Michelle Yeoh has categorically denied the possibility of a sequel to the highly successful film Everything Everywhere All At Once. The acclaimed Malaysian actress, who received the Best Actress Oscar for her outstanding performance, made this clear during her talk at the Cannes Film Festival’s Kering Women in Motion event on Sunday, as reported by Variety.
During her discussion, Michelle emphasized that there would be no continuation of the 2022 blockbuster, stating, “There’s no sequel. We would just be doing the same thing.” She expressed her belief that repeating the same formula would not be creatively fulfilling.
Michelle also delved into the factors that contributed to Everything Everywhere All At Once’s incredible achievement of winning seven Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture award, at this year’s ceremony. She highlighted the importance of pushing boundaries and challenging the notion of what is considered “normal” in the film industry. Reflecting on the film’s recognition, she rhetorically asked, “In the ‘normal way,’ would Everything Everywhere All At Once have been nominated? Chances are no, five to ten years ago.”
The actress acknowledged the groundbreaking impact of the 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians on Hollywood’s perception of Asian stories, noting that its success demonstrated the audience’s appetite for diverse narratives. She humbly recognized that her own Oscar win may not have materialized if Crazy Rich Asians hadn’t resonated with viewers, emphasizing that its triumph paved the way for greater representation.
Additionally, Michelle expressed her frustration with the double standard prevalent in Hollywood, where male filmmakers are often granted more opportunities following a commercial failure compared to their female counterparts. She critiqued the industry’s tendency to rely on massive budgets, violence, and CGI in the belief that these elements would guarantee success. Contrary to this mindset, Michelle emphasized that storytelling remains paramount. She highlighted that, despite the film’s exploration of multiple dimensions in Everything Everywhere All At Once, its core theme revolved around love.