Tessa Thompson Reveals the Role That Changed Everything for Her
Tessa Thompson opens up about her journey from supporting roles to leading lady, sharing which project gave her the most creative freedom and why it stands out as her favorite.
Watching an actor ’s evolution can be fascinating—some step into the spotlight right away, while others spend years honing their craft before landing that breakout moment. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Tessa Thompson is a prime example of the latter. Her recent performance in Hedda made waves, earning her a Golden Globe nomination and cementing her reputation as a powerhouse lead. The film, directed by Nia DaCosta and adapted from Henrik Ibsen’s classic, showcased Thompson’s ability to command the screen and take on complex roles.
Thompson’s rise has been steady over the past decade. She first caught major attention in 2015, starring opposite Michael B. Jordan in the hit Creed, a spin-off from the iconic Rocky franchise. That success opened doors, leading to a key role on HBO ’s sci-fi series Westworld the following year. Over six years and thirty episodes, she portrayed the formidable Charlotte Hale, as well as a replica version of the character in later seasons. Her work on the show set the stage for even bigger opportunities.
Breaking Out in Hollywood
After Westworld, Thompson joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a standout performance in Thor: Ragnarok. The film was a hit with both fans and critics, but it was her next project that she remembers most fondly. In 2018, she starred in the offbeat sci-fi black comedy Sorry to Bother You. The film follows a young Black man who adopts a “white voice” to succeed in a dystopian telemarketing job. Thompson played Detroit, a role she describes as her favorite to date.
Reflecting on the experience, she said,
“Boots Riley just gave me such a tremendous amount of freedom in terms of sculpting her and how she looked. That was a very fun one.”
The movie, directed by Boots Riley, was a wild ride—both creatively and at the box office. Despite a modest $3.2 million budget, it became a word-of-mouth sensation, grossing nearly $20 million worldwide.
Expanding Her Range
Thompson’s momentum only grew from there. In 2018, she starred alongside Natalie Portman in Alex Garland’s mind-bending horror film Annihilation, and reprised her roles in sequels to both Creed and Thor. By 2021, she was earning Emmy and Critics’ Choice nominations for her work in the romantic drama Sylvie’s Love. That same year, she took the lead in Passing, the directorial debut of Rebecca Hall, which earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Her collaboration with Nia DaCosta continued in 2023 with The Marvels, where she returned as Valkyrie. While the film faced mixed reviews and struggled to recoup its massive $200 million budget, Thompson’s performance stood out. The movie also made history as the highest-grossing film ever directed by a Black woman.
Looking Ahead
Next up, Thompson is set to star in the highly anticipated Netflix series His & Hers, premiering in January 2026. She’ll play a journalist investigating a murder in her hometown, opposite Jon Bernthal as a detective. With each new project, Thompson continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a leading actress in Hollywood.