Few performers are as closely tied to beloved ensemble hits as Harry Shum Jr., and 2026 is shaping up to be a major year for the actor. As fans watch him compete on Dancing with the Stars, attention is also turning to two projects linked to his career: the newly ordered Glee reboot and the upcoming Crazy Rich Asians series. Shum Jr. has now shared his enthusiasm for both continuations, fueling speculation about whether he could return to either franchise.
The actor’s comments arrive at a moment when studios are leaning hard into recognizable titles, and audiences are eager to know which original cast members might come back. While no official casting announcements have confirmed his involvement, Harry Shum Jr. made it clear that both properties still mean a great deal to him.
Harry Shum Jr. Says He Loves the Glee Reboot and Crazy Rich Asians Series
Speaking after his recent Dancing with the Stars run, Harry Shum Jr. said he has affection for both franchises and would be open to continuing those stories if the timing works. That is especially notable because the Glee reboot and Crazy Rich Asians series are at very different stages of development, yet both carry strong fan expectations.
His response suggests a willingness rather than a confirmed deal, but in the current TV landscape, that kind of openness matters. Studios often test audience excitement around returning cast members, and Shum Jr.’s positive remarks will likely keep fans hopeful.
- Glee reboot: ordered by Disney+ and Hulu
- Crazy Rich Asians series: ordered by HBO
- Harry Shum Jr.’s stance: he would love to continue with both franchises if possible
What Harry Shum Jr. Could Mean for the Crazy Rich Asians Series
In the 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians, Harry Shum Jr. played Charlie Wu, a character whose mid-credits appearance teased a romantic storyline with Astrid, played by Gemma Chan. That brief but memorable moment became one of the film’s most talked-about threads, especially among fans familiar with the deeper character arcs from Kevin Kwan’s books.
Because of that setup, the Crazy Rich Asians series naturally raises questions about whether Charlie and Astrid’s story will finally be explored on screen. Shum Jr. acknowledged that the previous film ended on that character beat, and he expressed interest in finding a way to make a return happen.
Why his role matters
Although Charlie Wu had limited screen time, the character carries major narrative potential. If HBO adapts the franchise with a broader serialized approach, side characters who once felt like teases could become central players. That makes Harry Shum Jr. especially relevant to conversations about the Crazy Rich Asians series.
At the same time, there is still uncertainty. No official word has confirmed whether the actor will reprise Charlie Wu, and HBO has not detailed which film cast members, if any, are locked in.
The Glee Reboot Could Bring Back Familiar Faces
The newly announced Glee reboot has sparked instant debate over who should return from the original Fox series. Harry Shum Jr. played Mike Chang, one of the show’s standout dancers and a fan favorite who grew from recurring player to series regular. His journey on Glee made him one of the most memorable supporting characters of the franchise.
Even though he said he is currently very busy, Harry Shum Jr. also noted that he would love to keep continuing with the franchise. That alone is enough to keep his name near the top of fan wish lists for the Glee reboot.
Why Mike Chang remains popular
- He was introduced early in the original series and became a recognizable part of the ensemble
- His dance ability gave Glee some of its most dynamic performance moments
- He developed from background talent into a more emotionally grounded character
- He represents a legacy connection that longtime viewers still remember fondly
Reports have already linked other original stars to the reboot conversation, including Heather Morris, Chord Overstreet, and Lea Michele. If the reboot blends new characters with legacy cast appearances, Harry Shum Jr. would be a natural fit.
Why Franchise Revivals Still Matter in TV and Streaming
The Glee reboot and Crazy Rich Asians series reflect a larger trend across TV and streaming: studios are reviving well-known IP to attract built-in audiences. But nostalgia alone is not enough. These projects succeed when they expand the original world, revisit unresolved storylines, and give former cast members meaningful reasons to return.
Harry Shum Jr.’s comments highlight exactly why fans stay invested. He is not simply attached to these titles as past credits; he appears genuinely fond of the characters and worlds that helped shape his career. That authenticity matters when audiences decide whether a continuation feels earned or purely corporate.
What fans will be watching next
- Official casting updates for the Crazy Rich Asians series
- Whether the Glee reboot will focus on original characters, a new generation, or both
- How involved returning cast members will be in ongoing storylines
- Whether fan-favorite arcs, like Charlie and Astrid, finally get expanded
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Conclusion: Harry Shum Jr. Keeps Fans Hopeful for Both Returns
Right now, Harry Shum Jr. has not officially signed on to either project, but his reaction has given both fandoms a reason to stay optimistic. His affection for the Glee reboot and the Crazy Rich Asians series suggests that if the right opportunity appears, he would seriously consider stepping back into these worlds.
For viewers, the takeaway is simple: the Glee reboot and Crazy Rich Asians series are no longer abstract ideas—they are active franchise expansions with real momentum. And if Harry Shum Jr. returns, either project could gain an even stronger connection to the stories fans already love.
