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For many years, Michelle Yeoh has been an iconic figure in the martial arts world. Her work has influenced a wide range of people, and one of her most ardent fans is Quentin Tarantino. Despite her overwhelming praise, she was disappointed when thePulp Fictionfilmmaker chose not to cast her inKill Bill: Volume 1.
Tarantino’s stories of stylized violence have always found a home in Hollywood. His films have solidified into acknowledged cult classics over the years, whether they are portraying the gritty underbelly of L.A. crime inPulp Fiction(1994) or an action-packed war drama likeInglourious Basterds(2009).Kill Billis not an exception either. Having said that, Uma Thurman’s character, The Bride, was greatly influenced by Yeoh’s role in her 1992 filmPolice Story 3: Super Cop,starring Jackie Chan.
However, the Malaysian actress was not cast by the director inKill Bill: Volume 1. For years after, she was unable to convince Tarantino that she should have been in the well-known revenge movie. And all that said, the logic of the latter has some merit.She stated at the time that Tarantino’s response to her was, “Who would believe that Uma Thurman could kick your a*s?”.
Also read:“We were much more…”: Michelle Yeoh’s $214 Million Movie Had a Big Hand in Choreographing Emily Rudd’s Fight Sequences in One Piece
Kill Bill:What Prevented Michelle Yeoh From Being a Part of This Film?
The friendship betweenMichelle YeohandQuentin Tarantinodates back a long time, and the 60-year-old director has never disguised his admiration for the former’s work. Actually, Yeoh’s role in Stanely Tong’s action/comedyPolice Story 3: Super Cophad a direct influence on the resentful assassin inKill Bill.Why, then, was she left out of one of his best action movies to date?
For a considerable amount of time, Yeoh was also plagued by the same question.
TheCrazy Rich Asiansactress said in aTown & Countrycover story that she had always questioned why Tarantino had not chosen her forKill Billor the film’s 2004 follow-up. She stated:
“He’s very smart. He said, ‘Who would believe that Uma Thurman could kick your a*s?’”
With a $30 million budget and a strong critical reception, the 111-minute flick made over $180 million worldwide, setting a record for the highest opening weekend gross of a Tarantino movie.
Also read:“I say this to him you know to his face”: Jackie Chan Was Ripped to Shreds by James Bond Star Who Put the Fear of God in Martial Arts Legend
Michelle Yeoh Discussed the Skill and Inspiring Nature of Quentin Tarantino
Speaking about Quentin Tarantino’s skill and capacity for inspiration, Michelle Yeoh also mentioned how the Oscar-winning filmmaker had urged her to carry on acting even after she fractured her vertebrae while filmingThe Stunt Womanin 1996. Yeoh, 61, recalled (via Town & Country):
“I must say, Quentin, he’s persistent. He is who he is today because he’s full of passion and love, so he wore me down. Suddenly we became animated. So then I thought, ‘Maybe I’m not ready to give up on this’.”
Additionally, in the interview, Tarantino also discussed his feelings for Yeoh, stating, “I am just a huge, huge fan of hers”,and that “there was always a twinkle in her eye.”
Also read:“I feel like I’ve been in rehearsal for the last 40 years”: Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar-Winning Role Gave Her a Grueling Outlook on Her Career
Yeoh started her acting career in martial arts films and action flicks, includingTai Chi Master(1993),Wing Chun(1994),Yes, Madam(1985),Police Story 3: Super Cop(1992), andThe Heroic Trio(1993). Also, her performances as Wai Lin inTomorrow Never Dies(1997) and Yu Shu Lien inCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon(2000) have made her an international sensation.
Next, we will see her as Madame Morrible inWicked, helmed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
You can streamKill Billfilms on the Starz Apple TV Channel.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
