given a chance.
I found out that local Singaporean actors and actresses are in it. 🙂 Awkafina’s mom, Astrid’s husband, Constance’s mom, and others.
Re: the accents. In the book, most of the second-third generation children were educated in super exclusive schools, some in Singapore some in London and those that went to college seem to have gone out of the country. So most of the time, I was reading their accents through the lens of a British accents (especially once I knew who some of the actors were playing). Does that make sense?
Yes MO, I’d add it’s great they hired local actors too. It may not be a relatable movie to some here but I’d mitigate by saying baby steps to them.
@Alexandria
I hadn’t heard American accents in Singapore. They were milder English accents. Is this what you are referring to? Just curious.
I’ve read all the books twice…and I do think they made a mistake turning down Netflix. That was a guarantee to have all three books made into movies! I’m not optimistic that Warners will do all three movies unless there is big money here. Also, the books get progressively darker and I’m just not sure they will go there…the trailer feels like they watered down the book a lot.
Maybe they could do follow ups with Netflix? Although I’m guessing it was an all or nothing deal.
I’m glad to hear you liked the second and third books, I may give them a try. I really wanted to like the first book but I gotta say I just didn’t. I didn’t mind the story, but the style just really bugged me. *runs away*
I agree. WB is not risk taking and they may become frustrated if and when the sequel is supposed to be made. We will see.
I actually would have liked to see this made into a 3 season show on Netflix. 2 hour movies usually take books I like and compress them into something almost unrecognizable from the original story.
I am with you AnneC.
Lately, I have found limited series based on books much better at telling the stories. I watched Howard’s End on Starz and enjoyed it differently than the film. The film is still good but I liked that the series was able to be more subtle. It explained some of the subplots more completely. I like the limited series British crime shows too. Killing Eve was one of my favorites this year.
I know nothing of this book or film but if it’s about the .0001% flaunting wealth, I’ll skip.
It’s about flaunting wealth. I’d love to see it if it wasn’t about that.
It’s more than that. It’s about love, sacrifice, and cultural tension.
That’s the point but it also revolves around the nuances of family and culture.
The fact that his parents and some of the other characters flaunt their wealth is the main problem in the movie. If that’s the reason you aren’t going to see it, what a shame.
Smart idea. The book was plain silly and the movie doesn’t sound as if it will be much of an improvement.
Same.
Also I love that black and white picture. It looks so old Hollywood to me.
Bok bok b!tch! Can’t wait.
Bok Bok! 🐓
While I totally understand wanting to give representation in Hollywood, I can’t help but think that turning down the Netflix offer was a really really dumb idea. All that money they could have made on the movie would’ve allowed them to fund their own projects and given them clout to make even more projects in the future, with creative control. Instead, they decided to leave a white Hollywood studio in control putting their future projects at risk if this fails.
I just don’t see why the Asian filmmakers and creative folks behind this project felt that they needed to miss out on a financially lucrative deal for some Bullsh*t notion of Hollywood acceptance. After all more people are watching Netflix then Hollywood anyways
I’m a little confused about this as well. It would be one thing if it were prestige fare that could qualify for awards, but this is a rom-com that would have gotten probably even more exposure on Netflix.
It just bothers me that white people don’t have to think about representation when considering their projects. A white person can go after the money and not feel obligated to take less for Hollywood representation on the big screen. But a person of color cannot take a lucrative contract without feeling like he/she is doing a disservice to their culture by not getting the representation of the big screen. It’s just unfair. POC deserve to get that money just as much as white folks.
Did you read the article? It addresses this exact issue. Yes, the money would have made THEM rich, but they were after much more than money. I’m planning to see it opening weekend, and I can’t wait.
Read my followup comment above.
Yep Molly I’m with you! I’m proud to be one of the (white) people buying a ticket for this. I think representation is so important, but more than that, it looks good! I may not understand the nuances of these cultures but I do understand classism, family tension and love. It’s exciting to be able to participate in something like this and in this tiny way tell Hollywood it’s not just Asians or Asian Americans interested in these stories. If it’s a great story, I’m in!
I get it. They are taking the strategic, long-term view. Sure, if they had taken the Netflix money, they could have funded projects out of their own pockets in the future, but like it or not Netflix is still the ugly step-child in Hollywood. A successful project on Netflix would still be considered slightly tainted in the rooms where the big financial and creative decisions get made. A successful theater release means studios will be throwing money at them. Why spend your own money when you can spend someone else’s?
