Michelle Yeoh became an overnight sensation when she starred in the Oscar-winning film, Everything Everywhere All At Once. Despite her four-decade-long career, her portrayal in the Oscar-winning film re-introduced her to the world.
During the Cannes film festival, Yeoh spoke up about many things including the representation and acceptance of Asian stars, changes in the film industry, along with whether or not there would be a sequel to Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Michelle Yeoh Denies There Would Be A Sequal To EEAAO
Everything Everywhere All At Once was instrumental in re-introducing Asian film stars to the world as well as putting them at the forefront as artists after being ignored for too long. It enabled Asian stars to be recognized and put them on par with their Western counterparts, which very few Asian films have managed to do. So at Cannes, when Michelle Yeoh gave the news that there won’t be a sequel, many fans were disappointed.
“There’s no sequel. We would just be doing the same thing.”
The Oscar-winning actress replied in a chat with Variety when asked about a sequel. While the news seems disappointing, we applaud Michelle Yeoh and the makers and actors of the film for giving us a gem of a movie.
Michelle Yeoh Feels Hopeful For Asian Film Stars
It is true when Michelle Yeoh said that things have been changing for the better for Asian film stars. 20 years ago when she walked the red carpet for her film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, there were no nominations for Asian actors in the film despite the film getting ten Oscar nominations.
“There were so many great Asian, Chinese movies that came out at that time. But if you look at all the films that get nominated here in Cannes and get awards, very rarely, especially at the Oscars…they would nominate best director, best film, everything. You wonder how do you get there without the actors? So, it seems a little odd.”
However, Everything Everywhere All At Once proves that times have changed. Reflecting on the changes in recent years, Yeoh exclaims how happy she is to be offered more diverse roles that do not demand an Asian heritage, which is the biggest change for her.
“We are actors. We are supposed to act. We are supposed to step into roles that are given to us and do our job as best we can. That, for me, is the biggest step forward.”
It is true that Asian stars have been sidelined for far too long, standing in the shadow of the glory of their Western co-stars, they have rarely been acknowledged for their contributions. Moving forward, we can’t help but agree with Michelle Yeoh that the future seems hopeful for Asian film stars.
You can stream Everything Everywhere All At Once on Showtime.
Source: Variety
