Tessa Thompson debuted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok and has since appeared in Avengers: Endgame, Thor: Love and Thunder, and The Marvels. Despite uncertainty surrounding the King of Asgard’s return in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, Valkyrie’s story still holds plenty of potential within the MCU’s evolving narrative. Initially, rumors hinted that the Captain Marvel sequel might delve into Valkyrie’s romantic connection with Carol Danvers, but these plans were reportedly shelved as the project underwent many changes, according to director Nia DaCosta.
Tessa Thompson Shares Thoughts on Future MCU Projects and Collaborations
In a recent discussion with Perri Nemiroff, Thompson revealed her hopes for future MCU work, especially the possibility of sharing screen time with Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes. She expressed enthusiasm about the variety of experiences that come with portraying a character in the MCU.
“One of the things that is so cool about getting to play in the MCU is obviously all the incredible actors that you get to act alongside,”
Thompson said.
“Then also, depending on the tone of the film that you exist in, you get to find these new facets of the character.”
Thompson elaborated on Valkyrie’s usual comedic tone and her curiosity about exploring her character in a different style of film.
“So, I feel like I’ve mostly existed in kind of a comedic space with Valkyrie, but I’m curious if I were in a film that felt less comedic, how she would show up in those particular spaces,”
she remarked.
“I don’t know what his character would bring out in me, necessarily, but I just really love Sebastian.”
She also noted their mutual interest in working together, whether in the MCU or another project.
“We really want to make something together eventually. It might not be in the MCU, but I just think he’s such a tremendous actor, and it would be so fun to get to play with him,”
Thompson added.
Reflecting on the MCU Experience and Expectations
Thompson reminisced about her first Marvel film, praising Taika Waititi’s unique indie flair that shaped her early MCU experience.
“I felt really excited. Taika [Waititi] was an indie filmmaker that I really loved and respected, and really liked his films. We really approached making [my] first Thor with that kind of indie spirit. For me, obviously, the scale was different than making independent films, but the energy of making it felt very scrappy, I guess, in a way that was really refreshing,”
she explained.
However, she acknowledged that not all Marvel films have maintained that same atmosphere.
“But that is not true of all of the films necessarily,”
Thompson admitted.
“So, I think that’s something that I kind of came into the MCU thinking, ‘Oh, well, that’s what the experience of making these films is like,’ and that isn’t always the case.”
Addressing Industry Misconceptions About Marvel Projects
The actress challenged the widespread belief that Marvel films serve mostly commercial purposes, distinct from an actor’s artistic pursuits.
“Typically, I think something like Marvel gets bracketed in this space of ‘one for them,’ and I didn’t have that relationship to it when I joined it,”
Thompson noted, emphasizing her different perspective as she began her MCU journey.
This contrasts with the common notion that actors use Marvel roles merely as a platform to fund smaller, independent projects. While many stars, such as Elizabeth Olsen, have successfully balanced blockbuster fame with passion projects, Thompson’s experience reflects a more integrated approach to her MCU work.
Anticipations for Valkyrie and Upcoming MCU Developments
With her interest in exploring Valkyrie’s character in new directions and potential collaborations, Tessa Thompson’s MCU future remains a point of curiosity among fans. As Marvel Studios continues evolving its cinematic universe, Thompson’s openness to diverse roles and collaborations suggests exciting possibilities ahead for her and the franchise.
