Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh have revealed their two roles in Tár and Everything Everywhere All At Once, originally written for men.
The women, who both receive Oscars for their leading roles in the films, made the reveal during a chat with each other as part of Variety’s Actors on Actors series.
“They originally wrote it for a man,” revealed Michelle, 60, who played a struggling laundromat owner who hopped through different universes in the critically acclaimed film.
Revelation: Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh have revealed their two roles in Tár and Everything Everywhere All At Once, originally written for men
“I think that’s the norm because it would be easier to fund,” she continued. “It would be easier to understand that a guy would multiverse jump. But then they turned it into a mothering role, which actually suits the Daniels a lot better because they’re surrounded by very strong, smart women.
“I’ve been in the business for a while now and the opportunities are getting narrower as time goes by because you’ve passed your prime. I turned 60 this year and it’s been a while since I was offered the lead role. I have great supporting roles like Crazy Rich Asians and Shang-Chi.”
Cate, 53, who plays an orchestra conductor in Tár whose past is catching up with her, then revealed that her role in the film was also originally intended for a man.
“It’s funny you say that Evelyn in Everything Everywhere All at Once was originally written for a man. as Todd [Field] thought about it, Tár was originally a male role.
“They originally wrote it for a man”: Michelle revealed that the role of Evelyn Wang was originally intended for a man
“Originally a Male Role”: Cate, who plays an orchestra conductor in Tar whose past is catching up with her, then revealed that her role in the film was also originally intended for a man
“Because the film is a meditation on power, you would have had a much less nuanced examination of it. We understand what the corruption of male power looks like, but we need to unpack what power itself is.’
Michelle also revealed that she almost didn’t take the role of Evelyn unless they changed the name they originally gave her character – Michelle Wang.
“It’s like a roller coaster ride, isn’t it? Put down your phones, put on your seat belts. With the Daniels, I had to find out in the best possible way if they were provably insane. It’s very important that I feel like the director is a visionary and I’m one of their tools.
Of note: Both Yeoh and Blanchett have received Oscar raves for their roles in the films
Crescendo: The actress plays a conductor whose past is catching up with her
“The only thing I said to them was, ‘The character can’t be named Michelle Wang.’ They say, “But why? You are.” I say, “No, I’m not an Asian immigrant running a laundromat. She needs her own voice.” That was the only thing. I say, “If you don’t change the name, I can’t get in.”
“Wow,” Cate replied.
“The rest was easy. I didn’t understand the hot dog fingers at all. But I thought when we get there I’ll try to find out.’
Michelle also shared her excitement at learning what kind of character would direct the film after receiving the script.
“I always want to work with younger directors. Because they throw challenges at you that you don’t often encounter. I was very pleased to finally get a script with a very low profile woman, an immigrant, and she’s been around for the longest time trying to live the American dream – and so have I. And being such an ordinary woman is extraordinary, it’s very fulfilling because I think we all are.
“There are so many of us out there who are very quiet and think they’re just going to go their own way and maybe no one will notice. They’re not successful enough and they’re not wealthy enough. It was such a joy to say, “No, see what we can do for her,” and give her that loud, strong voice. The core of the story revolves around the family. It’s about mother and daughter. It’s about her and her father. And the whole culture of Asians is very patriotic.’
“The heart of the story is about the family”: Michelle also shared her excitement at learning the kind of character she would give a “loud, strong voice” when given the script