(Photo courtesy of: Smarthouse Creative & Hudson Phillips)
Written by: TiShea Wilson, Managing Editor
With a presence that commands the screen and a range that moves effortlessly between sharp comedy and poignant drama, Adetinpo Thomas is steadily building a reputation as one of the most dynamic and engaging actresses and filmmakers of her generation. Best known to many audiences for her memorable role as Mary Ellen in the award winning film, The Color Purple, Thomas has also appeared in a wide variety of television and film projects such as Hawkeye (Disney+), Black Lightning (CW), and Devotion. The list goes on with projects like Clean Slate and The Earth Will Not Swallow Us that have made the rounds at festivals from San Diego to Barcelona. Her performances are marked by a quiet intensity and emotional authenticity that stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
In her latest film, Guacamole Yesterdays, Thomas takes on a role that allows her to explore memory, presence, and perception through a uniquely sci-fi lens. Playing a therapist whose appearances may—or may not—be real, she brought emotional depth and grounded subtlety to a character that walks the line between reality and recollection. With her signature commitment to craft, Thomas leaned into the challenge of portraying sincerity amid surreal circumstances, proving once again that she thrives in spaces where storytelling is both intelligent and intimate. Nerd Alert News caught up with this rising star to talk about what drew her to the film, how she approaches complex characters, and what exciting projects are coming next. From her early days in theater to her growing body of screen work, Adetinpo Thomas continues to prove that she’s a performer to watch—thoughtful, fearless, and endlessly compelling.
TiShea Wilson: Hi, Adetinpo! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! How did you first come to be involved in Guacamole Yesterdays? What was your first impression when you read the script?
Adetinpo Thomas: I heard about the film from my agents! Turns out Brohammer, the production designer of the film, suggested me for the role. I read it and immediately loved it. It’s a beautiful story with sci-fi undertones, I couldn’t ask for more.
TW: What was it about the story or your character that made you say, “I need to be part of this”? Was there a specific moment in the script that really connected with you on a personal or emotional level?
AT: One thing that I found really interesting about my character is that throughout the movie, you aren’t exactly sure if the moments we see her with Ames are real. So it was fun to do the actor’s “homework” of figuring out how much of my character was Ames’ adjusted memories or a factual encounter.
TW: Your performance carries so much nuance. How did you emotionally prepare to bring this character to life?
AT: The homework part is one of my favorite parts of acting! I really focused on keeping the performance as grounded as possible. Because the circumstances are so steeped in sci-fi, I felt it was important for those sci-fi elements to feel almost mundane in their normalcy.
TW: This film balances humor and heartfelt storytelling in a really unique way. Was it difficult to navigate that tonal blend while staying true to your character’s emotional arc?
AT: Unfortunately, I didn’t get to be funny in this! I also had to pretend I didn’t know a lot of what was happening to Ames during the story. Who would have thought that playing a neutral therapist would require so much doublethink? Conveniently, my character’s arc was all about showing up for Ames in a healthy way.
TW: We always love a good behind-the-scenes story. Was there a particularly memorable day on set—maybe something funny, challenging, or even unexpectedly moving?
AT: The day Dr. Pert (my character actually had a name!) was to confront Ames, in a she-edited-her-memory scene, was surprisingly difficult. I had spent so much time with Sophie, who played Ames, over that week. Not just on camera but also behind the scenes, we shared a dressing room but Sophie decided it would be best to be in different dressing rooms that day. I was sad. But it helped with the scene!
TW: Your chemistry with the rest of the cast felt so natural. Did that develop organically, or were there any bonding moments during rehearsals or off-hours that helped?
AT: I felt like Sophie and I clicked immediately! I had such a lovely time working with her. She’s so present and generous as an actor and that made my job easier and even more fun.
TW: Is there a scene in Guacamole Yesterdays that stands out as especially powerful for you either as a performer or as a fan of the film itself?
AT: There is something incredibly visceral about the fight Ames and Franklin have in the bathroom. It gets my heart racing every time.
TW: You’ve taken on such a range of roles in your career. From drama to comedy and everything in between. What do you look for in a script or character when deciding to take on a project? Is it about the story, the director, the challenge of the role, or something else entirely?
AT: I like to look at the overall impact of the story and the depth of the character I’ll get to play. Too often, stories verge on meaningless or characters are simply caricatures. But to find a story that is full of life and has well thought out characters is always a treat. Ideally, you’re also working with good people.
TW: Working on a film like Guacamole Yesterdays, what would you say is the biggest thing you’ve learned as an actor, about your craft, or about yourself?
AT: A major take away for me is that I love doing indie projects. The stories are so rich and everyone wants to be there and to make the project the best it can be. Working on this was a great reminder of how much the artistry of storytelling means to me.
TW: Can you give us a sneak peek at what’s next for you? Whether it’s another film, TV, stage work, or even something outside of acting? Is there a project you’re especially excited about that fans should keep an eye out for?
AT: I worked on several indie projects during the strike that are finally starting to come out! There’s also a show I’m about to start working on that I think will be really powerful when it’s released. Most importantly though, I’ve got a pretty serious garden for the first time in my life. So, wish me luck while I battle whatever has been eating my Marigolds!
As Guacamole Yesterdays makes its way to audiences, Adetinpo Thomas continues to prove that her star is on the rise—not just because of her talent, but because of the heart, thoughtfulness, and intention she brings to every role. With a slate of future projects on the horizon and a creative spirit that thrives on meaningful storytelling, Thomas is carving out a career defined not by type, but by depth. Whether on screen or stage, comedy or drama, one thing is clear: she’s only getting started. And may the odds be ever in her favor when it comes to battling for those Marigolds!
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