Why Nia DaCosta’s Hedda Could Be the Game-Changer No One Saw Coming — Here’s Why You Need to Pay Attention Now!

Isn’t it wild how a classic play from the 19th century can get a full-on makeover and still feel so raw and electric? That’s exactly what Nia DaCosta is cooking up with her latest project, Hedda — a bold, queer reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. Set to turn heads at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, this film isn’t just any adaptation; it’s a fierce dive into manipulation, passion, and spiraling desires over the course of one intensely charged night. And with Tessa Thompson not only leading the cast but also stepping up behind the scenes as a producer, you can bet this drama will pack a punch. Ready to peel back the layers of this much-anticipated release? Trust me, you don’t want to miss what’s coming to the big screen — and soon, your streaming queue too. LEARN MORE

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One of the most-anticipated films of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival is Hedda, the Nia DaCosta-directed drama that reimagines Henrik Ibsen’s play, Hedda Gabler.

Tessa Thompson (Sylvie’s Love) will reunite with DaCosta, who she previously worked with on the film Little Woods in 2018. Thompson will portray the titular character, while also serving as a producer alongside DaCosta, Gabrielle Nadig, Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner. Other stars will include Imogen Poots, Tom Bateman, Nicholas Pinnock, and Nina Hoss.

Today, we finally got our first look at Hedda, with a teaser trailer that promises plenty of intense drama. Ahead, check out the full clip and find out everything we know about the buzzy release, from the plot to when it will be available to stream at home.

What is Hedda about?

Hedda is slated to be a reimagining of Ibsen’s classic work, and the official synopsis for the film reads: “Over the course of one charged night, long-repressed desires and hidden tensions erupt — pulling [Hedda] and everyone around her into a spiral of manipulation, passion, and betrayal.”

Ibsen’s electrifying play tells the story of a newly-married woman who finds herself bored with her current life and current situation, so she decides to manipulate a former lover into ending his life.

Except in DaCosta’s version (she served as screenwriter in addition to being director), Hedda’s former lover is a woman, giving the film a more radical, queer spin.

Who stars in Hedda?

Along with the lead, Tessa Thompson, the ensemble cast of Hedda includes Imogen Poots, Tom Bateman, Nicholas Pinnock, Nina Hoss, Finbar Lynch, Mirren Mack, Jamael Westman, Saffron Hocking, and Kathryn Hunter.

Is there a trailer yet?

Amazon MGM Studios released the first trailer for Hedda on August 21. You can watch the clip below.

Has the source material been adapted for the screen before?

Hedda Gabler has actually been adapted for the screen numerous times. The BBC released a few different television productions throughout the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, while a British film adaptation, titled Hedda (1975) earned nominations at the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.

In 2004, an independent American film adaptation starring Heidi Schreck reimagined the story in modern day, taking place in the state of Washington.

How can I watch Hedda?

After its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, Hedda will receive a limited theatrical release on October 22. Soon after, the film will be available to stream on Amazon Prime beginning October 29.