Tue Oct 14 04:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Tessa Thompson Charms London Film Festival, Dishes on “Thor” Antics and Ibsen Reinvention
**London, UK** – Tessa Thompson captivated audiences at a BFI London Film Festival screen talk on Monday, offering a glimpse into her diverse career and the joy she finds in challenging herself with new roles. From her experiences in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to her latest project, a contemporary adaptation of Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler” titled “Hedda,” Thompson revealed a passion for filmmaking rooted in playfulness and pushing boundaries.
The “Thor: Ragnarok” star was particularly animated when discussing her experiences on the Marvel set, playfully describing director Taika Waititi as “a huge infant with a bank account.” She praised Waititi’s childlike imagination, adding that working with him requires a “place of pure imagination” and the ability to “play like a kid.” She had equally affectionate words for co-star Chris Hemsworth, calling him “a baby with muscles” and applauding his lack of inhibition on set.
Thompson also shed light on her decision to join the MCU, explaining that she sought out the role because she wanted to test her ability to work within a big-budget, imaginative environment. “It really freed me up,” she confessed.
Beyond the superhero realm, Thompson discussed “Hedda,” her new film with director Nia DaCosta and produced by her company Viva Maude. She emphasized the importance of visibility and representation, noting that DaCosta’s vision was instrumental in casting a woman of color in the traditionally white role of Hedda. “I became conscious that I’m not sure I would have got the opportunity, were it not for a filmmaker that was interested in putting people like me in the center of a frame,” Thompson stated.
Thompson expressed excitement about DaCosta’s accessible and “buoyant” take on Ibsen, hoping to introduce a new generation to the playwright’s work. “Ibsen felt really sexy and fun to me,” she revealed.
The conversation also touched on Thompson’s early collaboration with Ryan Coogler on “Creed,” which she described as being approached with a “homegrown independent filmmaker spirit” despite the scale of the production. She highlighted the importance of listening and reacting in acting, emphasizing that “words are overrated” and much is communicated in silence.
“Hedda” continues its festival run following its premiere in London, showcasing Thompson’s continued commitment to challenging and diverse roles. This is the third collaboration between DaCosta and Thompson.
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