A Multiverse Movie That Redefined What Cinema Could Be
When Everything Everywhere All at Once exploded into theaters in 2022, no one expected it to become one of the most critically acclaimed, emotionally resonant, and wildly chaotic films of the decade.
Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (a.k.a. “The Daniels”), the film tells the story of Evelyn Wang, a Chinese-American laundromat owner thrust into a multiversal war where her alternate lives reveal hidden potential, heartbreak, and radical empathy.
But beyond the sci-fi absurdity and martial arts chaos lies a mountain of creative choices, near-impossible odds, and truths you’d never guess.
Here are 7 shocking facts that will change how you see this genre-defying film.
- The Film Was Originally Written for Jackie Chan
The Daniels initially envisioned Everything Everywhere All at Once with Jackie Chan in the lead role. The original draft focused on a male protagonist whose wife played a supporting role.
But as the script evolved, the Daniels realized the emotional weight and cultural commentary would hit harder with the wife as the central character.
Enter Michelle Yeoh—and the rest is multiverse history.
- Michelle Yeoh Plays a Character Named After Herself… Almost
The character Evelyn Wang was originally named “Michelle” in early drafts, as a tribute to Yeoh. The Daniels even offered the role directly to her with this name.
But Yeoh insisted the character be given a different identity. “She has to stand on her own,” she explained in an interview. “This is her story, not mine.”
- It Was Shot in Just 38 Days
Despite jumping through dozens of universes, from IRS offices to movie star galas to hot dog finger dimensions, the entire film was shot in just over five weeks.
That includes wire work, fight choreography, and complex camera rigs—all completed on a shoestring budget compared to major Hollywood productions.
This feat is even more impressive considering the film’s scale and visual ambition.
- Most of the VFX Was Done by Five People
Yes, just five.
The movie contains over 500 visual effects shots, and most were created by a five-person team working from home—led by visual effects artist Zak Stoltz. They used Adobe After Effects, no fancy render farms, and a ton of creative problem-solving.
In an era of $200 million CGI films, this is practically a filmmaking miracle.
- Ke Huy Quan Hadn’t Acted in 20 Years
Best known as a child actor in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies, Ke Huy Quan left acting due to lack of roles for Asian actors. He became a stunt coordinator and assistant director behind the scenes.
After seeing Crazy Rich Asians in 2018, he was inspired to return—and auditioned for Waymond Wang.
His performance ended up winning him an Academy Award, becoming one of the industry’s most heartfelt comeback stories.
- Jamie Lee Curtis Did All Her Own Stunt Work
Jamie Lee Curtis, who plays the hilariously intense IRS inspector Deirdre, went all in. Despite being in her 60s, she performed all her own stunt choreography—including wire-assisted flips and fight scenes.
Curtis committed to the absurdist tone so completely that many fans thought she was a trained physical comic. She wasn’t—but she proved she could have been.
- The Fanny Pack Fight Scene Took Weeks to Perfect
Ke Huy Quan’s unforgettable fanny pack fight—where he takes down multiple security guards in an IRS lobby—was inspired by old-school Jackie Chan choreography. The sequence was rehearsed for weeks, combining comedic timing, intricate footwork, and practical effects.
It became one of the film’s most viral moments—and it wasn’t CGI trickery. That’s real martial arts with real timing and skill.
Final Thoughts
Everything Everywhere All at Once is more than a multiverse movie. It’s a story about family, regret, healing, and the infinite small moments that define us.
Knowing the insane effort, backstory, and vision that went into its creation makes every scene more powerful. Whether it’s a googly-eyed rock in the desert or a mother fighting to hold her daughter close across infinite realities—this film proves cinema still has surprises left.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
A genre-breaking miracle built on chaos, compassion, and the kind of filmmaking we may never see again.