'He wore me down': Michelle Yeoh's recounts Quentin Tarantino's passionate persuasion after stunt injury!
Quentin Tarantino explains his casting choice of Uma Thurman over Michelle Yeoh in "Kill Bill," while Yeoh credits the director for inspiring her return to acting after a severe injury.
Updated : October 20, 2023 05:27 PM ISTQuentin Tarantino explains his casting choice of Uma Thurman over Michelle Yeoh in "Kill Bill," while Yeoh credits the director for inspiring her return to acting after a severe injury.
Source: People
It's the stuff of legend – Quentin Tarantino's casting of Uma Thurman as the kickass protagonist in "Kill Bill," a role inspired by Michelle Yeoh’s performance in Jackie Chan’s 1992 comedy "Police Story 3." But why didn't he cast Yeoh? The answer, as revealed in a candid interview with Town & Country, provides a glimpse into Tarantino's genius and a friendship that changed Yeoh's life.
From Inspiration to Reality – Casting Uma Thurman in "Kill Bill"
Tarantino has been open about drawing inspiration for Thurman's character from Michelle Yeoh's powerful performance. So why Uma over Yeoh? "'Who would believe that Uma Thurman could kick your ass?'" Tarantino cheekily responded, as reported by Consequence.net. It was a casting decision that resonated with audiences and became a defining moment in Thurman's career.
A Friendship Formed in Crisis – Tarantino Inspires Yeoh's Comeback
The relationship between Tarantino and Yeoh goes deeper. Yeoh had faced a terrifying accident on the set of "The Stunt Woman" in 1996, breaking several vertebrae. In the throes of agony, thinking her career was over, Tarantino insisted on visiting her. "He is who he is today because he's full of passion and love, so he wore me down," Yeoh said about the persistent director.
During his visit, Tarantino recounted Yeoh's stunts and rekindled her spirit. "So then I thought, 'Maybe I'm not ready to give up on this,'" Yeoh recalled. Tarantino's passion and admiration for Yeoh's talent were the catalysts for her triumphant return to acting.
A Twinkle in the Eye – Tarantino and Yeoh's Lasting Impact
With a bond forged in hardship and admiration, the connection between Quentin Tarantino and Michelle Yeoh stands as a testament to persistence, passion, and love for the craft. Tarantino's choice to cast Uma Thurman over Yeoh, combined with his inspiring visit to Yeoh after her accident, showcases a side of the director that goes beyond filmmaking.
As Tarantino plans his 10th and possibly final movie, and Yeoh continues to star in exciting projects like "The Witcher: Blood Origins," their legacies continue to shape the world of entertainment. With a "twinkle in her eye," Yeoh's resurgence in the industry and Tarantino's lasting impact on cinema underscore the extraordinary connection between two giants of the industry.
(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)