'Crazy Rich Asians' Is Number One at the Box Office & Twitter Is All for It
Crazy Rich Asians, a romantic comedy by director Jon M. Chu, raked in $25.2 million at North American theaters over the weekend, making it number one at the box office. As The New York Times points out, these are the highest numbers for a PG-13 romantic comedy in six years, since Think Like a Man — which featured an all-black primary cast — amassed $33 million during its first three days in theaters.
“This shows — once again, with emphasis — that true diversity matters,” Crazy Rich Asians producer Brad Simpson wrote in an email over the weekend. “Audiences are tired of seeing the same stories with the same characters. And we have to give people a reason to get off their couch or devices. We have to give them something different.”
Crazy Rich Asians is the first Hollywood studio movie in 25 years to boast an all-Asian cast. The film stars Constance Wu and Henry Golding in a complicated love story fueled by wealth and unruly parents.
According to Jeff Goldstein, Warner’s president of domestic distribution, roughly 38 percent of those who went to see Crazy Rich Asians were Asian, while approximately 68 percent of viewers were female. The Times also informs that Asian moviegoers generally account for less than 10 percent of the opening weekend audience.
And while Crazy Rich Asians reached box office number one, The Meg came in second over the weekend with $21.2 million, and Mile 22 third with $13.6 million.
Twitter has noticeably gravitated to Crazy Rich Asians, the most tweeted-about movie so far in August, as there have been more than 781,000 Tweets about the film since July 1, and 350,000 over the weekend alone. Below you can see the most retweeted tweets surrounding the picture, as well as some additional posts that have gained traction on the social media platform.
You’re 8 years old.
— Kimmy (@kimmythepooh) August 18, 2018
Your 3rd grade class orders chinese food & your father delivers it. You are so excited to see your pops in school. He’s your hero. But apparently other kids don’t think he’s so cool. They laugh at him and mimic his accent. You don’t want to be Chinese anymore. pic.twitter.com/6vW9DXZK6x
If you don’t understand what all the fuss is about for BLACK PANTHER and CRAZY RICH ASIANS and filmed art that centers the uncentered. If you believe you’re a good white person, but you just honestly don’t get it, I invite you to read this gem of a thread by Kimberly Yam. 🌸 https://t.co/DdlLPeu2zb
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 18, 2018
Crazy Rich Asians currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and that's nice because if there is one thing we love more than anything else, it's an A+
— irene choi (@irenechoi) August 11, 2018
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Make sure you guys go see #CrazyRichAsians this weekend! So good. Congrats @jonmchu
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 17, 2018
Heart Evangelista is dubbed as one of the real crazy rich asians .. is an artist, and is a true fashion icon..
— Maeume'🔆 (@jharlaeunga) August 18, 2018
Yall, this girl started painting her Hermes bags just bc she stained one of them.. WITH FCKN KETCHUP AHHAHAHAHA
I STAN A TRUE ARTIST pic.twitter.com/jen2q5C9qg
crazy rich asians, to all the boys ive loved before, and now this?? i love asian rep in hollywood 😍 https://t.co/Z1FXwqRj0G
— vegan wan (@kenobarnes) August 17, 2018
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Crazy Rich Asians and To All the Boys I've Loved Before out here with the Asian representation what a time to be alive
— caitlyn (@caiiittiii) August 17, 2018
For me... P. Ramlee, the Malaysian legend 👊🏻 https://t.co/5i4Bh1LcTI
— Henry Golding (@henrygolding) August 16, 2018
Crazy Rich Asians currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and that's nice because if there is one thing we love more than anything else, it's an A+
— irene choi (@irenechoi) August 11, 2018
going to see crazy rich asians 100 times (bc as my mom always told me, a 99 doesn't get you into college)
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 15, 2018
Hello, if you cannot afford to see Crazy Rich Asians opening weekend because you are actually a very poor Asian, DM me a pic of your ticket receipt and I will Venmo you the cost of the ticket. Honor system, you better be broke. I’ll stop doing this when I decide to.
— Joel Kim Booster (@ihatejoelkim) August 11, 2018
I didn't think Crazy Rich Asians would impact me the way it did. But after 29 years of barely seeing myself on screen— to see a cast that look, feels, and acts likes me makes me seen. Also the movie is fun and funny as hell. Go watch it! pic.twitter.com/R3HEIAhr4N
— Ashly Perez 🤙🏽 (@itsashlyperez) August 15, 2018
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Opening weekend box office is very important to the success of a film. See #CrazyRichAsians in theaters THIS weekend if:
— Rebecca Ford (@Beccamford) August 15, 2018
- You want more romantic comedies.
- You want more movie stars who look like this.
- You want more diverse stories, of any kind, on the big screen pic.twitter.com/itufsZ2BMe
im so excited to watch crazy rich asians. its one of the few movies where asian individuals play ALL roles not just the stereotypical role that asian actors and actresses are usually subjected to.
