In a surprising revelation, Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh admitted she had never heard of the beloved musical Wicked until she was invited to become part of its film adaptation.

Yeoh, who takes on the role of Madame Morrible in this highly anticipated movie-musical, was approached by director Jon M. Chu, leaving her initially perplexed about the project.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Yeoh recounted her first encounter with the concept of Wicked, stating, "At that point, I had no clue what he was talking about because I had not seen Wicked the musical before. While I’m familiar with The Wizard of Oz—who isn’t?—I hadn't been keeping up with musicals in a long time." This candid admission has left many fans of both Yeoh and Wicked astonished, given the musical's iconic status since its Broadway debut in 2003.

The film adaptation stars rising talents Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and pop sensation Ariana Grande as Glinda during their time at Shiz University, a fictional institution set in the Land of Oz.

Yeoh's character, Madame Morrible, serves as the formidable headmistress of the university, adding depth to the magical storyline.

Yeoh further explained her trepidation as she prepared for the role, saying, "I read it [the script] and called Jon back and said, 'This is a musical and she sings!' He encouraged me, saying, 'Oh easy, you’ll have fun, you’re up for the challenge.'” This marked the beginning of an exciting journey for Yeoh into the realm of musical performance.

Despite her initial anxiety about singing on screen for the first time, Yeoh found the experience transformative. "I was terrified, I was not just nervous," she reflected. "But the process of training and using my voice differently was not only good for me, but it also enhanced my skills as an actor. I actually had a lot of fun!"

Fans eagerly awaiting the film won't have to wait much longer, as it is set to premiere in Singapore on November 21. With Michelle Yeoh venturing into uncharted territory, this film promises to be a magical experience combining her renowned acting prowess with the enchanting world of musical theater. Mark your calendars because this is one cinematic event you won't want to miss!