Nia DaCosta’s “Hedda” Set to Reimagine a Classic for a New Era

Anticipation is building for the October release of “Hedda,” director Nia DaCosta’s adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s seminal play, “Hedda Gabler” . This new film, produced by Amazon MGM Studios, stars Tessa Thompson in the title role and features a cast that includes Imogen Poots, Tom Bateman, Nicholas Pinnock, and Nina Hoss. “Hedda” will make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2025, before its limited theatrical release in the United States on October 22 and subsequent streaming debut on Amazon Prime Video on October 29 .

DaCosta, celebrated for her visionary storytelling in films like “Little Woods” and “Candyman,” both of which foregrounded marginalized voices, brings a fresh perspective to Ibsen’s narrative. The decision to recast “Hedda Gabler” for modern times—while retaining the emotional core of the original—signals a commitment to exploring issues of identity, agency, and societal constraint .

“Hedda” follows its protagonist as she struggles with a marriage she did not truly choose, the confines of a home she cannot embrace, and the return of a former lover . While the source material has long been interpreted as a critique of patriarchal oppression and restrictive gender roles, DaCosta’s adaptation is expected to further interrogate the intersections of autonomy, desire, and self-definition.

For LGBTQ+ viewers, these themes echo familiar experiences: navigating societal expectations, negotiating the boundaries of chosen and imposed identity, and resisting the limitations placed upon desire and agency. In interviews for previous projects, both DaCosta and Thompson have described their interest in stories that “center people who have historically been denied a voice” .

The casting of Tessa Thompson, a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation, brings additional significance to this adaptation. Thompson’s openness about her own queer identity and her history of choosing roles that challenge mainstream narratives make her portrayal of Hedda Gabler an event of particular note within queer media circles .

Principal photography for “Hedda” began in the United Kingdom in early 2024, with a diverse ensemble cast that includes Imogen Poots as Thea Clifton, Tom Bateman as George Tesman, and Nina Hoss as Eileen Lovborg, among others . The film is produced in collaboration with Orion Pictures, Plan B Entertainment, and Amazon MGM Studios, organizations noted for supporting boundary-pushing cinema .

Behind the camera, DaCosta’s creative vision is supported by a team committed to inclusive storytelling. Thompson’s involvement as both lead actor and producer underscores the film’s dedication to authentic representation and intersectional narratives .

As “Hedda” prepares for its festival premiere and public release, the film stands poised to resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences who see their own struggles reflected in stories of resistance to social and personal constraint. By reimagining Ibsen’s classic through a modern, intersectional lens, DaCosta’s adaptation invites viewers to consider how the search for autonomy and authenticity remains a pressing concern for queer individuals today.

Industry observers note that “Hedda” is already being discussed as one of the year’s most anticipated films, particularly for those seeking nuanced, character-driven drama with the potential to spark dialogue around gender, sexuality, and power structures .

With its combination of a visionary director, a powerhouse cast, and source material ripe for reinterpretation, “Hedda” is well-positioned to become a touchstone for queer cinema in 2025.