Hannah Waddingham recently shared on “The Late Show” that she developed chronic claustrophobia after filming a waterboarding scene for “Game of Thrones.” In the scene, Waddingham’s character, Unella, is brutally tortured by Lena Headey’s character, Cersei Lannister. Waddingham described the experience as horrific, with her being strapped to a table for ten hours and actually waterboarded. Despite the intense and challenging nature of the scene, Waddingham was committed to giving her best performance, even when faced with difficult circumstances.
The actor first disclosed the details of being waterboarded during a 2021 interview with Collider, where she compared the experience to being second only to childbirth as the worst day of her life. Despite the discomfort and physical strain of the scene, Waddingham remained focused on serving the piece and delivering a strong performance. She recalled how she could barely speak after the day of filming due to screaming through The Mountain’s hand, leading to a temporary loss of her voice as a singer. Lena Headey, who was involved in the scene, later admitted in an interview that she felt horrendous during the filming process, recognizing the intense physical and emotional toll it took on Waddingham.
Reflecting on the challenging filming experience, Waddingham emphasized the importance of commitment to the role and the production, even when faced with difficult and uncomfortable scenes. Despite the toll it took on her physically and emotionally, she remained dedicated to delivering a compelling performance. Waddingham’s commitment to her craft and willingness to push boundaries led to a powerful and impactful portrayal of Unella in “Game of Thrones.” The willingness to endure uncomfortable and challenging scenes demonstrates the dedication and professionalism of Waddingham as an actor.
The intense filming experience highlighted the physical and emotional demands of portraying complex and difficult characters in popular TV series like “Game of Thrones.” The commitment required to effectively bring these characters to life often involves physical discomfort and emotional strain, as seen in Waddingham’s experience with the waterboarding scene. The challenges faced by actors in these roles serve as a testament to their dedication to the craft and their willingness to immerse themselves fully in their characters, regardless of the difficulties they may encounter on set.
Despite the challenging nature of the scene and the impact it had on her, Waddingham has continued to deliver outstanding performances in other projects, including her Emmy-winning role in “Ted Lasso.” Her willingness to confront difficult and uncomfortable experiences on set demonstrates her professionalism and dedication to her craft. The experience of filming the waterboarding scene on “Game of Thrones” has had a lasting impact on Waddingham, leading to chronic claustrophobia, but it also serves as a testament to her resilience and determination as an actor. Her ability to overcome such challenges and continue to excel in her career showcases her talent and commitment to her craft.
