Tessa Thompson recently disclosed that she and Michael B. Jordan, her long-time collaborator and friend, took an unusual step while preparing for Creed III. Instead of only rehearsing their scenes, they participated in couples therapy sessions together, portraying their characters Bianca and Adonis. This approach aimed to strengthen their portrayal by exploring relationship dynamics beyond the script.
The revelation came during an interview on Sherri, hosted by Sherri Shepherd, where Thompson reflected on their decade-spanning working relationship. Over the years, Thompson and Jordan have developed a bond resembling more of family than just co-stars, which she described as being like “an old married couple.”
Understanding Long-Term Relationship Challenges Through Therapy
Thompson explained that the couple’s therapy was not intended to generate or resolve conflicts for the film’s storyline. Instead, the sessions were designed to help them grasp the roots of disagreements and tension in long-lasting relationships. Their characters, Bianca and Adonis, have grown together through career challenges, parenthood, and the subtle pressures that arise over time. The therapy introduced a realistic framework for portraying these evolving complexities.
Despite initially approaching the therapy strictly in character, the experience naturally began influencing their personal reflections. Thompson acknowledged that the process went beyond acting, illuminating important insights applicable to their own lives.
The Personal Impact of Couples Therapy on Thompson
Reflecting on the experience, Thompson admitted that couples therapy is beneficial far beyond fictional roles. She said,
“First of all, I learned that people need to go to couples therapy. I should have done it in some of my past relationships. Maybe then I would be married. So I learned that, and then he’s such a delight and such a lovely person. But I think what we learned is that when you’re in a long-term relationship — not even married, just friendship, and with our families — it’s so great to get in there and talk about any of the issues that maybe you just don’t have the chance to, you know, in your day-to-day.”
?Tessa Thompson, Actress
This realization underscored that therapy is not only a resource for couples in crisis but a valuable tool for maintaining and enhancing any meaningful relationship. For Thompson, it emphasized honest communication and emotional clarity that can often be overlooked in busy daily lives.
Celebrating Trust and Collaboration in Their Partnership
Thompson praised Michael B. Jordan as a gracious and joyful collaborator, qualities that made their shared therapy sessions successful. The trust and openness required to engage in therapy—even while role-playing—demand a strong foundation of mutual respect and willingness to listen, both of which the actors clearly share.
Their commitment to exploring relationship nuances in therapy provided a unique way to strengthen not only their characters but also their real-life creative partnership. This process likely enhanced their performances by fostering deeper understanding and authentic emotional expression.
The Broader Importance of Communication in Relationships
Tessa Thompson framed the exercise as a reminder of the power of communication. Featuring a dedicated setting to address conflicts, even fictional ones, allowed both actors to navigate issues that might otherwise remain unspoken. This approach demonstrates how professional collaborations can benefit from emotional honesty and dialogue, contributing to healthier working environments and richer storytelling.
For viewers, this behind-the-scenes insight adds new depth to Creed III, highlighting the thoughtful preparation behind the film’s portrayal of enduring love and partnership.
The complete Creed trilogy, widely regarded as some of the best boxing films, is available for streaming via Amazon Prime Video.
