Michelle Yeoh Admits She “Had No Clue” What ‘Wicked’ Was When Director Jon M. Chu Called Her

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Michelle Yeoh Admits She “Had No Clue” What ‘Wicked’ Was When Director Jon M. Chu Called Her

As a seasoned gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in virtual worlds, I can say that stepping into the real-life world of Oz through “Wicked” feels like leveling up to an entirely new dimension! The cast, especially Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and the dynamic duo Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, seem to have brought their A-game to this magical production.

When director Jon M. Chu reached out to Michelle Yeoh about a significant part in his upcoming musical adaptation, she openly shared that she had a few queries regarding the role.

During the Los Angeles premiere of the film on Saturday, Yeoh recalled when Chu had asked her to consider playing Madame Morrible in the script. At that time, she admitted she wasn’t familiar with the role because she hadn’t seen the musical “Wicked” prior. She was aware of the “Wizard of Oz,” but not “Wicked” as she had been away from theaters and not indulging in her favorite pastime – watching musicals – for quite some time, which she regretted.

As a gaming enthusiast, diving into the world of theater for a moment, I’d say:

After reading it, I phoned Jon and told him, ‘This is a musical, and she sings,’ to which he replied, ‘You’ll enjoy it, you’re ready for this,'” the actress went on. “The next thing I knew, I received a video call from him with Ariana and Cynthia saying, ‘You must join us immediately,'” emphasizing the urgency.

In the movie, Yeoh admitted that she wasn’t just anxious, she was truly terrified when singing, but after collaborating with a vocal coach, the experience of training and learning to utilize muscles differently turned out to be incredibly beneficial for her acting career, as it improved her vocal abilities. Consequently, she enjoyed the process.

As a gaming aficionado, I’d say these two divas, Erivo and Grande, are like two sides of the same coin. They’re as different as night and day, yet their harmonious blend is like nothing I’ve ever experienced – a perfect fusion of love and electrifying energy.

Jeff Goldblum, portraying the character of the Wizard of Oz, expressed emotion as he declared “you’re about to genuinely move me to tears” when discussing the duo. He praised them by stating they are “two exceptional talents throughout history and in this specific realm, their performances will be timeless.” Being so close to them, witnessing them in person, and hearing them sing has left an indelible impact on him, describing it as a profoundly spiritual and almost religious experience.

Goldbum too expressed his thoughts about releasing this film shortly following the election, even with tensions running high, labeling it as “a source of joy” and a production that “carries some thought-provoking concepts.

In this film, while it delivers plenty of action and fun, it explores the desire for a society that benefits all individuals and every living being. It also tells a tale of unlikely allies, both underdogs and potential adversaries, who unite to create a coalition that could be the catalyst necessary to shift the course of our world – politically, culturally, spiritually. In essence, it’s a narrative tailored for today, offering messages of immense hope and resonance. I truly believe this.

At the red carpet event, both Grande and Erivo were joined by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, who had originated their roles on Broadway. However, notably absent at the premiere was the director himself. Inside the screening room, Chu shared a video message stating that he was currently in the hospital with his wife, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their fifth child.

He stated that he had been standing by at a hotel just opposite, eagerly preparing to join; his entire family, friends, and all their cherished ones were already there. He’s been anticipating this moment for three years, when he could premiere our film to you, but in truth, he’s been yearning for this moment his entire life – the birth of their fifth child. Naturally, this new little girl seemed to sense the importance of premier day and made her grand entrance then. Later, Chu managed to slip into the afterparty for a brief reunion with his cast.

Wicked part one will hit theaters on Nov. 22.

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2024-11-10 19:55