Tessa Thompson’s Viva Maude Inks First-Look Film Deal With Amazon MGM Studios

Tessa Thompson’s Viva Maude production company has inked a multi-year first-look film deal with Amazon MGM Studios.

News of the pact comes as Thompson is in production on “Hedda,” writer-director Nia DaCosta’s reimagining of the famed Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 stage play “Hedda Gabler.” Variety exclusively announced that the project was in the works, under Amazon MGM’s Orion Pictures banner, in 2022.

More from Variety

• 'The Voice' Producer Inks Pact for Global Esports Games Reality TV Shows, Live Events

• Amazon Teams With Wonder Project on Faith-Based Films & Shows, Streamer Orders 'House of David' to Series

• Amazon MGM Studios Signs Multiyear First-Look Deal with Tastemade

“Hedda” is Thompson’s latest film at the studio after she starred opposite Michael B. Jordan in all three installments of the “Creed” franchise. Plus, in 2020, she executive produced and starred in “Sylvie’s Love” for Prime video. Thompson launched Viva Maude the same year with the mission to “influence culture through projects that defy categorization and are manifestly entertaining.”

“Tessa Thompson is a true force and an extraordinarily talented actor and producer,” said Amazon MGM Studios’ head of film creative and strategy Julie Rapaport and Orion Pictures chief Alana Mayo, in a statement announcing the pact. “As we continue production on ‘Hedda,’ we could not imagine a better time to formalize our relationship with Viva Maude. We look forward to continuing our work together to develop inclusive and impactful stories that uplift, inspire, and entertain.”

Thompson added: “I founded Viva Maude to create more room: room for our collaborators to think more boldly, room for artists to grow in new ways, room for dreaming bigger as to what a production company can do. Amazon MGM/Orion Pictures prove themselves time and time again to be true partners in creating ambitious work, and I’m thrilled for Viva Maude to have such thoughtful leadership in our corner.”

Viva Maude has more than 20 feature films and television projects in the works, including “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies” at Max and “Luster” for HBO, where the company was previously set up with a first-look deal. Kishori Rajan (“Random Acts of Flyness”) joined the company in 2021 as senior VP of development and production.

Thompson is repped by WME, Mosaic, Jeff Bernstein at Jackoway Austen Tyerman, and Shelter PR.

Best of Variety

• Final Oscars Predictions: Best Actor - Why Colman Domingo's Chances Improve for 'Rustin' With Decade-Long Stat

• Final Oscars Predictions: Best Actress - A 46 Year Old Statistic Could be Broken With the Leading Contenders

• Final Oscars Predictions: Original Screenplay - Branch Members Suggest Watch Out for Emerald Fennell's 'Saltburn'

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.