Michelle Yeoh Embraces New Role in ‘Wicked’ Despite Initial Unfamiliarity with the Musical

At the recent Los Angeles premiere of Wicked, Michelle Yeoh revealed she had been unfamiliar with the musical when director Jon M. Chu reached out to her about a key role. Yeoh’s collaboration with Chu on Crazy Rich Asians had led him to suggest her for Madame Morrible, a significant character in Wicked. However, at the time, she knew little about the popular Broadway hit.

Although she knew The Wizard of Oz, Yeoh hadn’t seen Wicked and hadn’t attended musicals in some time. Upon reading the script, she was intrigued but expressed hesitation, as the role required her to sing—a skill she hadn’t been using professionally. Chu’s encouragement and the opportunity to work alongside a talented cast, including Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, ultimately motivated Yeoh to take on the challenge. Working with a vocal coach, she found herself enjoying the process and gaining confidence in her voice as part of her acting range.

Yeoh was especially impressed with her co-stars Grande and Erivo, describing their collaboration as deeply harmonious despite their contrasting styles. Jeff Goldblum, who plays the Wizard, also praised Grande and Erivo’s performances, calling the experience of working with them transformative.

Beyond the dazzling entertainment value, Goldblum commented on the film’s message of unity and hope, seeing it as highly relevant in a time of social and political divides. With the movie debuting shortly after a major election, he observed that Wicked explores universal themes of collaboration across differences, as characters from opposing backgrounds come together for a common cause.

Director Chu, who was absent at the premiere while he awaited the birth of his fifth child, sent a heartfelt video message to attendees, underscoring the importance of both the premiere and his family milestone. After the screening, he made a brief appearance at the afterparty to connect with the cast.

Wicked: Part One is set to enchant audiences in theatres on November 22, bringing a beloved story to life for a new generation.

Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com