Michelle Yeoh says she is thankful Wicked director Jon Chu did not sell the rights of the movie to Netflix

Michelle Yeoh, the Oscar-winning star of Everything Everywhere All at Once, expressed her gratitude to Wicked director Jon M. Chu for his decision to retain the theatrical rights to the highly anticipated musical film rather than selling them to Netflix.

Speaking at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on December 6, 2024, Yeoh emphasized the importance of having a shared cinematic experience and celebrated her involvement in the production despite initial hesitations about joining the cast. Michelle Yeoh revealed her deep appreciation for Chu's decision to keep Wicked out of Netflix's hands and said:

"If it had gone straight to Netflix, it wouldn’t have been where it is today. It’s important to have a shared experience and that we keep the vibrancy of cinema."

She highlighted the significance of theatrical releases in bringing audiences together for immersive storytelling.

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Michelle Yeoh’s journey to Wicked

During her talk at the festival, Michelle Yeoh admitted she was initially unsure about accepting the role of Madame Morrible in Wicked. She credited co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for persuading her to join the film, recalling how they sent her a heartfelt video message from the set saying:

"Michelle, it is imperative that you join us!" Moved by their enthusiasm, Yeoh agreed to the role despite her lack of singing experience.

The actress described the Wicked set as a "happy" and "grounding" environment, especially while juggling her Oscar campaign for Everything Everywhere All at Once. Praising her co-stars, she noted, "Cynthia and Ariana are so different, but they fit each other perfectly." Yeoh also lauded Chu’s leadership, calling him "brilliant" for fostering such a positive atmosphere.

This collaboration marked Michelle Yeoh's second major project with Chu after the 2018 hit Crazy Rich Asians. Reflecting on their earlier work, she humorously remarked that Crazy Rich Asians "ticked all the wrong boxes" at the time, as it was a romantic comedy with an all-Asian cast.

Beyond Wicked, Yeoh reflected on pivotal moments in her career, including her role in Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and her groundbreaking turn in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies. She recalled turning down stereotypical roles for Asian women, stating, "Being able to say no is so powerful."

During her early days in Hong Kong cinema, Yeoh faced challenges as an action star in a male-dominated industry. "The guys were very protective of their damsels," she said, explaining her determination to prove women could excel in action roles.

She praised Ang Lee’s meticulous approach to filmmaking and shared anecdotes about the making of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, including Lee’s insistence on authenticity and his sacrifices for the film. Yeoh used her platform at the festival to call for greater diversity and equal opportunities in Hollywood. Addressing gatekeepers, she urged:

"Open the gates and let us in. Give us equal opportunities. Let us prove ourselves. If we can’t have a seat at the table because we are not capable, that’s one thing. But we’re not even given the opportunity to try."

She also noted the progress being made in the industry, with more women and diverse voices taking center stage. Michelle Yeoh described Wicked as a “journey of self-discovery” with a message of embracing individuality. She praised Erivo and Grande as "yin and yang" who perfectly complement each other and hinted at the film’s reflections on societal values.