Nina Hoss Shines in Gender-Swapped Adaptation of "Hedda"

On December 4, 2025, the IndieWire Honors Winter ceremony will recognize the contributions of filmmakers and performers in the film industry. Among the honorees is Nina Hoss, who will receive the Spotlight Award for her compelling performances, including her recent role in Nia DaCosta's adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda."

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In "Hedda," Hoss portrays Eileen Lovborg, a character originally written as a male, now reimagined as a bisexual woman. This adaptation marks a significant shift in the narrative, allowing for a deeper exploration of the dynamics between Eileen and Hedda Gabler, played by Tessa Thompson. Hoss, who has a rich history of collaboration with director Christian Petzold, emphasizes the importance of the character's emotional state, stating, “I need the situation that the character’s in to put myself into that moment.”

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Hoss's performance is characterized by her ability to convey a range of emotions, from vulnerability to manipulation. She reflects on her approach to acting, noting that she does not rely on techniques to induce tears but instead immerses herself in the character's circumstances. “I don’t have another part of my brain going on to push me into creating tears,” she explains.

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The gender-swapped role of Eileen presents unique challenges and opportunities for Hoss. She describes the character as "destructive" but not a psychopath, highlighting the existential struggle Eileen faces within a patriarchal structure. Hoss notes, “The fight is the same. Because of the patriarchal structure Eileen is under, that makes it so much more of an existential struggle for her than it is for Ejlert.”

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The chemistry between Hoss and Thompson is palpable, particularly in a pivotal scene where Eileen makes her entrance at Hedda's party. Thompson, reflecting on this moment, praises Hoss's commanding presence, stating, “Nina just comes in and stands, and she’s so incredibly powerful.” The scene's execution, enhanced by a cinematic technique reminiscent of Spike Lee's work, underscores the magnetic dynamic between the two characters.

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Hoss's portrayal has garnered acclaim for its depth and complexity. Tessa Thompson describes Hoss as “incredibly gifted,” emphasizing her ability to transform the energy of a scene. Hoss herself acknowledges the emotional toll of her roles, stating, “If I would stay in it the whole time, I would be completely depleted.”

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• “I don’t have another part of my brain going on to push me into creating tears, like a technique.” — Nina Hoss, Actress

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• “That came somehow with just being a woman at the time because it’s still [Ibsen’s] text. I’m saying a man’s words. There was no discrepancy. The fight is the same. Because of the patriarchal structure Eileen is under, that makes it so much more of an existential struggle for her than it is for Ejlert. That was just phenomenal to explore and work on.” — Nina Hoss, Actress

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• “But Nina just comes in and stands, and she’s so incredibly powerful.” — Tessa Thompson, Actress

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Nina Hoss's performance in "Hedda" not only showcases her exceptional talent but also highlights the evolving landscape of gender representation in theater. As audiences engage with this reimagined classic, Hoss's portrayal of Eileen Lovborg stands as a testament to the power of nuanced storytelling and the importance of diverse perspectives in the arts. "Hedda" is currently available for streaming on Prime Video.

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