Michelle Yeoh talks about her casting as Madame Morrible in Wicked

• Michelle Yeoh says her casting as Madame Morrible in ‘Wicked’ is “what we call diversity”.
• Michelle is working on the movies with “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu.
• She admitted that she never anticipated to be securing important roles at this point in her life.

The 60-year-old Malaysian actress confesses that being selected for the lead in the two-part film adaptation of the popular musical was “shocking” because in the past, a “Caucasian lady” would have been awarded the position.

In a cover interview for the March issue of PEOPLE magazine, she said: “In the past, this role would’ve been for a Caucasian lady.

“This is what we call diversity, inclusivity. This is how you make it work. It is a natural process—progress, evolution that we can have as storytellers.”

Michelle, who is working on the movies with “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu, admits that she never anticipated to be securing important roles at this point in her life. She is “quite proud” to be aiding the film business in combating “stereotypes,” though.

She said: “A lot of actresses find, as the numbers get bigger, the roles start to dwindle.

“Over the last few years, I’m very proud that we have been breaking away from stereotypes – it’s not just lip service. It is happening. And it’s happening to me.”

The ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ star added: “You go from shock to bewilderment.

“‘Wow, is it me? How can it be me?’ Because I’ve worked with so many amazing actresses who should have had this privilege, and so I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to sit at the table and to be seen.”

“Wicked: Part One” will debut in December 2024, while “Wicked: Part Two” will appear in 2025.

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