'Crazy Rich Asians' Kicks Off the Fall 2018 KCET Cinema Series
Following a screening of “Crazy Rich Asians,” director Jon M. Chu attended a Q&A hosted by Cinema Series host Pete Hammond. Based on the acclaimed international bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan, this romantic comedy-drama set in the U.S. and Singapore is directed by Jon M. Chu. The all-star cast includes Constance Wu ("Fresh Off the Boat"), Gemma Chan ("Humans"), Lisa Lu ("2012"), and Awkwafina ("Ocean’s 8," "Neighbors 2"), with Michelle Yeoh ("Star Trek: Discovery," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"), Ronny Chieng ("The Daily Show"), and Ken Jeong (the "Hangover "films). “Crazy Rich Asians” is the first non-period studio film in over 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast.
Jon M. Chu (Director) is known for his visually stunning blockbuster films as well as his works across various genres from groundbreaking digital series to commercials and even live concerts. "Crazy Rich Asians," the first non-period studio film in over 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast represents a conscious career pivot for Chu towards films that have personal meaning.
Upcoming, Chu will helm the highly anticipated adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical “In the Heights,” and is set to direct and executive produce a series inspired by 11-year-old investigative reporter Hilde Lysiak for Apple. Chu also directed “Now You See Me 2,” the sequel to the blockbuster “Now You See Me,” which was released in June 2016. Lizzy Caplan and Daniel Radcliffe joined returning cast members Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Caine for the film, which grossed over $330 million worldwide.
Chu marked his feature directorial debut with 2008’s “Step Up 2: The Streets,” the sequel to the 2006’s breakout dance hit. His use of movement and storytelling earned him a Teen Choice Award and a Breakout Director of the Year Award, as well as an MTV Movie Award. His other feature credits include “Step Up 3D,” “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” and “Jem and the Holograms.” Additionally, Chu has garnered immense praise for his work in documentary filmmaking.
Listen to the Q&A and browse photos from the screening below.