Lena Headey is looking back on how some Game of Thrones fans were upset she didn’t go nude onscreen.
Headey, 52, is best known for her role as Cersei Lannister on the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, which is based on the beloved book series by George R. R. Martin. But in a new interview, the British actress reflected on how she faced a significant backlash from fans during the show’s fifth season when she decided to use a body double in a nude scene. When word got out that a body double and some CGI were used for the scene, Thrones fans were very upset and took to social media to declare their frustration with Headey.
“I was really shocked by the anger, by this idea that I’d duped the audience,” Headey shared in a new interview with The Telegraph. “But by that point everyone knew [the cast], it was insane simply going anywhere, and I was with 3,000 extras. Acting is a joy, but it requires a lot of you. I wouldn’t have been able to do the emotional part of the job; I’d have been in full-on defensive mode.”
At the time, Headey spoke of the controversy, telling Entertainment Weekly that “some people thought I was less of an actress because I didn’t get my tits out.”
It was really a bit shocking. I’ve done nudity. I’m not averse to it. But I know I’m a very emotional actor and I get really driven by that. In order to do my job, I allow myself to be really vulnerable. I don’t know any other way to do my job. Things really affect me,” Headey shared with EW. “And the thought of being naked for three days and trying to contain her in the way she would be, I think I would feel very angry. I didn’t want to be angry. I don’t think Cersei would be angry. I did what I thought she would do, emotionally.”
What’s Next for Lena Headey?
Lena appears in the new BBC Radio audio drama Intimacy, in which she plays Liza Simmons, whose dream job on a major film set takes a dark turn when secrets resurface from her shared past with the director. Intimacy premieres on BBC Sounds on July 22.
Related: ‘House of the Dragon’ Has Broken a Record Previously Held by ‘Game of Thrones’
This story was originally published by Parade on Jul 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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