Michael B. Jordan & Tessa Thompson Went To Couple's Therapy While Filming "Creed III"

BY Erika Marie 4.2K Views
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Tessa says they stayed in character as Adonis and Bianca, but the sessions helped them work out real life issues with relationships.

History has been made after Creed III's monumental opening weekend, and much of it is thanks to Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson. It's reported that Creed III raked in $100 million in its first few days, and we're sure the cast is somewhere celebrating. In the film, Thompson's character, Bianca, presses Jordan's character about going to therapy to work out his issues. The actress told Refinery29 that the two stars stretched their acting chops and attended real-life therapy—in character.

"It’s like a full PSA for therapy [laughs]," said Thompson. She detailed Bianca's evolution and stepping into a softer side when she entered motherhood. "And finally, Mike and I actually went to therapy together. We did couples therapy." The interviewer was surprised at the revelation and asked if they answered questions as their characters. "Yes, in character, but it ended up being like — the line sometimes between character and us get blurred because we bring so much of what we're exploring personally to the characters in general."

Digging Into A Character's Issues

“Creed III" European Premiere – Arrivals
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson attend the "Creed III" European Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on February 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

For a moment, Thompson thought she might have been telling too many details. Still, she continued. "I’ll say it was an early experience in couples therapy for us both [personally], but it was as these characters, which is very weird. But I think it reminded us of our own personal lives that going to therapy, even when a relationship is good, can be a good thing if you're trying to just sharpen communication and figure out how someone works. It's useful in so many relationships."

Thompson explained that although they attacked the therapy session as Bianca and Adonis, she and Jordan "were also reflecting on our own relationships." The costars have been creating hit films in the Creedverse for almost a decade, and they've grown as individuals as well as performers. "We've seen each other through various stages in our own romantic things," she said. "So, we know stuff about each other’s lives. We shared and talked about it. So, therapy ended up starting at work and getting more personal."

Tessa Thompson Left With a Deeper Understanding

She added, "Also, it was a chance for us to really talk to a couples therapist and understand what are some of the things young parents who are trying to balance their own dreams and aspirations? What are the themes that you see?" Also, "What are the things they might be up against? What might be their impediments to happiness or success as a couple? That was really fascinating also to hear from her and bring that into the stew."

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.