Michelle Yeoh seen as Madame Morrible for the FIRST TIME as she joins Ariana Grande
Michelle Yeoh was first photographed filming scenes for the big screen film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, playing Madame Morrible – alongside Ariana Grande on set in Buckinghamshire, UK.
The role of Madame Morrible was originated by Tony-winning British actress Carole Shelley in the 2003 Broadway production, which also starred Kristin Chenoweth in Ariana’s role of Galinda/Glinda, and Idina Menzel as Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo in the movie.
Morrible – a character also played by Miriam Margolyes – is the headmistress of Crage Hall at Shiz University and a cohort of The Wizard.
Fresh off her Oscar win for Everything Everywhere All at Once, Michelle, 60, was spotted giving fans a first glimpse of her take on the character on Wednesday.
Staying true to the Broadway show, Michelle was styled similarly to the original outfit worn by Carole, decked out in a grand gold and emerald ensemble.
Excitement over the film has increased this week after it was revealed that early scenes were shown at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, wowing audiences – the film’s release, however, is not scheduled for November next year.
The film is based on Gregory Maguire’s best-selling novel and the successful Broadway musical adaptation, which debuted in 2003.
Wicked EXCLUSIVE: Michelle Yeoh seen for the first time as Madame Morrible as she joins Ariana Grande on Buckinghamshire set of the highly anticipated movie version of the Broadway musical
It is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz in which the storyline continues with Dorothy and describes the one-time friendship between the characters Elphaba and Glinda.
It also stars Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, as well as Bowen Yang, Adam James, Keala Settle and Bronwyn James.
Wicked, which is being adapted into a two-part series, has kept details of the shoot under wraps.
Wicked Part 1 was originally slated for a Christmas Day 2024 release, but it has been rescheduled for November 27, 2024, with the second episode airing December 25, 2025.
Last month, Jeff Goldblum revealed that he had been cast in the movie when he appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Joining the set: Michelle is seen with singer Ariana Grande as they take a break from filming in the UK on Wednesday
Source Material: True to the Broadway show, Michelle, 60, was styled similarly to the original outfit worn by Carole, decked out in a grand gold and emerald ensemble
Fan Favorite: The film is based on Gregory Maguire’s best-selling novel and the hit Broadway musical adaptation, which debuted in 2003
From afar: It looks like the set designers have literally gone to town to recreate the world of Oz
Unbelievable: An aerial view shows the British set transformed in the land of Oz
“I was just on the set of Wicked. I can’t talk about that. But it’s out and over,” he said. “You should see our witches, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, very good.”
Recently, the stars of the film, Ariana and Cynthia, posted first images of their upcoming movie.
Grande posted an image of her character, the good witch Glinda, donning a pink dress as she walked up a long flight of stairs.
Erivo, 36, shared a photo of her character, the wicked witch Elphaba pictured wearing her hat and broom.
Enchantment: The movie is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz where the storyline continues with Dorothy and details the one time friendship between the characters Elphaba and Glinda
Angelic: Early reports have revealed that Ariana is ready to wow the audience with her incredible vocals
Taking it all in: The 7 Rings films a grand opening number in the Broadway adaptation
Bad? Morrible – a character also played by Miriam Margolyes – is the headmistress of Crage Hall at Shiz University and a cohort of The Wizard
Bullying: Excitement over the film increased this week after it was revealed that early scenes were shown at CinemaCon in Las Vegas
The film’s director, Jon M. Chu, posted both shots with the caption, “You haven’t told the whole story.” What happens if you deviate from the Yellow Brick Road? FIRST LOOK of the #WickedMovie … currently in production in Oz.”
Erivo commented in the comments, “It’s been great making magic with you.”
Chu also took to Twitter to praise his leading ladies and their performances in the upcoming movie.
“I’ve already been changed forever by these two women… #CynthiaErivo & #ArianaGrande as the Witches of Oz,” he said.
They will cheer you up, break your heart and leave you speechless with their voices. So excited to introduce you to our world… So much more to come…”
She’s got this: director Jon M. Chu is seen with his actress Ariana
Born to play the role: The Grammy winner seems to fit the role perfectly in these photos
Ready to Sing: Ariana will sing many of the famous songs from the Tony-winning musical
Fun group: The stars gathered with their director between takes
Meanwhile, original Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth has said she’s “so proud” of Ariana Grande for taking on her role of Glinda.
The 54-year-old actress was nominated for a Tony Award when she came up with the role of the good witch in the hit musical, revealing that the 29-year-old pop star was “really scared” at the idea of taking on the role. in the upcoming two-part film adaptation.
She said on The Kelly Clarkson Show this week: “She didn’t call me for advice, but she was very nervous. She said she wanted to honor me but said ‘I’m really scared, I want to make you proud’. Well, she’s already made me proud. Finished. account.”
The former Pushing Daisies actress – who has known Ariana since meeting her backstage at Wicked as a young fan nearly 20 years ago – urged the Thank U, Next hitmaker to make the role her own, recalling their shared excitement when the singer called her to tell her she got the part.
Support: Meanwhile, original Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth has said she’s ‘so proud’ of Ariana Grande for taking on her role of Glinda
Knows her stuff: Ariana allegedly met the original Glinda backstage at Wicked almost 20 years ago as a young fan
Like a princess: The costumes seem to match how fans saw the show on Broadway
Songbird: Ariana is known for her vocal talents making her perfect for the role
She added, “I said, ‘What I want to encourage you to do, Ariana, is make Glinda your Glinda.’ I want you to do you.’ I’ve known her since I was ten and now I’ve come full circle.
‘She called me [crying] like “I got it!” I went ‘Oh my God, what?!’ We sounded like dogs! But I am so proud of her. ‘
Ariana regularly calls Kristin about her ideas for her character and the ‘West Wing’ star “can’t wait” to see her on the big screen.
She said: ‘[Ariana] calls me and says ‘This is what I should do, what do you think?’ I can’t wait to see her do it. I can not wait. She just said “Kristin, I’m going crazy on premiere night”
“So I said, ‘Stop, you’re going to be great!'”