Ever since it was announced that the iconic stage musical “Wicked” would be adapted into a film, many have been excited about the soon-to-be-released project, especially since it spotlights pop star Ariana Grande, UK actress Cynthia Erivo and Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Dato Seri Michelle Yeoh. Speaking of the Malaysia-born star, she showed off her new blonde, wavy hairdo during the black carpet premiere at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles.
Dressed in an all-black Balenciaga dress, referencing the famous green witch Elphaba, the 62-year-old stunned fans with her new look as she walked through the ceremony. However, that wasn’t the only surprise— as the actress, who plays the iconic Madame Morrible in the film, recently admitted she had no idea about the musical before being approached by the director.
Speaking to Hollywood Reporter, Michelle Yeoh revealed that she had never heard of Wicked until she was approached to join the cast. Despite the famous musical being over two decades old, Michelle admitted that she had only heard of the novel and film “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, which the original stage play was loosely based on. “I hadn’t been going to the theatres and not doing what I love which is watching musicals, for quite a while I hate to say,” she said.
Jon M. Chu, who previously worked with the actress on “Crazy Rich Asians”, called Michelle to discuss the possibility of her playing the magical headmistress of Shiz University. “So I read [the script] and called Jon back and said, ‘This is a musical and she sings.’ And he said, ‘Oh easy, you’ll have fun, you’re up for the challenge’. Then the next thing I knew I got this video call and it was him with Ariana and Cynthia saying, ‘It’s imperative you come and join us now’,” the Ipoh-born star elaborated.
The Oscar winner also admitted that, due to the pressure of her first-ever singing role, she’s glad she didn’t see a certain actress playing Madam Morrible as it might have impacted her decision to take on the role. The Malaysian star met Sheryl Lee Ralph, who played the cunning headmistress in the 2016–2017 run of the musical, during the premiere event. The latter briefly sang to the camera, to which Michelle jokingly responded, “Thank God I didn’t see her do that before, otherwise, I would have [said no to playing the character].”
We’re very much looking forward to seeing Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible in “Wicked” which is set to be released in Malaysia on 22nd November. Check out the viral interviews below:
@deadline Two Madame Morrible’s tonight at the #WickedMovie LA premiere – #SherylLeeRalph (who played the role on Broadway) & #MichelleYeoh (who plays the role in the film adaptation)
Sources: Instagram, TheHollywoodReporter, TikTok (1)(2), Twitter
