Evaluating Michelle Yeoh's Numerous Marvel Characters

Highlights

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Michelle Yeoh has portrayed distinct characters. She portrayed Aleta Ogord in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Ying Nan in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Aleta Ogord, leader of the Ravagers and an original member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and Ying Nan, the martial arts and magic master who happens to be Shang-Chi's aunt, both play important roles in their respective narratives. However, Ying Nan's character in Shang-Chi takes on a more prominent role as a mentor and leader to the main protagonist, hinting at potential future appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Michelle Yeoh, spanning a career of over four decades and across various genres, is widely celebrated as one of the world's most accomplished and versatile actors. While she is renowned for her iconic roles in martial arts masterpieces like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Tomorrow Never Dies," as well as her more recent performances in "Star Trek: Discovery" and "Avatar 2," it is worth noting that Michelle Yeoh has also made her mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Distinctive among actors, Michelle Yeoh has successfully portrayed multiple roles within the MCU, sharing this distinction with esteemed colleagues such as Gemma Chan, Alfre Woodard, Mahershala Ali, and others. Her initial appearance within the MCU was in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" (2017), where she portrayed the character Aleta Ogord. Subsequently, in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" (2021), she took on the role of Ying Nan.

Michelle Yeoh's Role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" is a film directed by James Gunn and released on May 5, 2017. The movie features an ensemble cast including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, and Kurt Russell.

Michelle Yeoh's debut in the Marvel universe was as Aleta Ogord, a leader among the Ravagers, in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Aleta Ogord's character is based on a comic book counterpart who was an original member of the Guardians of the Galaxy team in the 31st century. In the comics, Aleta Ogord possessed the ability to manipulate light and was married to Stakar Ogord, portrayed by Sylvester Stallone in the movie. Additionally, she was an ally of Yondu Udonta, one of the founding members of the Ravagers, played by Michael Rooker.

The film showcases Aleta Ogord reuniting with Stakar Ogord and other key Ravager leaders after Yondu's funeral. They decide to honor Yondu's memory by reassembling their former team, which includes Charlie-27 portrayed by Ving Rhames, Martinex portrayed by Michael Rosenbaum, Mainframe voiced by Miley Cyrus, and the CGI character Krugarr. Though Michelle Yeoh's character does not have any spoken lines in the film, her presence alludes to her past connections with Stakar Ogord and Yondu Udonta.

Michelle Yeoh's Role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Release Date: September 3, 2021

Director: Destin Daniel Cretton

Cast: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Ben Kingsley, Tony Leung Chiu Wai

Michelle Yeoh portrays Ying Nan in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings." Ying Nan is Shang-Chi's aunt and the sister of Xu Wenwu. In this Marvel film, Ying Nan is an original character exclusive to the movie and does not have a comic book counterpart. She resides in Ta Lo, a hidden dimension inhabited by mythical creatures and ancient warriors. With her expertise in martial arts and magic, Ying Nan instructs Shang-Chi on utilizing his chi to combat his own father.

In the film, Ying Nan, a mysterious woman, gets in touch with Shang-Chi's sister, Xu Xialing, using a postcard. Ying invites them to Ta Lo, where she reveals her true identity and her connection to their family. She explains that their mother, Jiang Li, was actually from Ta Lo and fell in love with Wenwu when he came seeking the power of the Great Protector, a dragon that guards Ta Lo. Furthermore, Ying reveals that an evil entity named Dweller-in-Darkness has corrupted Wenwu and is trapped behind a gate in Ta Lo. This malevolent force has been manipulating Wenwu through the Ten Rings, making him believe that Jiang Li is still alive and calling out to him for liberation.

Ying Nan assists Shang-Chi and Xialing in preparing for Wenwu's arrival, alongside other residents of Ta Lo like Ying Li, who becomes Shang-Chi's friend and ally. She also presents Shang-Chi with 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, enabling him to harmonize his yin and yang energies and unlock his full potential. Additionally, Michelle Yeoh's character teaches him how to communicate with Morris, a winged creature that can guide them to Ta Lo.

Ying Nan plays a pivotal role in the ultimate battle against Wenwu and the Dweller-in-Darkness, leading the Ta Lo warriors and mythical creatures in defending the gate. She attempts to reason with Wenwu, reminding him of his love for Jiang Li and urging him to end his madness. Ying witnesses Wenwu's sacrifice as he passes on his Ten Rings to Shang-Chi and dies in his embrace. She then joins in the celebration of Shang-Chi's triumph as he defeats the Dweller-in-Darkness with the assistance of the Great Protector and his chi. Finally, Ying warmly embraces Shang-Chi and Xialing as part of her family, extending an open invitation for them to visit Ta Lo whenever they please. Michelle Yeoh has expressed her optimism for another standalone Shang-Chi story, stating to The Guardian: "I believe it's never a mistake to pursue a sequel. It just shows how much you truly love a project. Sequels are fantastic. Here's to hoping we have another Shang-Chi in the future!"

Michelle Yeoh plays a significantly more significant and critical role in Shang-Chi compared to her role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. In the movie, she assumes the roles of a mentor, a family member, and a leader to the main protagonist. Additionally, her character opens up possibilities for future appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), as Ta Lo is connected to other dimensions and realms such as Asgard, K'un-Lun, and Wakanda.