The recent release of Wicked: For Good, the second part of Jon M. Chu's two-part film adaptation of the beloved stage musical, has sparked significant online controversy, with much of the criticism directed at Michelle Yeoh's singing performance as Madame Morrible.
Backlash Against Madame Morrible's Singing
When Wicked: For Good debuted last week, it failed to match the critical and fan enthusiasm that greeted the first film. Social media platforms quickly filled with disappointed viewers criticizing various aspects of the production, from lighting choices to acting performances. However, the most consistent target of online criticism has been Michelle Yeoh's vocal performance as Madame Morrible.
The character of Madame Morrible has more singing parts in the musical's second act, which corresponds with the Wicked: For Good film. This increased vocal demand highlighted what many viewers considered Yeoh's inadequate singing abilities. One viral tweet captured the sentiment: "Michelle yeoh played madam morrible so well but that singing voice is unforgivable."
Another social media user wrote: "It's so funny how michelle yeoh simply. cannot sing," while a more extreme post joked: "michelle yeoh.. returning the Oscar isn't enough." The criticism has been particularly harsh given Yeoh's recent Academy Award win for Best Actress.
Yeoh's Early Warnings About Her Singing Ability
Amid the growing backlash, many fans have reminded critics that Michelle Yeoh had been transparent about her vocal limitations from the beginning. During an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert last year, Yeoh revealed that director Jon M. Chu approached her for the role without an audition.
"He called me and he said: 'I would like you to read the script, I really would love for you to play Madame Morrible'. And I go: 'OK,'" Yeoh recalled. After reading the script, she immediately expressed concern to Chu: "Jon, my love, it's a musical – and I don't sing. Not properly or professionally or anything like that."
According to Yeoh, Chu reassured her with his characteristic confidence, telling her not to worry. "I swear to god this guy is a visionary, and he can convince you to do the impossible," she told Colbert. Despite Chu's encouragement, Yeoh admitted she remained uncertain about her ability to pull off the singing requirements.
Defending Michelle Yeoh Amid Criticism
As criticism of Yeoh's singing intensifies online, many are coming to her defense, arguing that director Jon M. Chu bears responsibility for casting decisions. One popular tweet that garnered over 28,000 likes stated: "Pisses me off even more knowing Michelle Yeoh literally told Jon M Chu she's not a singer and they cast her anyways."
Another supporter wrote: "Michelle Yeoh is a goddamn treasure and Jon Chu deserves jail for setting her up to fail right on the heels of her biggest career triumph." A third comment echoed this sentiment: "lowkey I think it's wrong/ unfair asf of Jon m chu to not dub Michelle in wicked or cast an actress that can sing bc Michelle was honest abt her singing ability from jump& he still begged her to be morrible."
Yeoh had previously shared her anxiety about singing alongside co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, both renowned vocalists. She described being "terrified" when required to sing and recalled "literally squeaking" during her first singing attempt with Erivo. The Oscar winner even joked in a separate interview with Variety that she genuinely believed she would be recast once the production team heard her sing.
The controversy highlights the challenges of adapting stage musicals to film, particularly when splitting a production known for having a stronger first act. The original Wicked musical has long been criticized for its darker second act with plot holes and less satisfying character development, issues that appear to have carried over into the film adaptation.
