Inclusivity sells. The success of “Crazy Rich Asians” has proven — yet again — that audiences aren’t only interested in stories about white men. The industry is taking note. New Line has acquired “Singles Day,” a spec script from Lillian Yu (“Powerless”). Named after an actual Chinese holiday “that falls on November 11 (its 11.11 digits signify being alone) in which celebrants take pride in being unattached,” the day is “considered the anti-Valentine’s Day and is embraced by young people,” according to Deadline.
The project will be in the vein of New Line rom-coms such as “He’s Just Not That Into You,” “Valentine’s Day,” and “New Year’s Eve,” but more culturally diverse.
“Crazy Rich Asians” marks the first major Hollywood film led by an Asian cast since 1993’s “The Joy Luck Club.” The Constance Wu-starrer opened August 15 and has already grossed more than $35 million. It boasts the biggest rom-com opening since Amy Schumer’s “Trainwreck.” As the source notes, the film’s success “has emboldened Hollywood to look for more stories to tell from Asian cultures that have long been underrepresented on movie screens.”