In Conversation With... Tessa Thompson and Nia DaCosta

Actor-producer Tessa Thompson and director-screenwriter Nia DaCosta discuss their bold new collaboration Hedda, a striking reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play Hedda Gabler. This intimate conversation will take audiences behind the scenes of one of the year’s greatly anticipated films, while delving into Thompson and DaCosta’s creative partnership and their respective careers. Thompson’s diverse film and television work includes breakout performances in Dear White People (2014) and Selma (2014), HBO’s Westworld (2016–2022), and her recurring roles in the blockbuster franchises Creed and Thor. As Valkyrie in the Marvel Universe, Thompson broke ground as cinema’s first openly LGBTQ+ superhero, a commitment to representation and inclusivity that extends to her work as a producer with her company Viva Maude. DaCosta made her feature debut with the acclaimed crime drama Little Woods (2018), also starring Thompson, and with Candyman (2021), she became the first Black woman to open a film at No. 1 at the US box office. In 2023, DaCosta directed The Marvels and garnered another distinction as the youngest filmmaker to direct a movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With Hedda, DaCosta returns to psychological drama, offering a provocative and stylish exploration of identity, anchored by one of Thompson’s most daring performances to date. Join us for a revealing conversation about artistry, risk, and the power of creative collaboration.