When Wicked director Jon M. Chu called up Michelle Yeoh after the two previously collaborated on 2018s Crazy Rich Asians for a major role in the musical adaptation, the star admits she had a few questions.

At the films Los Angeles premiere on Saturday, Yeoh remembered how Chu had asked her to read the script with an eye to play Madame Morrible, and I at that point had no clue what he was talking about because I had not seen Wicked the musical before. I knew Wizard of Oz, who doesnt, but not Wicked, because I hadnt been going to the theaters and not doing what I love which is watching musicals, for quite a while I hate to say. Wicked which has been a Broadway hit for the last two decades serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) while at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. Madame Morrible is a headmistress at the school and serves as Elphabas mentor.

So I read it and called Jon back and said, This is a musical and she sings. And he said, Oh easy, youll have fun, youre up for the challenge, the actress continued. And then the next thing I knew I get this video call and it was him with Ariana and Cynthia saying, Its imperative you come and join us now.'

Michelle Yeoh explains how she became a part of the #WickedMovie cast pic.twitter.com/Rawlav0Lrn

The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 10, 2024 I was terrified, I was not just nervous, Yeoh said of singing in the film, but after working with a coach, the process of exercising, learning to use the muscles in a different way, was actually very, very good for me because it helps with my voice as an actor. So I had fun.

Yeoh also sang Erivos and Grandes praises, calling them the ying and yang; theyre so different but at the same time they just fit together with love and great energy.

Jeff Goldblum, who plays the Wizard of Oz, warned youre going to make me cry now for real when talking about the duo, crowning them as two of the greats of all time and in these parts and together, performances for the ages. Being next to them, in the flesh, and hearing them sing, Ill never be the same. Its a religious, spiritual experience.

#WickedMovie star Jeff Goldblum explains what it was like seeing Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in their roles: ll never be the same pic.twitter.com/XVBh8SVYti

The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 10, 2024

In this movie, even though its rollicking entertainment, its about the yearning for a world that works for everyone and for every single creature; and then a story about some underdogs and some members of the potential opposition who come together and form an alliance that may be the element that allows for the critical mass to appear that turns the whole ship of state, politically, culturally, spiritually, in another direction, he added. So its a story for our time, its a story of great hope and relevance, I do believe.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo arrive together to the #WickedMovie premiere in L.A. pic.twitter.com/7WkBWQBxq5

The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 10, 2024 As Grande and Erivo walked the carpet alongside Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, who originated the roles on Broadway, one key person missing at the premiere was the director himself. Inside the screening, Chu revealed via video message that he was in the hospital with his wife awaiting the birth of his fifth child.

I was at the hotel across the street ready to come; my whole family is there, my friends, all our loved ones are there, he explained. Ive waited for three years to have this moment and share our movie with you, but Ive waited my whole life to have this moment, to have our fifth child, right now. Of course, this little girl knows when to show up on premiere day. After the screening, Chu was able to make a quick appearance at the afterparty for a moment with his cast.

Wicked part one will hit theaters on Nov. 22.

Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth reunite at the premiere of #WickedMovie in L.A. pic.twitter.com/5Ie4vdjxg4

The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 10, 2024