Jon M. Chu regrets characters' depictions in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’

Jon M. Chu, director of “Crazy Rich Asians,” mentioned in a latest interview with Insider that the portrayal of South Asian characters in the movie was stereotypical.

The 2018 romantic comedy, based mostly on the novel by Kevin Kwan, drew criticism upon its launch for its brown characters’ holding subservient roles and missing dialogue.

One scene, in specific, options Rachel, performed by Constance Wu, and Peik Lin, performed by Awkwafina, misplaced on their strategy to a celebration. They’re finally met with hostility by closely armed South Asian guards.

While selling his newest film “In the Heights,” Chu informed Insider that he “totally gets” the criticism. “Looking back, I should have had a joke there [for the guards] being like, ‘These idiots,'” Chu mentioned. “There’s stuff to do to make them more human instead of just, like, these guards.”

Chu didn't reply to NBC News’ request for remark.

Chu admitted he loved the scene throughout the novel, but realized it lacked sensibility on display. “I didn’t understand some of the other contexts to that,” Chu mentioned. “So hearing it from people, for me, it was a learning experience.”

The director additionally mentioned that he forged South Asian actors for a big occasion sequence however did nothing to “accent it in any way.” “They’re just sort of there,” he mentioned. “I don’t give them the space to be there.” Chu mentioned he hopefully “won’t make that mistake again.”

Chu informed NBC Asian America this month that though a sequel to “Crazy Rich Asians” was in the works, he wouldn’t do it “unless it’s better.”

“And I’m not going to go do it unless we have something to offer,” he mentioned. “We want to do it so badly. I love that cast. I can’t wait for us to get in a room together.”

His adaptation of “In the Heights,” the famend musical from Lin-Manuel Miranda of “Hamilton,” lands in theaters and on HBO Max on Thursday.