Tonya Mosley

Let's take a short break.

If you're just joining us, my guest is actor Tessa Thompson.

She's starring as Hedda in a film adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler.

We'll be right back after a break.

This is Fresh Air.

This is Fresh Air, and today we're talking to actor Tessa Thompson, who recently earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in the film Hedda.

I talked about you sending that tape to Tyler Perry.

You also did something similar with Dear White People.

You, in this case, wrote a letter to the director and showrunner, Justin Simeon, a letter where you described

How much of a fan you were of the actual work and that you needed to be in the movie?

It's such a refreshing, dynamic satire.

It was also one of the first times you've done satire, right?

No.

Have you revisited that particular film?

No, I haven't seen it.

I will say, Tessa, I loved it when it came out.

I saw it many times.

It felt different watching it in 2025.

It still held up, but we're in a different place.

Yeah.