More than a decade after one of the most unforgettable moments in Game of Thrones, actress Lena Headey has spoken about the criticism she faced for using a body double during Cersei Lannister’s famous Walk of Atonement scene. Looking back, Headey said she was surprised by the strong reaction from some viewers, many of whom believed she had somehow misled the audience. She explained that she never understood why people were upset because, by that stage of the show’s success, filming such a scene without extra support was simply not possible.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Headey said the sequence was filmed with around 3,000 extras on set. She explained that acting in such an emotional scene while also worrying about being completely naked in front of thousands of people would have made it impossible for her to deliver the performance the story required. According to Headey, she wanted to focus on Cersei’s emotions rather than feel uncomfortable or distracted during filming.
The actress said she had enough experience in the industry to confidently set personal boundaries. She believes many younger actresses often do not feel they have the same freedom because they are still trying to establish their careers. Headey explained that by that point in her life she was comfortable speaking up for herself, while younger performers may feel more pressure to agree to situations they are not fully comfortable with.
Headey also addressed the criticism she received years ago from people who claimed she was “less of an actress” because she chose not to film the nude scenes herself. She made it clear that she has never had a problem with nudity in films or television. However, she said she is a deeply emotional performer and wanted to protect the honesty of her acting. She believed using a body double allowed her to stay focused on Cersei’s emotional journey instead of worrying about her own discomfort.
The actress praised body double Rebecca Van Cleave for taking on the physically demanding scenes and said she was present throughout the three day shoot, working closely with her. Headey added that becoming a mother and being a well known public figure also influenced her decision, making her feel that filming the nude scenes herself was not the right choice.
Reflecting on her early years in Hollywood, Headey said many young actresses were expected to perform intimate scenes as part of getting noticed. At the time, she rarely questioned those expectations because she was simply grateful to have work. Looking back now, she believes some of those experiences crossed personal boundaries and made her uncomfortable.
Headey also spoke about how the #MeToo movement changed the conversation in the entertainment industry. She said it exposed the imbalance of power between influential people and young actors trying to build careers. According to her, many actresses today are far more confident about saying no to situations that make them uncomfortable, and she believes that is an important and positive change for the industry.