Tessa Thompson Dishes on 'Baby With Muscles' Chris Hemsworth & More Marvel Set Secrets

Our favorite Valkyrie, Tessa Thompson, recently spilled some seriously fun details about her Marvel co-stars and director Taika Waititi, giving us a peek behind the scenes of those epic Thor movies, and shared insights into her challenging new film, Hedda.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Tessa's Talk

Tessa Thompson lovingly calls Chris Hemsworth a "baby with muscles" and Taika Waititi "an infant with a bank account," praising their uninhibited, playful energy on set.
She revealed that making Marvel movies feels like "pure imagination" and "playing like a kid," explaining she joined the franchise to challenge herself creatively.
Thompson also dove deep into her intense new project, Hedda, a modern adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic, highlighting her drive for roles that "terrify" her and the importance of diverse storytelling.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to wield a sword (or an axe, or Mjolnir!) alongside the God of Thunder, Tessa Thompson just gave us a hilarious and heartwarming glimpse. The star, known for bringing the fierce and fabulous Valkyrie to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, took center stage at the BFI London Film Festival recently. During a captivating screen talk, Thompson charmed the audience with reflections on her incredibly diverse career—from massive superhero blockbusters to intimate independent dramas, including her latest project, Hedda.

Behind the Scenes of the Marvel Universe: All Fun and Games?

Thompson was absolutely radiant and exceptionally candid when discussing her time on the Thor films. And let's just say, her descriptions of her colleagues are pure gold. She didn't hold back, painting a vivid picture of a set filled with playful energy that sounds like a dream for any actor.

The Directors and Co-Stars Who Are Big Kids at Heart

First up, director Taika Waititi, who helmed both Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder. Thompson playfully dubbed him "a huge infant, just, he’s like an infant with a bank account." She went on to describe Waititi’s filmmaking approach as wonderfully childlike, albeit in a way she joked was "terrifying" and that "he should be stopped." This affectionate teasing truly highlights the unique and often improvisational style Waititi brings to his projects, fostering an environment where actors can truly experiment and play.

But Waititi wasn't the only "infant" on set! Thompson had equally glowing — and frankly, hysterical — words for her main co-star, Chris Hemsworth, the man himself, Thor. She affectionately called him "a baby with muscles, a very big infant" and noted his incredible lack of inhibition. "He will just do anything you know, to get the laugh and to discover, so it’s a pleasure to work with him," Thompson enthused. Imagine working with someone so dedicated to the craft of comedy and character that they're willing to try anything for a laugh. It sounds like a fantastic environment for creativity to flourish! She even added a funny detail about Hemsworth being "a very big infant that eats every hour, that’s a hungry child," a nod to his famously rigorous diet to maintain his superhero physique.

"It’s so goofy making those Movies sometimes. The mechanism of making those films requires a place of pure imagination, you know, where you just have to play like a kid."

— Tessa Thompson on filming Marvel movies

Thompson really hit the nail on the head when describing the general vibe of filming these huge superhero flicks. She remarked, "It’s so goofy making those Movies sometimes. The mechanism of making those films requires a place of pure imagination, you know, where you just have to play like a kid." This insight is fascinating, revealing that despite all the advanced technology, green screens, and massive budgets, the core of performance in such films boils down to pure, unadulterated imagination. It's a reminder that even the biggest blockbusters rely on that fundamental, childlike ability to pretend and create worlds.

Why Valkyrie Was a Must-Do Role for Tessa Thompson

It turns out that taking on the role of Valkyrie wasn't just another job for Thompson; it was a deliberate choice driven by a desire to push her own boundaries. "I really wanted to make a movie like that, because I’m not sure I can do that, and I really want to figure out if I can," she explained. This speaks volumes about her dedication to her craft and her willingness to step outside her comfort zone. The experience, she noted, was incredibly freeing: "And it was just so fun. It really, really freed me up." This kind of personal growth and professional challenge is something many viewers can relate to, whether in their careers or personal lives, making her journey even more inspiring.

Beyond Marvel: Taking on Terrifying and Timeless Roles

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While Marvel might be a huge part of her public persona, Thompson's career is remarkably varied, showcasing her incredible range and commitment to challenging roles. Her screen talk wasn't just about superheroes; it was a deep dive into her passion for meaningful storytelling, including her exciting new project, Hedda.

Introducing 'Hedda': A Bold New Adaptation on the Horizon

Thompson’s latest project, Hedda, is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, Hedda Gabler. This film marks another significant collaboration with director Nia DaCosta, who also directed Thompson in Little Woods and later helmed Candyman and The Marvels, where Thompson had a cameo. DaCosta is known for her innovative vision, and Hedda promises to be no different. Thompson not only stars in the title role but also produces the film through her company, Viva Maude, demonstrating her growing influence behind the camera.