Because if it doesn’t meet expectations then WB will not make a sequel. More people will see it on Netflix as opposed to a theatre. I understand their logic but it is a huge risk and WB will be looking for reasons NOT to do a sequel if it isn’t a huge hit.
For people like me who never go to the movies Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime are anything but the ugly stepchild. I wish these people nothing but the best, and it’s their choice, but selfishly I wish I’d be seeing it on Netflix.
Sadly, the decision-makers in HW need to catch up to how the viewing public is actually consuming their product. Years ago, you would never see a film actor do television at all – it would have damaged their cachet within the industry, and you would almost never see someone who was successful in tv make the jump to films. That has changed, and I think eventually the schism in the industry between films released to theaters and films released online will likely lessen or disappear, but that time has not yet come.
You are right Dara.
I have become biased because I enjoy streaming so much more than I do taking a schlep to a theatre these days. It has to be a big cinematic production or a preview or something like that for me to bother. I hope that this film gets such great reviews that people see it but I do fear if the reviews aren’t “must see” that many won’t.
Years ago my nieces were reading the Percy Jackson books and they wanted me to read them too so I did. Very cute funny books but the movie adaption was terrible. So now those great stories will never get any justice on screen.
I will go no matter to be supportive but I just hope that it gets its due.
Hi, Industry insider here to give a bit of info that WASN’T in the article.
Netflix is classified as a New Media company under the union rules that govern hollywood. That means they are exempt from much of the payment structure that has evolved over time to be more fair to creators (by that I mean anyone who isn’t a studio – so, the writers, directors, actors, etc.)
Netflix does big payments upfront, but no money on the back-end. So it looks like a great deal, but when you take into account all the ways this movie could continue to generate income for everyone involved in making it via residuals, overseas market sales, dvd sales, re-releases, etc., the creators usually get shafted.
It doesn’t sound as good as “we wanted to do the noble thing” but it’s definitely a factor if the film is successful. Also, understand that creators only see 35 – 30% of those big 7 figure checks once taxes and payment to their representation has been taken into account. So it’s really not enough money to retire on.
@LWT, you make a very good point.
Agree with Dara. You certainly do.
Oh hells to the yes, I will be seeing this in the theatre. Can’t wait!!!
Meh. I’m up to here with the uber rich, so even though I am happy there’s a mainstream production about Asians , I’ll pass on actually seeing it.
So you’ll only see movies about poor people? Anyway, and I said this above too, the whole conflict of the movie is that his family is rich and he wants nothing to do with it, and he turns his back on it for love and a life doing what he wants to do (education). Maybe the trailer doesn’t convey that accurately enough, but it’s a pretty long movie to sum up in 90 seconds.
Anything with Michelle Yeoh in, I am in.
Gorgeous, classy and one of the best actresses out there.
She’s one of my all-time favorite actresses.
I was just going to say the same thing. I’m down for anything with Michelle Yeoh
F*cky f*ck I’m going to see it with my Native American Mom for an advance girls night out screening next Wednesday. Then I’ll see it again after she and my nieces go home at the end of summer. Representation of POC and non-white means the door will eventually open for all of us! Plus I finished the first book and enjoyed it, currently reading the second and will finish all 3 before then! Can’t wait!
Tania,
I LOVE this comment!!! This is exactly why I plan on going to see this. I am not super stoked to see this movie but as a POC I want to support this so that there will be more stories from ALL POCs that make it to the big screen. You are so right that we will all win when that happens.
Hilarious reference to Cousin Eddie! 🙂
I went to a press screening and it is SO CUTE and is truly an all Asian cast. I loved the books and was thrilled to see the movie and wasn’t disappointed. Go see it. Help it succeed so others are made like it. Also — yes his parents and family are crazy wealthy, but it’s about him turning away from that because love is more important, so I do not see an issue here. Geez. Let people enjoy things.
The leading man is so gorgeous. Interestingly, the article mentions concerns about how since he’s biracial he might be perceived as not “Asian” enough.
Oh yeah I greatly enjoyed looking at him throughout the movie. Hope he gets a ton more work!
