Summary
Michelle Yeoh is one of the world’s most celebrated and versatile actors, with a career spanning over four decades and multiple genres. She is best known for her roles in martial arts films such asCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, andTomorrow Never Dies, as well as her recent appearances inStar Trek: DiscoveryandAvatar 2. But what many fans do not know is that she has two different roles in theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Michelle Yeoh is one of the few actors who have played more than one role in theMCU, joining the likes of Gemma Chan, Alfre Woodard, Mahershala Ali, and others. She first appeared as Aleta Ogord inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2(2017) and then as Ying Nan inShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings(2021).
Cast
Michelle Yeoh’s first Marvel role was Aleta Ogord, a Ravager leader who appeared briefly at the end ofGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.Aleta Ogord is based on a character from the comics who was a member of the original Guardians of the Galaxy team from the 31st century. In the comics, Aleta Ogord was married to Stakar Ogord (played by Sylvester Stallone in the film) and had the power to manipulate light. She was also an ally of Yondu Udonta (played by Michael Rooker), a founding member of the Ravagers.
In the film, viewers witness Aleta Ogord reuniting with Stakar Ogord and other Ravager leaders following Yondu’s funeral. They decide to honor Yondu’s memory by reforming their old team, which includes Charlie-27 (played by Ving Rhames), Martinex (played by Michael Rosenbaum),Mainframe (voiced by Miley Cyrus), and Krugarr (a CGI character). Michelle Yeoh’s character has no dialogue in the film, but her presence teases her history with Stakar Ogord and Yondu Udonta.
Michelle Yeoh’s second Marvel rolewas Ying Nan, the aunt of Shang-Chi (played by Simu Liu) and the sister of Xu Wenwu (played by Tony Leung). Ying Nan is an original character created for the film and does not have a direct counterpart in the comics. She lives in Ta Lo, a hidden dimension where mythical creatures and ancient warriors reside. Ying is a master of martial arts and magic and teaches Shang-Chi how to harness his chi and use it to fight against his father.
The film introduces Ying Nan as a mysterious woman who contacts Shang-Chi’s sister, Xu Xialing (played by Meng’er Zhang), through a postcard. Ying invites them to Ta Lo, where she reveals her identity and connection to their family. She explains that Shang-Chi and Xialing’s mother, Jiang Li (played by Fala Chen), was from Ta Lo and that she fell in love with Wenwu when he came to seek the power of the Great Protector, a dragon that guards Ta Lo. Ying also informs them that an evil force called Dweller-in-Darkness has corrupted Wenwu, and this malevolent entity is trapped behind a gate in Ta Lo.The Dweller-in-Darkness has been manipulating Wenwuthrough his Ten Rings, making him believe that Jiang Li is still alive and calling for him to free her.
Ying Nan helps Shang-Chi and Xialing prepare for Wenwu’s arrival, along with her fellow Ta Lo residents, such as Ying Li (played by Awkwafina), who becomes Shang-Chi’s friend and ally. She also gives Shang-Chi his mother’s pendant, which contains a map to Ta Lo and a key to unlock his chi. Ying further trains him in the art of Tai Chi, which allows him to balance his yin and yang energies and access his true potential. Michelle Yeoh’s character also teaches him how to communicate with Morris, a winged creature that can guide them to Ta Lo.
Ying Nan plays a crucial role in the final battle against Wenwu and the Dweller-in-Darkness, as she leads the Ta Lo warriors and the mythical beasts in defending the gate. She also tries to reason with Wenwu, reminding him of his love for Jiang Li and urging him to stop his madness. Ying witnesses Wenwu’s sacrifice as he gives his Ten Rings to Shang-Chi and dies in his arms. She then celebrates Shang-Chi’s victory as he defeats the Dweller-in-Darkness with the help of the Great Protector and his chi. Finally, Ying welcomes Shang-Chi and Xialing as part of her family and invites them to visit Ta Lo anytime. Michelle Yeoh has expressed hope that there will beanother standalone Shang-Chi story, telling The Guardian:
I don’t think it’s ever a mistake to do a sequel. It just means you love a project so much. Sequels are great. I hope we do another Shang-Chi!
Michelle Yeoh’sShang-Chirole is much more prominent and vital than herGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2role, as she serves as a mentor, a family member, and a leader to the main protagonist. She also sets up the possibility of future appearances in theMCU, as Ta Lo is connected to other dimensions and realms such as Asgard, K’un-Lun, and Wakanda.
