Tessa Thompson Refused To Say "Jawn" In "Creed III"

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US actress Tessa Thompson attends the Los Angeles premiere of Creed III at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California, on February 27, 2023. (Photo by Robyn BECK / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
Tessa also speaks about helping Michael B. Jordan take a breather on set when he was stressed about directing and starring in the film.

The Creedverse moves from Philadelphia to Los Angeles for the latest installment of its series. Creed III was a major hit its opening weekend just a few days ago, and we're hearing more from its stars about the ins and out of production. Tessa Thompson portrays Bianca, Adonis's (Michael B. Jordan) significant other, and throughout the film, the growth of their relationship and need to therapy is a core theme. There is one thing, a minor exclusion, that Thompson told The Hollywood Reporter she insisted on.

“I said to them, ‘I’m not saying jawn in this movie because we’ve heard it, we’ve done it. I want to break new territory,’” the actress said. “Not saying ‘jawn’ was also a way of saying inside of the filmmaking that you are going to witness someone that is constantly evolving.” This was important for both Thompson and Jordan, maintaining believability with the maturation of their characters.

Tessa Thompson Helped Michael B. Jordan Calm Down

wHOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 27: Tessa Thompson attends the Los Angeles Premiere of "CREED III" at TCL Chinese Theatre on February 27, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/WireImage)

As the director, Jordan was often running from in front of the camera to looking at the monitor to make sure the scene was set. It was a feat that many actors have tackled, but not all were as successful as Jordan. With nearly a decade of working together, Thompson was impressed with her longtime friend and costar. "Because we are so close in our way and have worked together for so long, I could tell when he was stressed in a moment," Thompson added.

"I would look at him and he would just give me a face. I would just look at him and think, 'Oh, he’s having a moment.' And he then would just say to me, 'Yeah.' And I would be like, 'All right, take a breath.' And he’d take a breath. So that would be a moment where he would let the air out, but never in a frustrated way. It was just in a, 'OK, you see me, you know me. This is a moment.' And I found that so deeply impressive. I also felt really lucky to get to be that kind of support. He was just so tremendous with the crew and everyone."

Working Through Therapy

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 23: Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson attend the "Creed III" HBCU Atlanta Fan Screening at Regal Atlantic Station on February 23, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images)

In another interview, the actress revealed that she and Jordan attended couple's therapy in real life. However, they did it while in character, although Thompson further said it helped them process their real relationship issues from their pasts.

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About The Author
Erika Marie
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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