SINGAPORE — The anticipation for the upcoming film Wicked For Good reached a fever pitch in Asia as the sequel’s regional premiere unfolded at Universal Studios Singapore. Leading stars, including global music icon Ariana Grande, walked the red carpet alongside a notable appearance from Hong Kong entertainment. The event, held yesterday, marked a significant moment for rising Hong Kong artist Marf Yau of the girl group COLLAR, who attended the international gala and realized a personal ambition: meeting Grande.
Wicked For Good, the second installment in the cinematic adaptation of the blockbuster musical, is set to debut in Hong Kong on November 20. The Singapore premiere drew immense media attention, showcasing the film’s principal cast.
Marf Yau, a burgeoning singer and performer in Hong Kong, made a distinctive statement at the premiere, choosing an outfit that paid direct homage to Elphaba, the central character in the Wicked narrative. Her attendance placed her among cinematic heavyweights, leading to an unexpected and encouraging interaction with Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh. Yeoh reportedly approached and greeted Yau, offering words of encouragement and posing for photographs.
The opportunity to participate in such a high-profile international event deeply resonated with Yau. Speaking about the experience, she expressed profound admiration for the film and its source material.
“I became a devoted fan of Wicked after seeing the first movie and even traveled abroad to see the stage production,” Yau remarked. “I particularly adore the character of Elphaba. Knowing there was a sequel coming, seeing it was a must.”
Yau emphasized that the second film lived up to her high expectations. “This installment did not disappoint me. As a fan, it was incredibly enjoyable and immersive to watch.”
However, the personal highlight for the Hong Kong artist was encountering the film’s lead actresses, Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Yau shared that the moment she saw them, her broader role in the event became instantly clear.
“The instant I saw Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, I understood my purpose: I was there representing Hong Kong,” she stated.
Yau struggled to articulate the depth of her admiration and respect for the stars, conveying that the experience solidified her professional aspirations. She expressed a firm hope that this meeting is just the beginning of her journey on the global stage.
“My sincerest hope now is that I can encounter them again in the future, this time as an international actress or performer in my own right,” Yau concluded.
The attendance of Asian stars like Marf Yau at major Hollywood premieres signals the increasing cross-cultural relevance of tentpole films within the lucrative Asia-Pacific market. For emerging regional talent, these international events serve as pivotal steps, offering crucial exposure and networking opportunities with global industry leaders. The positive exchange with Michelle Yeoh further underscores the supportive nature often seen among Asian celebrities on the world stage.