Why Michelle Yeoh Was 'Literally Squeaking' on the 'Wicked' Set

Michelle Yeoh has conquered complex roles across genres, from action-packed sci-fi to heartfelt drama. Her award-winning performance in *Everything, Everywhere, All At Once* showcased her incredible range. But her latest project, the highly anticipated *Wicked* films, pushed her into entirely new territory that had nothing to do with martial arts or multiverses: musical theater.

An Unexpected Call

During an appearance on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, Yeoh recounted how she became involved with the cinematic adaptation of the Broadway juggernaut. She admitted she had no real connection to the Land of Oz beyond the classic film before director Jon M. Chu reached out personally. “He called me and he said, ‘I would like you to read the script, I really would love for you to play Madame Morrible’,” she shared. “And I go, ‘OK’.”

A Crisis of Confidence

That initial excitement quickly gave way to apprehension. After reading the script, Yeoh realized the significant vocal demands of the role and grew skeptical about her suitability. “I know The Wizard Of Oz very well, but I hadn’t seen the musical Wicked,” she explained. “I call him back, and I say, ‘Jon, my love, it’s a musical, and I don’t sing’. Not properly or professionally or anything like that.”

But Chu was undeterred, confident he had found his Madame Morrible. “So then, typical of Jon, he says ‘don’t worry about it’,” Yeoh recalled. “I swear to god this guy is a visionary, and he can convince you to do the impossible.” Still, the actress was plagued by self-doubt, wondering, “I start mulling over it, going, ‘How can I pull this off?'” The director then enlisted the film's leads, Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Princess Glinda), who called Yeoh with a simple message: “It’s imperative and important that you join us now”.

Facing the Music

Even after accepting the part, her anxiety persisted on set. The pressure of performing alongside two powerhouse vocalists was immense. “When I had to sing, I must say, I was terrified. These two girls…” she confessed. The experience was a potent reminder that even the most accomplished professionals can struggle with imposter syndrome, especially when stepping outside their comfort zone.

The first day didn't ease her fears; it amplified them. Yeoh felt her vocal skills were not up to par with her co-stars, who performed their songs live during takes. The intimidation was real. “Bloody hell! They sing live! Cut me some slack, please!” she said. “When we started my song [‘The Wizard And I’] with Cynthia Erivo, I was literally squeaking.” The star-studded cast has generated significant buzz, and while the film's world is one of fantasy, the production has had its share of real-world drama, making it a fascinating project to follow.