'Crazy Rich Asians' Turned Down Netflix
to Make History ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ could have made crazy money as a Netflix Original movie. The movie is based on a book by Kevin Kwan. Kevin Kwan, to 'The Hollywood Reporter' However, both Kwan and the film director, Jon M. Chu, turned down Netflix’s offer. Kevin Kwan, to 'The Hollywood Reporter' The movie is the first studio film to star an Asian-American cast in over 25 years. It was important for Kwan and Chu to promote diversity, and prove that Asian stories can sell tickets. ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ will officially make its mark when it comes out August 15.