Michael B. Jordan & Tessa Thompson Went To Couple's Therapy While Filming "Creed III"

Tessa says they stayed in character as Adonis and Bianca, but the sessions helped them work out real life issues with relationships.

BYErika Marie
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History has been made after Creed III's monumental opening weekend, and much of it is thanks to Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson. It's reported that Creed III raked in $100 million in its first few days, and we're sure the cast is somewhere celebrating. In the film, Thompson's character, Bianca, presses Jordan's character about going to therapy to work out his issues. The actress told Refinery29 that the two stars stretched their acting chops and attended real-life therapy—in character.

"It’s like a full PSA for therapy [laughs]," said Thompson. She detailed Bianca's evolution and stepping into a softer side when she entered motherhood. "And finally, Mike and I actually went to therapy together. We did couples therapy." The interviewer was surprised at the revelation and asked if they answered questions as their characters. "Yes, in character, but it ended up being like — the line sometimes between character and us get blurred because we bring so much of what we're exploring personally to the characters in general."

Digging Into A Character's Issues

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson attend the "Creed III" European Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on February 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

For a moment, Thompson thought she might have been telling too many details. Still, she continued. "I’ll say it was an early experience in couples therapy for us both [personally], but it was as these characters, which is very weird. But I think it reminded us of our own personal lives that going to therapy, even when a relationship is good, can be a good thing if you're trying to just sharpen communication and figure out how someone works. It's useful in so many relationships."

Thompson explained that although they attacked the therapy session as Bianca and Adonis, she and Jordan "were also reflecting on our own relationships." The costars have been creating hit films in the Creedverse for almost a decade, and they've grown as individuals as well as performers. "We've seen each other through various stages in our own romantic things," she said. "So, we know stuff about each other’s lives. We shared and talked about it. So, therapy ended up starting at work and getting more personal."

Tessa Thompson Left With a Deeper Understanding

She added, "Also, it was a chance for us to really talk to a couples therapist and understand what are some of the things young parents who are trying to balance their own dreams and aspirations? What are the themes that you see?" Also, "What are the things they might be up against? What might be their impediments to happiness or success as a couple? That was really fascinating also to hear from her and bring that into the stew."

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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.