Acclaimed filmmaker Nia DaCosta returns to the big screen with Hedda — a bold reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic 1891 play Hedda Gabler. Blending psychological tension with feminist undertones, the film stars Tessa Thompson in an electrifying lead role that has already generated Oscar buzz. Following its critically-acclaimed festival run, Hedda is ready for its theatrical and digital premieres this October.
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When Will Hedda Release?
As reported by Sportskeeda, Hedda will release in select US theaters on October 22, 2025, followed by a global digital premiere on Amazon Prime Video on October 29, 2025.
After its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and screenings at major circuits like the Nashville, BFI London, and Rome Film Festivals, DaCosta’s Hedda is now poised for a worldwide audience through Amazon MGM Studios.
Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Hedda |
| Director & Writer | Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels) |
| Based On | Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen (1891) |
| Lead Actor | Tessa Thompson |
| Production Companies | Orion Pictures, Plan B Entertainment, Viva Maude |
| US Theatrical Release | October 22, 2025 |
| Streaming Platform | Amazon Prime Video |
| Digital Release Date | October 29, 2025 |
| Runtime | 1 hour 47 minutes |
| Genre | Drama |
| Rating | R (For sexual content, brief nudity, and language) |
What Is Hedda About?
Set in the mid-20th century, Hedda takes place over the course of a single stormy night as newlywed Hedda Gabler hosts a dinner party at her home. What begins as an ordinary evening soon spirals into emotional chaos when suppressed desires, regrets, and rivalries resurface among her guests.
Nia DaCosta reimagines the original play with a feminist twist, exploring autonomy, power, and self-determination in a patriarchal world. One of the most talked-about creative decisions is DaCosta’s gender-swap of the Eilert Løvborg character — now portrayed as Eileen Lovborg, played by the magnetic Nina Hoss. This shift adds deeper layers of intimacy and competition that modernize Ibsen’s 19th-century tragedy.
Critics have praised the film’s poetic cinematography, simmering dialogue, and masterful performances. According to Rotten Tomatoes, Hedda is “a bracingly contemporary reworking of a classic text anchored by Tessa Thompson’s commanding turn.”
The Star-Studded Cast of Hedda
The film is headlined by a stellar cast that breathes new life into Ibsen’s timeless characters.
| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tessa Thompson | Hedda Gabler | A brilliant but restless woman trapped by social constraints and her own decisions. |
| Nina Hoss | Eileen Lovborg | A reimagined version of Ibsen’s Løvborg, now presented as a complex female rival. |
| Imogen Poots | Thea Clifton | Hedda’s compassionate confidante who becomes entangled in her emotional traps. |
| Tom Bateman | George Tesman | Hedda’s husband, whose ambition clashes with her need for freedom. |
| Nicholas Pinnock | Judge Roland Brack | A manipulative suitor whose charm hides betrayal. |
| Kathryn Hunter | Bertie | The loyal housemaid who is perceptive of the chaos unfolding. |
| Finbar Lynch | Professor Greenwood | A symbolic voice of reason and restraint. |
| Mirren Mack | Tabitha Greenwood | The next generation questioning Hedda’s world. |
| Jamael Westman | David | Adds fresh energy and moral conflict to Hedda’s circle. |
| Saffron Hocking | Jane Ji | A modern commentary on independence and female identity. |
Tessa Thompson, who also serves as a producer, described the role as “both terrifying and liberating,” calling Hedda “a story about self-awareness, rage, and how women are taught to contain both.”
Why Hedda Is One of 2025’s Most Anticipated Films
- Nia DaCosta’s Visionary Direction: Fresh from her success with The Marvels, DaCosta delivers her most intimate and character-driven work yet.
- Powerful Performances: Early festival screenings highlighted Thompson and Hoss for awards-season buzz.
- Modern Feminist Relevance: This adaptation positions Hedda as a symbol of modern female agency rather than mere tragedy.
- Cinematic Appeal: From its detailed production design to haunting score, Hedda offers a theatrical experience made for the big screen.
Critical Reception So Far
At the Toronto International Film Festival, critics lauded Hedda for its bold interpretation of classic material and rich character dynamics. Deadline praised it as “a compelling fusion of Saltburn’s decadence and Bright Young Things’ biting wit.”
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds an early score of 91%, signaling widespread acclaim.
Where to Watch
After its limited theatrical run in the US, Hedda will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video starting October 29, 2025. The film will be available globally, with regional schedules for the UK, Canada, India, and Australia expected soon.
Stay tuned for streaming updates on About Amazon and Prime Video.
External Sources
Internal Links from TechnoSports
- Explore upcoming movie releases: TechnoSports Movie Hub
- Read about new streaming premieres: Entertainment & OTT News
FAQs
Q1: When will Hedda be available for streaming?
Hedda starts streaming globally on October 29, 2025, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, following its theatrical premiere on October 22, 2025.
Q2: Who directed Hedda and what is unique about this version?
Directed and written by Nia DaCosta, this adaptation reimagines Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 play with gender-swapped roles and richer themes of autonomy, self-destruction, and power dynamics.
