Amy Tan is co-writing the screenplay for a sequel to The Joy Luck Club, the 1993 film based on her celebrated debut novel, Deadline reports.
Tan’s 1989 novel tells the story of a group of Chinese immigrant families living in California and explores the relationships between mothers and daughters. The film adaptation, directed by Wayne Wang, was notable for being the first American major studio movie with a cast of all Asian actors.
Tan will co-write the screenplay to the sequel with Ronald Bass (Rain Man); the two also wrote the script for the original film. Deadline reports that the original cast, which included Tsai Chin, Rosalind Chao, Kieu Chinh, and Lisa Lu, are in negotiations to appear in the sequel.
“We are excited to be teaming with [production company] Hyde Park and [producer] Jeff Kleeman in bringing to life the next generation of these four families so close to our hearts,” Tan and Bass said.
Hyde Park CEO Ashok Amritraj said he was “thrilled” to be producing the film.
“Now more than ever it is important to share authentic stories about the Asian-American experience, and we believe this film will speak to wide audiences with its narrative rooted in humanity and connection,” Amritraj said.
Michael Schaub, a journalist and regular contributor to NPR, lives near Austin, Texas.