The issue about biracial media personalities in Asia is not new. They (must be a mix of Caucasian) are more in demand compared to pure Asian local media personalities. This is a well known phenomenon in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia. They are perceived as a better beauty standard and to have an affluent or comfortable background. I am in a media freelance group and almost every ad wants to feature a biracial face. Not gonna say it’s wrong or right, or that they are less Asian, just saying this has been an interesting phenomenon. Years back, Time wrote about this too and featured 3 biracial media personalities on their cover to touch on the preferred Westernised Asian standard of beauty.
Seeing it opening weekend. Can’t wait.
Romcoms aren’t usually my jam, but I heard the book was really fun. Besides, it’s one of those cast diversity issues that I feel obligated to see in theatres because God knows Hollywood is always looking for a chance to wail about how ~minorities don’t sell movies~ in America.
I found the story of Rachel and Nick to be bland. Astrid was the better character and had the more compelling story. I loved the crazy cousins too
I want a sequel with Kitty Pong and her husband’s plastic surgery.
Astrid sortta stole the show. Would love to see her character and story developed further in the next movie. Gemma Chan killedt it.
It has a very good cast, aside from the marvelous Michelle Yeoh. Constance Wu (Fresh Off the Boat) is the female lead. The hilarious Ken Jeong (Community/Hangover) is in it. I was also pleased to see Nico Santos (Superstore).
My wallet dictates that I must miss this until it is at the $2.00 cinema here. But thanks so much for all of your comments. The multiplicity of voices & viewpoints is what makes this site intellectually spicy!
Can’t wait for this one.
The bar for movies with PoC leads is so high! People will be angry if it represents the rich, but if the main characters were working class they’d be annoyed about the lack of financially successful PoC represented. We needed Black Panther to be ‘perfect’ for it to be seen as opening doors, but I think any positive representation in a leading role opens doors.
I loved the book and I’m excited for the movie. The presence of financially well-off characters who flaunt their wealth is actually what gives the book depth and meaning.
That’s a great point. I am so excited to see this!
I’m supporting this film. My jaw dropped at the story of the first studio pitch that wanted to change the lead female to a white woman. !!!!!!! I mean just when you want to think, Gee maybe Hollywood isn’t that bad and racist? Yes…they are that bad and racist.
Have definite plans to see it. More support for Asians in mainstream media. Harry Shum Jr. Am actually glad to see it covered here since this site rarely covers Asian talent.
After seeing the trailer and reading the story about the writer and director I definitely want to see this movie, it looks like so much fun and hopefully it’s successful. I’d love to see more films led by people of color.
Loved the book(s), love the cast. Will absolutely see this in theaters.
Kaiser, thank you so much for covering Crazy Rich Asians on Celebitchy. 😀 Really happy to read this.
Got to see a pre-screening of this movie and it was wonderful and spectacular. It’s not without some issues, but ultimately amazing and a win. One step at a time.
We need more of this worldwide. More, more, more!
Edit: It was so nice to see this on the big screen. They had a mix of all kinds actors from Asian-descent, even ones from the country itself.
I have the book but haven’t read it yet. Need to hurry since the movie is coming out so soon!!!
Don’t rush to read the book! Just watch it and read the book after. As always with any novel-turned-movie, keep your expectations at a minimum. 🙂
I have to though! I’m one of those people that if I see the movie first I will never read the book!
Ok then. I will wait. I am usually disappointed in a movie after a book so it is good advice that I will take.
I won’t be seeing this film because I’m moving this month and that is where my money is going. I’ll see it when it comes out on streaming. I rarely see movies in theaters anyways (last one I saw was Black Panther) but when movies cost $20 (I live in NYC) it’s hard to justify the cost. Plus in my experience people won’t shut up and are so loud and bothersome, it’s just not worth it. I’ve been wondering about reading the book which I’ll probably do before I see the movie. So while I want to support diversity etc, I’m a Pretty Broke Caucasian spending money on movers and renting moving bins. Oh and the deposit for my new apartment and first mont’s rent!
I’ve seen the trailer though and the movie looks pretty fun.
Matinee shows in nyc are under $9, you could try those time if you wanna see a movie in the theater.
I guess I’m a fuddy-duddy. I can’t be arsed to go to the theater anymore. I’ll wait for streaming or Blu-ray. Watch it from the comfort of my home on my terms. The size of televisions these make theater obsolete for me, anyhow.
