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In George R.R. Martin’s fantasy world of Game of Thrones, a few moments turned out to be as memorable as Cersei Lannister’s Walk of Shame. The scene starring Lena Headey was marked by a powerful depiction of humiliation and penance, portraying a blend of bravery and emotions that went beyond traditional acting.
Lena Headey in a still from Game of Thrones | image: HBOTherefore, while viewers were captivated by the raw portrayal of Lena Headey, the true artistry lay in the seamless works of the visual effects team alongside the body double. Yes, the poignant climax wasn’t completely performed by Headey, for the actress refused to go nude and rather hired a body double for the sequence that remained etched in television history.
Lena Headey Refused to Attend the Casting Process for the Walk of Shame
Little birds from the world of Westeros brought inside information about the infamous Walk of Shame scene from Game of Thrones, season 5 finale. According to reports, the riveting spectacle of Queen Cersei Lannister‘s penance, which left an indelible mark on audiences, harbored a story of bravery, artistry, and unyielding dedication that went beyond the ordinary.
According to EW, Lena Headey, the formidable actress who brought Cersei to life, chose not to strip for the demanding sequence. Her decision was rooted in a focus on her character’s emotional journey rather than the physical demands of the scene. This led the actress to rely on body doubles.
Cersei Lannister’s Walk of Atonement | image: HBO However, despite levying the task of embodying her physicality and movements on another actress, Lena Headey refused to attend the casting process for the Walk of Shame. Praising the brave souls who decided to go nude on her behalf, Headey avoided the casting process by claiming that she doesn’t “do casting”.
I was like, ‘Listen, guys, she happens to have a beautiful body, but I don’t do casting. If somebody is brave enough to do this, I applaud it.
Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones S5 finale | image: HBO Enter Rebecca Van Cleave, who stepped into the spotlight for the Walk of Shame. For three grueling days, Van Cleave performed the iconic sequence nude amidst the chaos of Dubrovnik, surrounded by a crowd of extras and crew. Van Cleave noted that her experience was nothing short of extraordinary.
Technical Artistry that Went Behind the Infamous Game of Thrones Scene
According to Rebecca Van Cleave’s interview with the outlet, the body double revealed how the technical artistry behind the scene was actually executed. Apparently, while Van Cleave embodied the physicality of Cersei’s humiliating walk, Lena Headey used her facial expressions to convey the depth of her character’s internal turmoil.
For the sequence, while Rebecca Van Cleave walked naked, Lena Headey appeared in a simpler beige shift. The show’s visual effects team then blended both of their performances seamlessly to create the illusion that Headey was fully exposed. The result was right in front of our eyes in the season 5 finale of Game of Thrones, where the powerful visual underscored the character’s profound suffering.
Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones | image: HBOIt was one of the scariest, most wonderful, most gratifying experiences I could have imagined. I never in a million years would have thought I would be in Dubrovnik surrounded by hundreds of extras and crew members throwing food at me, but it was amazing. It was actually the most comfortable casting I’ve ever had, considering.
Later on, director David Nutter lauded Rebecca Van Cleave’s contribution, emphasizing her role as pivotal to the scene’s success. Considering how Lena Headey refused to go nude, Van Cleave came as a savior, who outshined 1,000 other actresses who had applied for the role of Headey’s double for the season’s climactic sequence.
A still from Headey’s powerful Walk of Shame sequence | image: HBO We needed somebody who could do The Walk of Shame physically, somebody who could match Lena’s integrity, intensity, and sensibility. We found a tremendous actress in Rebecca; she was a godsend. The courage of this girl, who’s never done anything like this in her life, who understood what was important about this… once I had her I felt like I could accomplish anything.
Rebecca Van Cleave’s performance ended up being more than just a physical feat—she showcased courage and art, alongside Lena Headey who brought out Cersei Lannister’s rageful raw emotions, just with her facial depiction. Eventually, both their contributions turned the Walk of Shame into an integral moment that encapsulated the essence of Game of Thrones.
Game of Thrones is currently available to watch on Max.
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