Playing Hedda was no small feat, and Thompson admitted she’s drawn to roles that intimidate her. "I really like to do things that terrify me, I really like that," she shared. This fear, for her, is a motivator. The role of Hedda Gabler is a complex, often morally ambiguous character, and Thompson is stepping into a part that has historically been played by very few women of color. While she clarified that this wasn't the primary reason for making the film, she did become "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." This highlights important conversations about representation and who gets to interpret classic roles in modern cinema, potentially opening up the canon to new generations and perspectives.

Thompson praised DaCosta’s vision for making Ibsen’s work "accessible," aiming for something that "actually felt sort of buoyant and had its own sort of fun and delight and felt delicious." Her goal is to present something that might not be for everyone, but could ignite curiosity in "a whole new generation or group of people that suddenly are like, Ibsen, who’s this? Ibsen felt really sexy and fun to me." This approach promises a fresh, engaging take on a classic, potentially making it resonate with contemporary audiences in a powerful new way. Hedda premiered at the BFI London Film Festival and will continue its festival run before its wider release.

Key Details for 'Hedda'

Director: Nia DaCosta
Starring: Tessa Thompson (as Hedda)
Based On: Henrik Ibsen's play Hedda Gabler (contemporary adaptation)
Producer: Tessa Thompson (via Viva Maude)
Limited Theatrical Release: October 22, 2025 (U.S.)
Streaming Release: October 29, 2025 (Prime Video)

A Look Back at Early Collaborations and Acting Philosophy

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Thompson's conversation at the festival also touched upon her formative experiences and the principles that guide her acting. She recalled her early collaboration with director Ryan Coogler on Creed, noting how Coogler "really approached it still from a very homegrown independent filmmaker spirit," even on a big studio film. She and co-star Michael B. Jordan improvised extensively, with Coogler even recording voice notes that eventually made their way into the script. This collaborative, organic process clearly left a lasting impression on Thompson.

The Art of Not Speaking: Embracing the Meisner Technique

When asked about her acting process, Thompson emphasized the importance of the Meisner technique, particularly its focus on listening and responding to scene partners. She offered a profound insight, stating, "Words are overrated, like dialogue and speaking is actually overrated when I think about character. So much is communicated in silence and so much that you don’t say." This perspective highlights the power of non-verbal communication and the subtle nuances that can define a character more than spoken lines. It’s a testament to her depth as a performer and her understanding of the silent language of cinema.

The Uncomfortable Act of Watching Herself on Screen

Even for an accomplished actor like Thompson, watching her own performances can be a challenge. She candidly admitted, "It’s not my favorite thing, but I am improving." She even revealed a quirky habit of squinting during premieres whenever she appeared on screen. However, her journey into producing has offered a new perspective, forcing her to become more objective about her work. This behind-the-scenes honesty is refreshing, showing that even stars face relatable struggles and find ways to overcome them through their passion.

Shoutout to Tom Hiddleston: The Grown-Up on Set

While Hemsworth and Waititi might be the "infants," Thompson made sure to acknowledge another key Thor co-star, Tom Hiddleston, who plays Loki. "Tom Hiddleston’s not a big baby, that’s a grown up serious person," she joked. "That’s an adult with multiple bank accounts, they’re all tidy, never been in the red, never in his overdraft. He was born with investments and everything." She praised his tremendous dedication, sharing how he'd plaster his trailer with pictures of the sets and blast classical music to immerse himself in Loki's character. Thompson clearly learned a lot from his methodical approach, providing a fascinating contrast to the "childlike" energy of Hemsworth and Waititi.

Tessa Thompson's screen talk was a delightful mix of humor, wisdom, and genuine passion for her craft. From the playful banter on Marvel sets to the intense challenges of Hedda, she consistently seeks out projects that push her creative boundaries and tell important stories. Her ability to navigate both huge studio blockbusters and thought-provoking indie films, all while maintaining her unique artistic integrity, makes her one of the most exciting talents in Hollywood today. Fans can look forward to seeing her continue to shine, whether she’s kicking butt as Valkyrie or diving deep into complex characters like Hedda.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tessa Thompson's Latest News

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When and where did Tessa Thompson make these comments? Tessa Thompson made these comments during a screen talk at the BFI London Film Festival on Monday, October 13, 2025. What upcoming projects did Tessa Thompson discuss? She discussed her new film Hedda, a modern adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler, which she stars in and produced. She also touched upon her past work in Marvel's Thor films and Creed. When will Hedda be released? Hedda is set for a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on October 22, 2025, and will be available to stream on Prime Video starting October 29, 2025. Who is Nia DaCosta and what is her connection to Tessa Thompson? Nia DaCosta is the director of Hedda. She previously directed Thompson in her debut film Little Woods and later became the first Black woman director to achieve a number one debut with Candyman. She also directed The Marvels, where Thompson had a cameo.