In Nia DaCosta’s latest adaptation, Hedda, Tessa Thompson delivers a commanding performance as the eponymous socialite, whose sharp wit and manipulative nature ignite the story’s tension. Released this October in theaters with streaming availability on Prime Video starting October 29, the film revisits Henrik Ibsen’s iconic 1890 play, transforming it into a striking exploration of ambition, identity, and societal constraints. This film marks a notable moment for DaCosta as director, showcasing her vision for reinvigorating a theatrical classic, while also allowing Thompson’s magnetic talent to take center stage.
Reimagining Hedda Gabler for a Modern Audience
Hedda Gabler, historically portrayed as a tragic figure trapped by social norms and personal fears, receives a complex, contemporary makeover under DaCosta’s direction. The story shifts from 19th century Norway to 1950s England, where Hedda is portrayed as a queer woman navigating the rigid expectations of her time. She has sheltered herself behind a marriage of convenience to a wealthy man, portrayed by Tom Bateman, while hosting a grand party at their expansive country estate. This setting serves as a crucible for hidden desires and fierce power plays among the guests.
A significant departure from the original is the gender swap of a pivotal character: Eileen Lovborg, played by Nina Hoss, replaces Ibsen’s male Lovborg. Eileen, accompanied by her girlfriend (Imogen Poots), brings a bold presence that challenges Hedda’s secrecy and social maneuvering. By focusing on a trio of women confronting a male-dominated society, DaCosta’s version broadens the narrative to explore dynamics of gender, sexuality, and ambition with renewed urgency.
The Complexities of Tessa Thompson’s Hedda
For Thompson, this role is a departure from previous parts, revealing a more ruthless and raw side of her acting range. Known for her empathetic, often understated roles in major franchises like Marvel’s MCU and the Creed trilogy, Thompson embraces the contradictions within Hedda—a woman simultaneously craving control yet battling internal confinement. She describes Hedda not as suicidal but as
“dying to live, and dying to live on her own terms,”
suggesting that Hedda’s questionable actions stem from a deeply aspirational desire for autonomy.
Thompson’s performance has attracted widespread acclaim, positioning her as a serious contender during this awards season and placing her portrayal in the lineage of noted actresses such as Ingrid Bergman and Cate Blanchett who have also tackled Hedda Gabler’s challenging character.
“It’s daunting but it’s incredible to be part of a tradition,”
says Thompson.
“It some ways, it puts pressure on, but in some ways it alleviates it. This is not the be-all-end-all. There are so many versions, and we’re doing our own. And I’m also of the mind that if you’re going to take any classical piece, you should have real skin in the game.”
The Collaboration Between Nia DaCosta and Tessa Thompson
DaCosta’s partnership with Thompson extends well beyond Hedda. The actress had previously starred in DaCosta’s directing debut, the 2018 crime drama Little Woods. Their artistic chemistry helped shape the ambitious reworking of Ibsen’s work, with DaCosta writing the adaptation especially for Thompson. The director describes Thompson as possessing “big-sister energy,” loving and kind, which contrasts sharply with Hedda’s fierce complexity. However, DaCosta was confident Thompson’s ability to reveal unspoken emotional depths would bring the role vividly to life.
Thompson acknowledges the film’s modern relevance, noting the parallels between Hedda’s secretive self-presentation and personal concealments many people experience today.
“It’s death by increments. We sort of have to cut off parts of ourselves to fit inside whatever,”
she explains, sharing that her own experiences in Hollywood have sometimes required compromises to navigate an industry that does not always comfortably accommodate difference.
Tessa Thompson’s Journey in Acting and Production
With roots in Los Angeles theater, Thompson’s career trajectory moved through early TV success in Veronica Mars and a range of independent films such as Dear White People, Selma, and Sorry to Bother You. Alongside these, she gained fame in blockbuster franchises including Marvel’s cinematic universe, the Creed series, and 2019’s Men in Black: International. Known for selecting roles that resonate personally, Thompson publicly announced her bisexuality in 2018 and has since taken on producing roles to assert more creative control.
Discussing her production company’s role, Thompson states,
“I’ve found, in a way that Hedda hasn’t, a kind of agency. Starting a production company some years ago was really helpful in that regard, the ability to develop something to feel less like a cog in something moving. Also to be able to, frankly, sometimes take myself out of the frame.”
This agency has empowered her to shape projects that reflect her vision and values.
The Paradox of Hedda Gabler’s Character as Seen by Thompson
The complexity of Hedda Gabler continues to challenge Thompson, who describes the role as an unsolvable puzzle. She highlights Hedda’s internal contradictions: a desire to belong within society set against a willingness to rebel—yet stopping short of ultimate defiance.
“There’s such a paradox in her,”
Thompson explains.
“She’s fixated on existing inside of society. On the other hand, she’s brave enough to do many of the things that you would not do if you have that interest. But she’s not brave enough to do the ultimate thing, which is to decide to live outside of the parameters of what’s expected of her. In that way, she’s a total, total coward. Like many of us.”
Nia DaCosta’s Directorial Vision Infuses “Hedda” with Contemporary Resonance
Nia DaCosta’s work as director and writer repositions Hedda as less a historical drama and more a manifestation of present-day struggles for identity, power, and freedom. By relocating the narrative to 1950s England and transforming the characters’ genders and relationships, DaCosta invites a dialogue about queerness, female ambition, and the repression imposed by patriarchal systems. These themes reverberate throughout the film, making it a timely commentary on the costs of conformity and the quest for self-determination.
Looking Ahead: Impact and Recognition for “Hedda”
With its complex female leads, sharp social critique, and Thompson’s riveting performance, Hedda is attracting critical attention and award-season buzz. Its release contributes to ongoing conversations about diversity and inclusion both on screen and behind the camera, highlighting Nia DaCosta’s evolving role as an influential filmmaker. The film’s challenging portrayal of a woman defying expectations—yet confined by them—strikes chords of anxiety and urgency that resonate deeply with audiences today.
