LOS ANGELES, Oct 21 — Warner Bros has nabbed the distribution rights to Crazy Rich Asians, the adaptation of Kevin Kwan's book.

Color Force and Ivanhoe Pictures are developing the film, which will be directed by Jon M Chu.

Based on a screenplay written by Pete Chiarelli (The Proposal) together with Adele Lim (TV series Lethal Weapon), the film will centre on the lives of wealthy Chinese families living in Singapore.

It follows Rachel Chu, an American Born Chinese (ABC) economics professor who travels to her boyfriend's hometown of Singapore for a wedding. There, she is catapulted into an obstacle course of old money, new money, nosy relatives and her boyfriend's strong-willed mother.

An entirely Asian cast is planned for the project.

Color Force's Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson and Ivanhoe President John Penotti are producing. Kevin Kwan will serve as executive producers along with Ivanhoe's Chairman Robert Friedland. Courtenay Valenti and Jon Gonda will oversee the project for Warner Bros.

"I am beyond thrilled that the amazing films my fans around the world have been waiting for is finally happening,” said Kwan. "I have such tremendous respect and trust in Nina, Brad, Jon and Warner Bros, and I know they are going to create an incredible, history-making movie.”

The deal was negotiated by Ziffren Brittenham LLP. Kwan is represented by Alexandra Machinist at ICM and Chu by WME and Principato Young. — The Hollywood Reporter/Bloomberg