Last call for actors for 'Crazy Rich Asians' motion picture

Director Jon Chu is looking for new talent and fresh faces for parts in his latest movie, Crazy Rich Asians.

THE CASTING SEARCH for the upcoming movie adaptation of the novel Crazy Rich Asians doesn't bode so well for Asian/American actors.

Either director Jon M. Chu isn't satisfied what he's seen so far, or he's turned his search for the all-Asian cast into a great marketing ploy.

He's issued a video asking for anyone to send in a 2-minute video to him if they want a part in the movie based on the bestselling book by Kevin Kwan.

Crazy Rich Asians tells the story of Rachel Chu, a Chinese-American economics professor who unknowingly enters the realm of the outrageously rich and famous when she meets her Chinese boyfriend’s family for the first time in Singapore. It's full of beautiful people.

In a video posted to YouTube on Thursday (January 19), Chu acknowledges the lack of Asian representation onscreen and how difficult it can be for actors with Asian roots to receive opportunities for big breaks so he's opening up the auditions to anyone who wants to break into the world of acting. He urges actors or would-be actors to apply from Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam or any other country in Asia.

“You may or may not know, but this is the first all-Asian cast from an American Hollywood studio in a long, long time,” he says. “So it’s a huge step in representation and a great opportunity to showcase all of the most talented Asian actors out there.”

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and may reside anywhere in the world. No professional acting training or experience is required.

The deadline to submit videos is February 10. Filming for Crazy Rich Asians begins in April. For more information about the casting call, including the full list of guidelines, click here.

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