The director behind Universal’s Fast And Furious franchise felt compelled to snap up rights after he saw David Henry Hwang’s Broadway play.

Chinglish is dubbed as a rom-com with a political twist and launched at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. It is due to go on international tour in the autumn.

Lin will direct and produce the film for his company Barnstorm Pictures.

“As soon as I saw Chinglish on Broadway, I began to envision this smart and insightful cross-cultural comedy as a film,” Lin said. “I’m excited about working with David to bring this very timely story to the screen.”

“I’ve loved Justin’s work ever since he burst on the scene with Better Lock Tomorrow, and it feels very right to be collaborating with him on the movie version of my play,” Hwang, who will adapt the screenplay and co-produce with Bobbi Thompson, said.

Barnstorm has a first-look deal with Universal. CAA represents the package as well as Lin and Barnstorm, who are also represented by Cinetic Media and Sloss Eckhouse Law.  

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