I don’t see movies in theatres much anymore either, for one of the same reasons: the other people in the audience won’t shut up. Like, call me old-fashioned, but if I’m paying for a ticket, I’d kind of like to hear the dialogue instead of enduring commentary from the row behind me, thanks.
Yes. yes I will.
Yes. I read the book and it was hilarious. I hope people aren’t misinterpreting the plot of this movie. This isn’t a typical rom com where the poor girl is charmed by the rich guy or just a book about ostentatious wealth and snobbery. The girl is already dating the guy and she has no idea that his family is outrageously rich. It’s about how she deals with finding out and meeting his snobby ancestors. And there’s a lot of valuable lessons here about family, respect and cultural traditions.
So excited for this! Taking the whole fam! I loved what Constance Wu said about what the movie means to her: https://twitter.com/ConstanceWu/status/1024449682766852096
Another underused actress. Sigh. Someone should start a blog for underused actresses.
I love the books. This is the only movie I was excited for this summer.
I’m glad it’s going to be on the big screen, it looks like it’s going to be a gorgeous film and it needs to be big.
This movie looks like a lot of fun and laughs. I’ll be there.
Good God almighty, that Henry Golding is one deliciously handsome man!
Cannot wait, going opening night.
I loved the books and am looking forward to seeing this!
I’m watching it with a group of girlfriends. It’s a rom-com that doesn’t center around martial arts. It’s modern-day but still speaks to family tensions and friendships. I’m all for it. It does focus on the uber-rich but I figure it’s baby steps. A movie less splashy wouldn’t resonate with as many people. Maybe in another few years we’ll be able to see more ordinary stories about ordinary people who just happen to be Asian American. About time, Hollywood!!
I didn’t like the trailer but I hope it does well
The male lead, Henry Golding, is so fine. I’ve been cyber stalking him since I saw the trailer. I’d be amazed if he doesn’t become the next big heart-throb.
I agree. Swoon.
I wasn’t familiar with him, googled him. Whoa!
If this were only about flaunting uber richness, I dont think there’d be enough material for 3 books. People should check it out, the story was so much fun and Astrid does steal the show/book.
Sweetie, this is happening everywhere, all over the world, and not just at the hands of “migrants.” You should blame capitalism for your problems…but I know you won’t.
ETA: the comment I was responding to seems to have disappeared…
Good riddance to it too. I saw it and winced.
Was I the only one who disliked the books?
I tried to read the first one and couldn’t get into it.
It looks hilarious. I will be seeing it in the theater!!
Read all three books. It’s an easy light read. I know some crazy rich Asians. I’m related to some. It’ll be fun to see it on the big screen.
The books were fun and I personally hope this movie (and its sequels) are incredibly successful worldwide!! But I can’t help thinking that the author’s decision to go the Old School Hollywood route was based on sentiment rather than a realistic understanding of today’s entertainment landscape.
Forget about the money… the “old fashioned cinematic experience” is an outdated concept. Choosing a theatrical release for CRA is like launching a new Snapchat filter but only making it available to members of AARP. Why overlook entire segments of consumers?
Secondly, Netflix subscribers DO pay to see movies. It’s not a free service and no one thinks it is. Plenty of influential people spend valuable time and money consuming content in the ways they choose… which helps build viewer loyalty and is better facilitated by streaming and subscription services than traditional studio releases.
Box office “wins” are becoming less and less relevant in the current environment… I hope it doesn’t backfire or undermine their vision in any way…
Scroll up to see @LWT ‘s comments re: the Netflix deal vs a “traditional” studio deal. Interesting insider’s view on the financials for both options.
I am loving that our Asian brethen are getting their moment (and it should be longer than just a moment). I cannot wait to see this movie and support it financially.
O bought the book while in thailand in the beginning of the year and I loved every single thing about it. I’m dying to watch it!
I liked the plot and “world” of the book but thought the writing was sort of terrible, but I feel that way about lots of sci-fi books too (great story, clever sci-fi elements, but the writer just doesn’t have great technique). But as I read it, I thought, this would make a terrific movie b/c a movie would be able to replace this clunky language with gorgeous visuals!!
And as an Asian Am, I am super duper psyched to see a movie about the culture clash between a lower-middle-class Asian Am and superrich Asian Asians. And I *love* Constance Wu and Michelle Yeoh.
I am SO EXCITED to see this on opening weekend!!!!!!!!!