Tessa Thompson says Chris Hemsworth is like “a baby with muscles” after 'Thor' collaboration

Tessa Thompson praised Chris Hemsworth’s humour and openness while discussing 'Thor' at the BFI London Film Festival

Tessa Thompson reflected on her career and her experience working on the Thor films during a Screen Talk at the BFI London Film Festival on Monday, where she also discussed her new project Hedda.

Speaking to a full audience, Thompson described her long-time Thor collaborator and friend Chris Hemsworth as “a baby with muscles, a very big infant” who is completely uninhibited on set. “He’ll just do anything, you know, to get the laugh and to discover, so it’s a pleasure to work with him,” she said.

Thompson also spoke about director Taika Waititi, calling him “a huge infant, just, he’s like an infant with a bank account,” while noting his playful and unpredictable approach to filmmaking. She explained that making the Thor films required “a place of pure imagination” and felt like “playing like a kid.”

The actor said she initially wanted to join the Marvel franchise to challenge herself creatively. “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.”

Thompson’s latest film, Hedda, marks another collaboration with director Nia DaCosta. The film is a modern adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, with Thompson in the title role. She said she is drawn to projects that “terrify” her and added that few women of colour have been cast in the role historically.

Reflecting on her acting process, Thompson discussed her use of the Meisner technique, saying, “Words are overrated… so much is communicated in silence and so much that you don’t say.” Hedda continues its festival run following its London premiere.