Peter Chiarelli Reflects on Writing Crazy Rich Asians

Macao, China — Peter Chiarelli, the screenwriter of the hit film Crazy Rich Asians, reflected on his creative journey during an event at the second Macao International Comedy Festival. The movie, released in 2018, was a groundbreaking success as Hollywood’s first major studio production featuring an all-Asian cast in 25 years.

Adapted from the best-selling novel by Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians tells the story of Rachel Chu, a Chinese American economics professor who discovers her boyfriend Nick Young’s family is one of the richest in Asia. The film, made on a budget of $30 million, grossed an impressive $239 million globally and received several awards, including two Golden Globe nominations.

Chiarelli shared his initial ignorance about Singapore and its culture, stating he was captivated by Kwan’s story. To deepen his understanding, producers arranged for Chiarelli to meet Singapore residents over two weeks, which he described as an intense but insightful experience. ‘I spoke to a lot of people, meeting two each day,’ he recalled.

These interactions helped him weave authentic cultural details into the film, such as the choice of location for a casual outing at East Coast Lagoon Food Village. Chiarelli highlighted Singapore’s rich cultural melting pot, mixing Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Filipino influences. ‘That’s one of the things I love most about Singapore,’ he noted.

While the film showcases lavish lifestyles, Chiarelli emphasized a deeper message. ‘Though it feels like a dream world, what interested me the most was how similar everyone is, money or no money,’ he explained. He believes this theme resonates universally.

Michelle Yeoh, who stars as Eleanor Young, garnered praise for her role in the film. Chiarelli described her as a ‘force of nature’ and acknowledged her warmth and kindness off-screen. He regards her as a significant figure within the Asian film community.

Chiarelli also addressed the challenges of crafting comedy that transcends cultural barriers. He recounted his strategy of writing with his aunt in mind, aiming to elicit laughter in both English and Chinese audiences. ‘This approach gave me confidence that the script would resonate with international moviegoers,’ he concluded.