— justine (@biticonjustine) August 8, 2018
I'm really concerned that Ant Man & The Wasp failed to capture the diversity of the White experience. https://t.co/cNeUpvzcPy
— Jenny Yang (@jennyyangtv) August 15, 2018
#CrazyRichMovie story:
— Shuhei Kinoshita 木下 衆平 (@ShuheiKinoshita) August 19, 2018
tonight I went to see it with friends. We had a blast but couldn’t find a poster in the theatre... how can this be!? “We just wanted some pictures with the poster, it’s opening weekend” we asked. Then this happened #CrazyRichAsians #AsAmRepresentation pic.twitter.com/8eSEjnkQka
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i remember in the second grade, we would have "cultural" days, when we would have our parents come in and talk about where we were from
— jemma ✨ (@jemmakwak) August 18, 2018
Wow this thread. Making me emotional on a Saturday night. ❤ https://t.co/c1lMDD59q7
— Jessica Chastain (@jes_chastain) August 19, 2018
This thread... Whew. Please read & then read again. Thank you https://t.co/wyIFxCg9m5
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) August 19, 2018
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You’re 12 years old & your history teacher sings “Ching-Chong-Chong” & pulls his eyes back while teaching about China. You are one of 2 Asian kids in a school of 800 but you don’t look Chinese so you hide. And remember that moment for 28 years. Representation matters. https://t.co/97z242wl6E
— Jada Yuan (@jadabird) August 18, 2018
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A couple friends and I shelled out a bunch of money for random strangers to watch Crazy Rich Asians this weekend. Here's why. pic.twitter.com/TuipjCmLjF
— Teresa Hsiao (@teresahsiao) August 13, 2018
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1/They thought we were gonna do 18m maybe 20m over the five days.... but YOU SHOWED UP. On dates, with your families, with your friends, with your enemies... we laughed, we cried, we shared our stories we saw each other...
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) August 19, 2018
Next time someone tells me Asians aren’t “emotional”, I will kindly guide them towards the #CrazyRichAsians hashtag... the feels are real!!! So moved by the celebrations and gatherings of all people in movie theaters all across the country.
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) August 19, 2018
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Crazy Rich Asians, was truly magical. I can’t wait till it’s not a novelty to see a movie with all asian people in it. I can’t wait till this is normal. Cause omg this movie is fantastic. Pleaseee people of all races, go enjoy this wonderful movie about love and family.
— Chloe Bennet (@chloebennet) August 8, 2018
Ladies and gentlemen, We proudly present #CrazyRichAsians . Open in theaters all around the country TODAY!!! Grab your friends, your family, your kids and head to the movies. We are worth your time and energy in a story for all people. Lets do this.
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) August 15, 2018
Crazy Rich Asians is wonderful and silly but definitely worth seeing. What a coup for Asian actors who never have enough film options.
— Gael Greene (@GaelGreene) August 15, 2018
“CRA is the first ever major studio movie to star an Asian-American woman in a modern context. Ever in all of history. “#CrazyRichAsians #ConstanceWu 😮😳😠🤨😀😃Another FIRST! More please! #RepresentationMatters pic.twitter.com/w94lcz3zBS
— Thandiwe Newton (@ThandiweNewton) August 15, 2018
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YAAAAAAAAAAAS!!!!!!! #CrazyRichAsians https://t.co/6x2wqxGZCw
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 16, 2018
Crazy Rich Asians Crazy Rich Asians Crazy Rich Asians Crazy Rich Asians Crazy Rich Asians Crazy Rich Asians Crazy Rich Asians Crazy Rich Asians Crazy Rich Asians Crazy Rich Asians Crazy Rich Asians Crazy Rich Asians Let's goooooooooooooooooooooooooo @ConstanceWu @jonmchu
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) August 16, 2018
Proud of everyone involved with @CrazyRichMovie Please hollywood don't let this just be a moment. Diversity should be here to stay!
— Bryan Greenberg (@bryangreenberg) August 16, 2018
Congrats @ConstanceWu @jonmchu got my tickets!! #crazyrichasians https://t.co/AU54PtH5UX
— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) August 16, 2018
holy shit. This made me cry. Great way to start the day. FUCK YES!!!!!!!!!
— Jamie Chung (@jamiechung1) August 16, 2018
Finished long day of work, reading all the exciting press for @CrazyRichMovie. Can’t wait to watch laugh & cry. Go see it!!!
