Tessa Thompson Told A Wild Story About Going To Couples Therapy With Michael B. Jordan, And What She Learned

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Tessa Thompson recently shared that she and Michael B. Jordan did something unusual while preparing for Creed III. They didn’t just practice their lines – they actually attended couples therapy as their characters, Bianca and Adonis, staying fully in character throughout the sessions.

During an interview on Sherri, hosted by Sherri Shepherd, Tessa Thompson described her long-standing working relationship with Michael B. Jordan. A clip of the interview was also shared on YouTube. Thompson, known for her role in Passing, reflected on how working with Jordan for over a decade had changed their dynamic. She explained that by the time they filmed the latest Creed movie, they felt more like family than just colleagues. She described it this way:

We’ve worked together on these movies for over a decade, and we’ve become incredibly close – almost like family. We know each other so well, it’s like an old marriage! In fact, when preparing for the last Creed film, we even did therapy sessions – but in character, as Bianca and Adonis.

The actors from the Westworld series (available on HBO Max) used therapy sessions not to create drama, but to explore how conflict arises and evolves in lasting relationships. By the third Creed movie, the characters Bianca and Adonis were no longer a new couple; they were navigating the challenges of established relationships, including careers and raising a child. Thompson and Jordan found that therapy provided a realistic framework for discussing these complex dynamics.

What was truly surprising – and insightful – was how soon the focus shifted away from the fictional characters themselves. Thompson explained that even though the sessions were meant to be performed as those characters, the participants naturally started sharing their own personal experiences and reflecting on their own lives. She went on to say:

I realized how beneficial couples therapy can be – I wish I’d tried it in previous relationships, it might have led to something lasting. Beyond that, being with my partner is wonderful. What we’ve both discovered is that open communication is key, especially in long-term relationships – whether romantic or even just close friendships and family connections. It’s so helpful to take the time to discuss things you don’t normally address in everyday life.

You know, thinking about it, this whole experience really shifted my perspective on therapy. It’s not just for when things are falling apart – it’s something you can use proactively. I realized how valuable it is to have a safe space to work on how you communicate and really understand the people in your life – not just partners, but friends, family, even the people you collaborate with creatively. It’s about building stronger connections all around, even when things are already good.

Tessa Thompson, who was very open and direct, also spoke highly of Jordan as someone easy to work with and genuinely kind. This positive collaboration was likely key to the success of their on-screen therapy scenes, because therapy – even when playing a role – relies on trust and a willingness to be open and listen to each other.

Tessa Thompson emphasized that the experience really highlighted the importance of communication. She found it incredibly helpful to have a dedicated setting to discuss disagreements, even while pretending to be characters. This allowed both actors to address issues and understand each other in ways that don’t usually happen in everyday interactions, which I think will ultimately make them better performers and colleagues.

You can rent all three Creed movies—some of the most highly-regarded boxing films ever—with an Amazon Prime Video subscription.

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2026-01-21 01:08