Malaysian Superstar Michelle Yeoh Joins the Cast of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’

Michelle Yeoh will join the all-Asian cast of Warner Bros.’ adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s New York Times best-selling novel “Crazy Rich Asians”.

The announcement came after “Fresh Off the Boat” star Constance Wu was in talks with Warner Bros. in February to play the lead role of Rachel Chu.

Jon M. Chu has signed on to direct the adaptation of “Crazy Rich Asians,” which follows Rachel, an American-born Chinese economics professor, who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick and attend his best friend’s wedding.

It turns out that Nick is from an extremely wealthy family and every woman in his hometown is envious of Rachel and wants to take her out of the picture.

Yeoh is set to play the character of Eleanor Young, Nick’s highly controlling mother who disapproves of Rachel.

The 54-year-old Malaysian actress’ most recent credits include Fox’s science fiction horror film “Morgan” and “Mechanic: Resurrection”.

It was announced in November that she landed a recurring role in the CBS All Access show “Star Trek: Discovery”.

Yeoh broke onto the international film scene with roles in the 1997 James Bond film “Tomorrow Never Dies” and a few years later with “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” in 2000.

Nina Jacobson and partner Brad Simpson came on board the “Crazy Rich Asians” movie project back in 2013 when Kwan’s book was still in the manuscript stage, according to Variety.

The screenplay will be written by Adele Lim and Peter Chiarelli, while Ivanhoe president John Penotti is producing.

Kwan and Ivanhoe chairman Robert Friedland will serve as executive producers for the adaptation.

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