Sony and SK Global Land Rights to ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Author’s New Novel ‘Sex and Vanity’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Justin Kroll
·2 min read

Click here to read the full article.

After a fierce bidding war, Sony Pictures and SK Global have acquired the film rights to bestselling author Kevin Kwan’s new novel “Sex and Vanity,” which became an instant New York Times bestseller after its release on June 30.

Published by Doubleday, this is Kwan’s first novel since the release of his “Crazy Rich Asians” trilogy, which became a worldwide phenomenon and was adapted into a critically acclaimed and box office hit film earning $240 million worldwide.

More from Variety

Selected as “Good Morning America’s” Book Club Pick for July, “Sex and Vanity” is the glittering tale of a young woman who finds herself torn between two men: the WASP-y fiancé of her family’s dreams and George Zao, the man she is desperately trying to avoid falling in love with.

“I am overjoyed to be embarking on this cinematic adventure with Sony Pictures and SK Global. Sony Pictures has produced so many of my favorite films over the years, and I am thrilled by Sanford Panitch’s vision for this project. I’m also very excited to be working again with my great friend John Penotti, who responded immediately and passionately to the world I created in ‘Sex and Vanity’,” said Kwan.

Kwan and SK Global’s John Penotti are producing the film. Xian Li is the executive in charge for SK Global. Jiao Chen is the executive overseeing the project for Sony Pictures.

“Seven years ago Kevin entrusted us (and our producing partners) with his ground-breaking ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ bestseller, and ever since working with him has been a creative dream,” Penotti said. “With ‘Sex and Vanity’ he’s once again created a work of magic, crafting a riveting story about love and identity. We instantly fell in love with its heart and humor and are thrilled to partner with him again, as well as with our collaborators at Sony Pictures. Sanford and the team love the book as much as we do, and we are all committed to bringing this story to a global audience.”

Kwan’s “Crazy Rich Asians” became a global sensation in 2018 grossing $238 million worldwide with WB now developing a sequel to the film.

Kwan is repped by ICM Partners and attorney Peter Nichols at Lichter Grossman. The deal was negotiated on behalf of SK Global by their Head of Business & Legal Affairs, Brian Kornreich.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.