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The Valkyrie's New Reign: 5 Explosive New Projects That Define Tessa Thompson's 2025-2026 Era

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Tessa Thompson is not just an actress; she is a creative force who has strategically transitioned from a beloved supporting player in franchises like the MCU and *Creed* into one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading women and producers. As of December 23, 2025, her career trajectory has hit a new zenith, marked by a slate of high-profile, challenging, and genre-defying projects that are set to dominate the cinematic conversation throughout 2025 and 2026. This new era sees her taking on complex, often chaotic, and always compelling characters, from a literary anti-heroine to a real-life master criminal.

Her recent appearances, including a striking fashion trifecta on a New York City press tour in October 2025 and a show-stopping Schiaparelli ensemble at the 35th Gotham Independent Film Awards, confirm her status as a cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond the screen. This is a deep dive into the projects, roles, and creative choices that solidify Tessa Thompson’s reign as a 21st-century star with both blockbuster appeal and profound dramatic sensibility.

Tessa Thompson: Complete Biography and Profile

Name: Tessa Lynne Thompson
Born: October 3, 1983, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation: Actress, Producer, Singer, Songwriter
Career Start: Professional acting career began with the Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare Company in 2002.
Breakthrough Roles: Jackie Cook on the TV series *Veronica Mars* (2005–2006) and Nyla Adrose in the film *For Colored Girls* (2010).

  • Major Film Franchises:
    • MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe): Valkyrie, King of New Asgard (starting with *Thor: Ragnarok* in 2017, followed by *Avengers: Endgame* and *Thor: Love and Thunder*).
    • *Creed* Series: Bianca Taylor (starting with *Creed* in 2015, followed by *Creed II* and *Creed III*).
    • *Men in Black* Series: Agent M (*Men in Black: International*).
  • Critically Acclaimed Roles: Sam White in *Dear White People* (2014), Diane Nash in *Selma* (2014), Charlotte Hale/Dolores Abernathy in the HBO series *Westworld* (2016–2022), and Irene Redfield in *Passing* (2021).
  • Music Career: Member of the electro-soul band Caught a Ghost. Contributed to the soundtracks of *Creed* and *Creed II*.
  • Activism: A vocal advocate for Black lives and social justice, known for bringing social consciousness and political awareness to her work.

Project Spotlight: The Hedda Gabler Reimagining and the Doris Payne Biopic

Tessa Thompson’s upcoming film slate is defined by her willingness to take on complex, morally ambiguous, and historically rich female characters. Two projects stand out as defining her current artistic period: *Hedda* and the untitled *Doris Payne* biopic.

1. *Hedda* (2025): The Chaotic Anti-Heroine

The most anticipated project of her 2025 calendar is *Hedda*, a provocative and modern reimagining of Henrik Ibsen's classic 1891 play, *Hedda Gabler*.

The film, which premiered at major festivals like TIFF and CIFF, is directed by Nia DaCosta, known for her work on *Candyman* and *The Marvels*. Thompson stars in the title role, portraying a character described as chaotic, messy, and revealing the "more sinister faces of human desire." The story centers on Hedda, a newlywed who finds herself torn between the stability of her academic husband, George, and the unsettling return of a former flame. This role is a significant departure, allowing Thompson to delve into the dramatic sensibility of a period piece while bringing a contemporary edge to the character’s dark ambition and psychological turmoil. Co-starring with Thompson are Imogen Poots and Christian Petzold regular Nina Hoss, further solidifying the film’s status as a high-art drama.

2. The Untitled Doris Payne Biopic: The Master Jewel Thief

In a move that has drawn comparisons to classic heist films, Thompson is set to star as the legendary jewel thief Doris Payne in an untitled biopic.

Payne’s life story is cinematic gold: she was an international jewel thief whose career spanned over six decades, reportedly stealing millions of dollars worth of diamonds and other gems. The film is conceived as a high-concept action-drama, with the tone often likened to Steven Spielberg's *Catch Me If You Can* and the ensemble caper *Ocean's 8*. Thompson's involvement as both the star and a producer on the project underscores her growing influence in shaping the narratives she brings to the screen. This role taps into her charisma and ability to portray complex, multi-layered women who operate outside the lines of convention, promising a thrilling and glamorous cinematic experience.

The Future of King Valkyrie and Charlie Kaufman's Enigmatic Project

While her dramatic roles are garnering critical attention, Thompson remains firmly rooted in the world of big-budget, high-concept cinema. Her ongoing commitment to the MCU and her collaboration with an auteur like Charlie Kaufman ensure her visibility across all sectors of the industry.

3. The MCU: What’s Next for King Valkyrie?

Following her appearances in the *Thor* series, Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie has become a fan-favorite, known for her sharp wit, combat skills, and historic title as the King of New Asgard. Thompson has consistently expressed enthusiasm about reprising the role and exploring the character’s future in the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.

She has spoken publicly about her desire to delve into Valkyrie's more "serious side," moving beyond the comedic elements of the later *Thor* films. A particularly intriguing possibility that Thompson has mentioned is a potential team-up with Sebastian Stan’s character, Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier). This crossover speculation, fueled by Thompson's own comments while promoting *Hedda*, suggests that King Valkyrie is a character with a long and active future in the MCU, potentially in a new *Thor* installment or a large-scale crossover event.

4. *Later The War*: A Charlie Kaufman Collaboration

Tessa Thompson is also attached to star in *Later The War*, a highly anticipated film from visionary writer-director Charlie Kaufman, known for his surreal and existential works like *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind* and *Synecdoche, New York*.

The film is an adaptation of Iddo Gefen’s short story "Debby's Dream House" and is set to co-star Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne and Tony-winner Patsy Ferran. While production faced a temporary shutdown, the project remains highly anticipated due to the star power and the unique creative vision of Kaufman. Thompson's involvement in this project further highlights her selective and diverse approach to her career, balancing tentpole blockbusters with challenging independent cinema that pushes narrative boundaries.

5. The Producer's Chair: Thompson's Creative Control

Beyond acting, Thompson is increasingly taking control of her career by moving into the producer’s chair. Her production company, Viva Maude, is focused on developing and producing content that champions diverse voices and compelling narratives. Her role as a producer on the *Doris Payne* biopic is a prime example of this shift, allowing her to influence the project's creative direction and tone from the ground up. This move is characteristic of a truly twenty-first-century star who is committed to injecting social consciousness and a unique perspective into her body of work, a thread that has been present since her early, iconic role as campus activist Sam White in *Dear White People*.

In summary, Tessa Thompson's career in 2025 is a masterclass in strategic diversity. By anchoring a modern Ibsen adaptation (*Hedda*), developing a high-stakes action-drama about a legendary jewel thief (*Doris Payne*), collaborating with an auteur like Charlie Kaufman, and maintaining her status as the King of New Asgard (Valkyrie) in the MCU, she is ensuring that her name is synonymous with quality, complexity, and undeniable star power for years to come.

tessa thompson
tessa thompson

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