Hedda Trailer Reimagines Ibsen’s Classic for Prime Video
Prime Video has released the official trailer for Hedda, a modern retelling of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play Hedda Gabler. The adaptation, directed by Nia DaCosta and starring Tessa Thompson, arrives on October 29, 2025.
The newly unveiled trailer for Hedda signals Prime Video’s bold move to bring a 19th-century masterpiece into contemporary cinema. Directed by Nia DaCosta, known for Candyman (2021) and The Marvels (2023), the film positions itself as a sharp reinterpretation of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, a play first published in 1890.
Tessa Thompson leads the cast as Hedda, stepping into one of theater’s most complex roles. The trailer paints her as “fire before she was domesticated,” hinting at themes of control, rebellion, and destructive desire. Alongside Thompson, the ensemble includes Imogen Poots, Tom Bateman, Nicholas Pinnock, and Nina Hoss, building anticipation for layered performances.
Produced by Orion Pictures, Plan B Entertainment, and Amazon MGM Studios, Hedda carries strong creative weight. The list of producers includes Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Gabrielle Nadig, and DaCosta herself, with Thompson also credited as a producer. The score is composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir, whose haunting work on Joker and Chernobyl earned her wide acclaim.
The trailer teases modern twists while preserving iconic elements of Ibsen’s narrative. Hedda’s pursuit of “money and the house,” an ominous pistol, and a dramatic bonfire sequence mirror the play’s exploration of power and entrapment. A fleeting line, “Nothing can go wrong tonight”, foreshadows the inevitable unraveling.
Prime Video markets the project as more than just a retelling. With DaCosta at the helm, Hedda emerges as both psychological thriller and social commentary, updating Ibsen’s themes of female agency and societal confinement for today’s audiences. This combination may resonate strongly with viewers craving character-driven drama on streaming platforms.
The original play, renowned for its radical portrayal of a woman unwilling to conform, has seen countless stage productions. Yet few film adaptations have reached mainstream audiences. By debuting on Prime Video, Hedda aims to bring this timeless story to a global audience, potentially cementing it as a cultural touchstone for a new generation.
For Tessa Thompson, the role represents a significant transformation and a possible awards-season push. Her Hedda may join the ranks of iconic portrayals, reintroducing Ibsen’s antiheroine as a figure of modern relevance and intensity.
