The Enduring Trauma of Filming Game of Thrones: Hannah Waddingham’s Harrowing Experience

The Physical and Psychological Toll of a Groundbreaking Scene

Nearly five years after the finale of Game of Thrones, Hannah Waddingham’s reflections on filming one of the series’ most intense scenes sheds light on the physical and psychological toll actors often endure for the sake of art. During a recent appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Waddingham, known for her role as Septa Unella, shared that she still suffers from “chronic claustrophobia” as a direct result of the Season 6 scene where her character is tortured and waterboarded by Cersei Lannister, portrayed by Lena Headey.

Waddingham’s recounting of being “actually waterboarded” for 10 hours to achieve cinematic realism is a stark reminder of the lengths to which Game of Thrones went to maintain its reputation for groundbreaking, albeit sometimes controversial, storytelling. Despite the physical markings and psychological aftermath, Waddingham expressed no regrets, highlighting the unparalleled cinematography and production values of the series.

Addressing the Darker Aspects of Prestige Television

Waddingham’s experience is not isolated within the Game of Thrones alumni. Other cast members, including Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington, have voiced their concerns and discomfort with certain aspects of filming, ranging from the handling of nude scenes to the physical demands of their roles. These revelations prompt a broader discussion on the responsibilities of production teams to ensure the safety and well-being of their cast, especially in scenes involving physical or emotional trauma.

The industry’s evolving standards, including the now more common presence of intimacy coordinators, suggest a shift towards more ethical practices in filming scenes of a sensitive nature. Waddingham’s ordeal, contrasted with these changes, underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and improvement in how the entertainment industry approaches such scenes.

Legacy and Reflection

As Waddingham moves forward with her career, with notable roles in Ted Lasso and the upcoming film The Fall Guy, her experiences on Game of Thrones serve as a powerful narrative on the sacrifices actors make for their craft. Her candidness offers an inside look at the complexities behind the scenes of one of television’s most celebrated series.

With the continuation of the Game of Thrones legacy through spin-offs like House of the Dragon, and the industry’s slow but apparent shift towards prioritizing actor safety and comfort, one wonders how future productions will balance the pursuit of cinematic excellence with the imperative of ethical treatment and care for their performers. Will the lessons learned from the experiences of Waddingham and her peers lead to a new standard in television production?