Hannah Waddingham, known for her role as Septa Unella in Game of Thrones, recently opened up about a particularly harrowing scene that continues to haunt her years later. The 49-year-old actress revealed that filming a torture scene where Cersei Lannister poured wine on her face left her with lasting mental scars.
Waddingham described the experience as 'horrific' and likened it to being 'actually waterboarded.' She recounted being strapped tightly to a wooden table for 10 hours during the shoot, resulting in strap marks that made her feel like she had been attacked.
Despite the intense discomfort, Waddingham emphasized the dedication of everyone involved in the show to deliver authenticity. She shared that sacrifices were willingly made to ensure the best possible outcome for Game of Thrones.
During a recent interview, Waddingham revealed that another actor on the series, Eugene Simon, had an even more challenging experience. Simon reportedly spent four days crawling through unpleasant conditions on set.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Waddingham admitted that the torture scene was one of the most difficult days of her life, second only to childbirth. She recalled feeling uncomfortable during the scene, as Lena Headey, who played Cersei, was also uneasy about pouring liquid on her face for an extended period.
Despite the discomfort, Waddingham pushed through the challenging moment, reminding herself that the production team would not allow any genuine harm to come to her. She emphasized the importance of serving the piece and staying committed to the performance.
Looking ahead, Waddingham is set to appear in the upcoming film 'The Fall Guy' alongside Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, scheduled for release on May 3. Additionally, she is slated to feature in 'Mission Impossible 8,' expected to premiere in 2025.