— Sandra Oh (@IamSandraOh) August 16, 2018
Couldn’t be more proud of this amazing gent! @CrazyRichMovie comes out today! Don’t miss it! @HarryShumJr #CRAZYRICHASIANS pic.twitter.com/lNKQvxm6z4
— Katherine McNamara (@Kat_McNamara) August 16, 2018
We’re giving away FREE tix to @CrazyRichMovie in LA & Michigan! 🎞🎉
— ShibSibs (@ShibSibs) August 14, 2018
Claim your tix HERE:
LA: August 17, 2018 - 3pmhttps://t.co/HDyKYW2n6X
MI: August 18, 2018 - 1pmhttps://t.co/KtgFHI6oQi
Ticket pick-up is first-come, first-serve. Let’s give #CrazyRichAsians a #GoldOpen! ✊🏼 pic.twitter.com/Eex7mRK3Mr
@CrazyRichMovie As an Asian American woman in the arts, Thank you for existing, I can’t tell you how much it means to me. Who’s seeing it this weekend? #RepresentationMatters
— Phillipa Soo (@Phillipasoo) August 15, 2018
Well said @danieldaekim ! 🌟excited to see @CrazyRichMovie https://t.co/eaUL3hvWo5
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) August 10, 2018
#BlacKkKlansman hits theaters this Friday (August 10th) and #CrazyRichAsians hits theaters the following Wednesday (August 15th). Support both of these great films from incredibly talented African American and Asian American creatives in the studio system opening weekend. pic.twitter.com/wxN40ZTlFS
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) August 6, 2018
Just saw Crazy Rich Asians, and I looovedd it 😍🙌 also, there’s this up and coming actor in it named @kenjeong, and I really think he’s quite good (he has some Dance. Moves.) Stick with it kid, you could be a staaaaaar
— Laura Marano 🧚 (@lauramarano) August 17, 2018
CRAZY RICH ASIANS is so funny and heartfelt! Loved it! And loved all the Singapore nods xx
— Rebel Wilson (@RebelWilson) August 17, 2018
Read this. Then buy a ticket. Because #WeMatter. All of us. #CrazyRichAsians @CrazyRichMovie XOXO https://t.co/qLJwg4awlL
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 17, 2018
For those making film outside of the dominant culture, there is no easy road. So when a rose grows through the concrete, appreciate the power and passion that made it so. To my friend @ConstanceWu, all my respect to you, your director, cast and crew. #CrazyRichAsians is in bloom! pic.twitter.com/P6UullKbxH
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 17, 2018
Huge congrats to @jonmchu, @henrygolding and the entire Crazy Rich Asians cast and crew on their box office win! So happy for you all. You made a fun, amazing movie. 🍾🥂🎉 https://t.co/bbn18Q35X7
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) August 19, 2018
Wow. Theatre was packed for #crazyrichasians Didn’t know what to expect. But it blew my socks off. Holy crap. What an awesome movie!! Haven’t seen a movie that good in a long, long time.
— Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt) August 19, 2018
Love you brother @prattprattpratt ❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/oQrUrfJwoT
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) August 19, 2018
I am in LOVE with @CrazyRichMovie..... GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!! #CrazyRichAsians pic.twitter.com/BlbVSaHDzW
— Phillipa Soo (@Phillipasoo) August 18, 2018
I wasn't asked to star in "Crazy Rich Asians" but I do have the abs for it.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 18, 2018
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What a great time to go to the cinema! I know what I'm seeing this weekend #CrazyRichAsians #Blackkklansman pic.twitter.com/bErnB9oRPW
— Jessica Chastain (@jes_chastain) August 18, 2018
The spotlight shining on @kenjeong is brighter than my future. You're a cool legend, Dr. Ken.
— Ross Butler (@RossButler) August 18, 2018
Go watch #CrazyRichAsians everyone! Again!
And yeah I have no idea what that light is... Maybe a ghost? pic.twitter.com/5RVilLjCw8
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Loved #CrazyRichAsians. Go support this flick pic.twitter.com/l0fEqJlu2h
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) August 19, 2018
If you don’t understand what all the fuss is about for BLACK PANTHER and CRAZY RICH ASIANS and filmed art that centers the uncentered. If you believe you’re a good white person, but you just honestly don’t get it, I invite you to read this gem of a thread by Kimberly Yam. 🌸 https://t.co/DdlLPeu2zb
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 18, 2018
Make sure you guys go see #CrazyRichAsians this weekend! So good. Congrats @jonmchu
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 17, 2018
If you’re looking for a movie, I thought CRAZY RICH ASIANS was a lot funnier than RESENTFUL UNEDUCATED WHITES.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) August 19, 2018
Congrats #CrazyRichAsians! 🥂You guys know I love @constancewu and romantic comedies, so together?! Bye, dead. https://t.co/cpJ1vg9Azd
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) August 20, 2018
And my favorite blonde of all time, @awkwafina #CrazyRichAsiansMovie pic.twitter.com/lIzvTsTBTe
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) August 20, 2018
Proud of this movie and @jonmchu - everyone go see #CrazyRichAsains - we packed this one in nyc pic.twitter.com/NknjXyCZvD
— Scott “Scooter” Braun (@scooterbraun) August 20, 2018
As an awkward introverted teen I lived vicariously through movies. I loved every romcom & romance movie but they always made me feel like you had to be white to be beautiful, to fall in love, to be the lead...
— Arden Cho (@arden_cho) August 20, 2018
In other film-related news, Kevin Spacey’s new movie made a paltry $126 on opening day.