Imagine a superhero with the physique of a Greek god but the uninhibited playfulness of a toddler—that's how Tessa Thompson describes her Thor costar Chris Hemsworth. But here's where it gets controversial: is this childlike approach to acting a sign of genius or just plain chaos? Thompson, who recently premiered her new film Hedda at the BFI London Film Festival, sat down for a screen talk where she couldn’t help but gush about Hemsworth. According to Variety, she affectionately likened him to “a baby with muscles, a very big infant,” emphasizing his fearless commitment to comedy and discovery on set. “He has no inhibition,” she added, “and will just do anything to get the laugh.” This dynamic duo has shared the screen in Marvel blockbusters like Avengers: Endgame, Thor: Ragnarok, and Thor: Love and Thunder, where Thompson plays the fierce Valkyrie alongside Hemsworth’s hammer-wielding hero.
And this is the part most people miss: Making these larger-than-life films isn’t just about CGI and action sequences—it’s about tapping into pure imagination. Thompson described the process as “so goofy,” requiring actors to embrace their inner child. “It really, really freed me up,” she admitted, revealing that she actively sought out this kind of role to challenge herself creatively. But Hemsworth isn’t the only one with a childlike spirit on set. Thompson had equally playful—yet tongue-in-cheek—praise for director Taika Waititi, calling his approach “terrifying” and joking, “He’s like an infant with a bank account.”
Beyond Marvel, Thompson discussed her diverse career, from working with Ryan Coogler on Creed to tackling the title role in Hedda, an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. She credited director Nia DaCosta for giving her the opportunity, saying, “I’m not sure I would have gotten the role without a filmmaker interested in putting people like me at the center of the frame.” Thompson thrives on roles that push her limits, admitting, “I really like to do things that terrify me.”
Here’s the bold question: Does Hollywood need more actors and filmmakers who embrace this kind of uninhibited creativity, or does it risk veering into chaos? Thompson’s work suggests the former, but we want to hear from you. What do you think? Is this approach a recipe for brilliance or a step too far? Let us know in the comments!
Hedda hits select U.S. theaters on October 22 and streams on Amazon Prime Video starting October 29. For more entertainment news and updates, subscribe to our EW Dispatch newsletter.
