It was recentlyMichelle Yeoh’s birthday and to celebrate,Wickedshared an image of the Oscar-winning actress' upcoming role. Yeoh is cast to play Madame Morrible, the headmistress of Shiz University, and will be joining other cast members, likeAriana GrandeandCynthia Erivo. The film is based on the popular Broadway musical of the same name and is set years earlier inThe Wizard of Ozuniverse.
Wickedgreeted the actress on her special day with “Happy Birthday to our Madame Morrible, Michelle Yeoh!” Along with the caption is an image of the actress in her Wicked role. Her appearance differs from how the character was portrayed in the musical. Yeoh’s version of the headmistress is seen wearing a blue dress, not green, and she does seem more poised and stern. The same can be said for her hair, as it is completely different when compared to the musical version of the character. Yeoh will be following in the footsteps of previous Madame Morrible actresses, includingCarole Shelley, Donna McKechnie,andSophie-Louise Dann,just to name a few.
Wickedwill be released this Thanksgiving, alongsideGladiator II, in hopes ofrecreating the Barbenheimer phenomenon from 2023and encouraging people to go to the theaters. The recent trailers for the film featured a glimpse of how Yeoh will portray this character. She guides Elphaba Thropp through her magic training after discovering that she has talent. She later calls her the “Wicked Witch” after she chooses to betray the Wizard.
Michelle Yeoh’s Extensive Acting History
Yeoh started her acting career in the 1980s when she appeared in multiple Asian films. One of them wasPolice Story III: Super Cop, where she worked alongsideJackie Chan. The actress is known for her work in action films but was later seen in more dramatic roles.
Yeoh has appeared in multiple projects, includingCrazy Rich Asians,Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,Kung Fu Panda 2, andThe Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, just to name a few. Some of her future roles aside fromWickedincludeStar Trek: Section 31, theBlade Runner 2099mini-series, and the next installments ofJames Cameron’sAvatarmovies.
Following her role in the A24 film,Everything Everywhere All At Once,Yeoh received numerous nominations and won a handful of awards, such as “Best Actress” at the 2023 Academy Awards, “Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy” at the Golden Globes, and “Best Lead Performance” during the Independent Spirit Awards.
Wickedwill make its way to the cinemas on June 27, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates.
The story of how a green-skinned woman framed by the Wizard of Oz becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. The first of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical.
