TV & Movies

A Crazy Rich Asians Spin-Off Will Follow The Romantic Plight Of A Beloved Character

Gemma Chan & Harry Shum Jr. are confirmed, too.

by Sophie McEvoy
Gemma Chan attends the Louis Vuitton's 2023 Cruise Show
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Crazy Rich Asians fave Astrid Leong-Teo (Gemma Chan) is getting her own spin-off. While the adaptation of China Rich Girlfriend is still fully in development, Astrid’s rekindled relationship with Charlie Wu (Harry Shum Jr) will be given more attention outside of the main storyline.

Astrid and Charlie’s blossoming romance is explored in the last two books of Kevin Kwan’s trilogy – China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems – alongside Nick Young (Henry Golding) and Rachel Chu’s (Constance Wu) relationship. So here’s everything we know so far about the Crazy Rich Asians spin-off, and how it will differ from the book series.

Crazy Rich Asians Spin-Off Plot

Astrid and Charlie’s relationship began long before the mid-credits tease in Crazy Rich Asians. Before Astrid met Michael Teo (Pierre Png), she was engaged to Charlie during their university years. However, the couple was forced to break it off due to Astrid’s parents not approving of their love match.

In the books, Astrid and Charle don’t rekindle their relationship until the end of China Rich Girlfriend. Unlike the first film, Astrid and Michael’s marriage lasts a lot longer before they divorce due to Michael’s affair. It isn’t until the last book of the trilogy, Rich People Problems, that Astrid and Charlie’s relationship is fully explored.

This is where the drama truly unfolds for the couple. It’s revealed that Charlie was previously married to Isabel Wu, with whom he shares a daughter. Isabel isn’t too thrilled about her ex-husband’s new flame and decides to team up with Astrid’s ex Michael to ruin their relationship.

Seeing as Astrid and Charlie’s story starts happening in China Rich Girlfriend, it was expected that the sequel would focus on them as well as Nick and Rachel. But now a spin-off is in the works, it could be that China Rich Girlfriend will focus solely on Nick and Rachel as they prepare for their wedding, guaranteeing that Astrid and Charlie are given the spotlight they deserve.

Crazy Rich Asians Spin-Off Cast

So far, it seems that Gemma Chan and Harry Shum Jr. are the only cast members attached to the project. According to Deadline, Crazy Rich Asians’ director Jon M. Chu is also onboard, as is screenwriter Jason Kim who initially pitched the project to Warner Bros.

Crazy Rich Asians Spin-Off Release Date

As the spin-off is in the early stages of development, there’s no word on when filming will begin or when to expect the spin-off in cinemas.

This post will be updated with the trailer, release date, and additional plot details as more information on the Crazy Rich Asians spin-off becomes available.