During a recent discussion at the BFI London Film Festival, Tessa Thompson shared insights into her Tessa Thompson Marvel experience, highlighting her time working alongside Chris Hemsworth and director Taika Waititi on Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder. She spoke candidly about the unique atmosphere on set and what it was like to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Chris Hemsworth’s Effort to Bring Humor on Set
As part of the panel at the festival, Thompson engaged with an eager audience, reflecting on her varied acting career and her Marvel role as Valkyrie. Addressing the director Taika Waititi, she humorously referred to him as “a huge infant” and added,
“He’s like an infant with a bank account.”
Turning her attention to Chris Hemsworth, Thompson described him as a
“baby with muscles, a very big infant who has no inhibition.”
She praised his dedication, sharing,
“he will just do anything you know, to get the laugh and to discover, so it’s a pleasure to work with him.”
The Playful Nature of Filming Marvel Movies
Thompson conveyed the sense of fun and creativity that marked the Marvel filming experience, saying,
“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 playful approach contributed greatly to the dynamic on set, especially during the productions helmed by Waititi.
Choosing the Role of Valkyrie and Its Impact
Explaining her motivation to take on the Valkyrie character, Thompson revealed her desire to challenge herself. She stated,
“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. And it was just so fun. It really, really freed me up.”
Her decision reflected both a passion for exciting roles and a willingness to grow as an actor.
Looking Ahead: Tessa Thompson’s Upcoming Performance in Hedda
Beyond Marvel, Thompson spoke about her next project, Hedda, adapted from Henrik Ibsen’s notable play Hedda Gabler. Regarding this challenging role, she expressed,
“I really like to do things that terrify me, I really like that.”
The film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on October 22, 2025, followed by streaming availability on Prime Video starting October 29.
This candid conversation at the BFI London Film Festival offered fans a closer look at Thompson’s creative spirit and the camaraderie that shapes her Marvel films. Her remarks shed light on the collaborative and inventive process behind popular superhero movies and hint at exciting future endeavors in her career.
