Tessa Thompson And Michael B. Jordan Went The Method Acting Route For “Creed III” And Attended Therapy As Their Characters

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Creed III hit theaters this weekend, finally reuniting us with our favorite little boxer.

Adonis Creed, in his robe and boxing gloves, walks towards the ring as the spectators cheer
Eli Ade /© MGM /Courtesy Everett Collection

Fans are loving the new installment, which received an impressive 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and people are praising the film's stars, Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson, for their performances.

From left to right, Tessa and Michael sit on the edge of a bathroom tub in a scene from the film
Eli Ade /© MGM /Courtesy Everett Collection

Well, it should come as no surprise that these two pulled out stellar performances, because they are committed to these roles — like, REALLY committed.

The two actors arm-in-arm as they pose on the red carpet at the film's premiere
Michael Buckner / Variety via Getty Images

In a recent interview with Refinery29, Tessa revealed that to better prepare for their roles, she and Michael B. went to couples counseling together...AS THEIR CHARACTERS.

From left to right, Adonis and Bianca sitting on a couch. Bianca is looking at Adonis as he she places her hand on his knee. Adonis is looking down
Eli Ade /© MGM /Courtesy Everett Collection

"Mike and I actually went to therapy together. We did couples therapy. ... Yes, in character."

A closeup of Tessa smiling on the red carpet
Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images

A big part of Creed III's story deals with mental health, as Bianca urges Adonis to open up about his past and shares how therapy has helped her change and learn more about herself.

  Eli Ade /© MGM /Courtesy Everett Collection
Eli Ade /© MGM /Courtesy Everett Collection

The experience proved to be eye-opening, not just for the relationship between their characters, but for the actors themselves.

  Paras Griffin / Getty Images for MGM Studios
Paras Griffin / Getty Images for MGM Studios

"The line sometimes between character and us gets blurred because we bring so much of what we're exploring personally to the characters."

Michael hugging Tessa on the red carpet
Karwai Tang / WireImage

Tessa added, "Since we've been making these movies for eight, nine years, we've seen each other through various stages in our own romantic things. 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."

A closeup of Tessa  who's wearing a pantsuit with metallic detailing. Her hair is pulled back into a bun and she's wearing large hooped earrings
Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

She even joked that the movie is "a full PSA for therapy."

<div><p>"She constantly reminds me to just stay in therapy, get into therapy, talk about your feelings. You don't always have to have it figured out. You don't always have to be tough."</p></div><span> Carol Lee Rose / FilmMagic</span>

"She constantly reminds me to just stay in therapy, get into therapy, talk about your feelings. You don't always have to have it figured out. You don't always have to be tough."

Carol Lee Rose / FilmMagic

"I think it reminded us...that going to therapy, even when a relationship is good, can...sharpen communication and figure out how someone works. It's useful in so many relationships."

  Gregg Deguire / FilmMagic
Gregg Deguire / FilmMagic

As a fan of these movies, these actors, and therapy, this whole thing delights me and I hope to see some Tessa/Michael therapy sessions in the Creed III special features, LOL.

  Carol Lee Rose / FilmMagic
Carol Lee Rose / FilmMagic

What did you think about Creed III? Let me know in the comments!