Tessa Thompson praises costar Adrien Brody at Broadway opening

• Tessa Thompson and Adrien Brody are currently starring in The Fear of 13 on Broadway.
• The play is based on the true story of Nick Yarris, a man wrongfully convicted of murder.
• Adrien Brody was nominated for an Olivier Award for this role during the London run.
  

Tessa Thompson has shared her admiration for her costar Adrien Brody as the pair celebrates their official Broadway debuts in the new play The Fear of 13.

Speaking at the opening night celebration at the James Earl Jones Theatre on April 15, 2026, Thompson described the Oscar winner as "tremendous" and "deeply kind."

The actress, who plays a volunteer named Jacki, noted that the intense rehearsal process for the high-stakes drama has made the two costars feel as though they have known each other "for ages."

Directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer and written by Lindsey Ferrentino, The Fear of 13 is based on the extraordinary true story of Nick Yarris (played by Brody), who spent 22 years on death row for a crime he did not commit.

Thompson’s character, Jacki, forms a deep bond with Yarris through a series of prison visits that blur the lines between witness and participant.

Thompson noted that working with Brody has been a "great" experience, praising his ability to maintain a "spirit of play" despite his decades of professional experience.

Brody, who received an Olivier nomination for his performance during the play’s acclaimed London run, expressed his own gratitude for the Broadway transfer.

"I'm very grateful to be doing what I love on that day," he told reporters, referring to the milestone of his first Broadway appearance.

Following the opening night performance, the cast, which also includes Tony nominee Ephraim Sykes, celebrated with a gathering hosted by Thompson. The production is currently scheduled for a limited run through July 12, 2026.