Lena Headey, renowned for her role as Cersei Lannister in the acclaimed series *Game of Thrones*, has opened up about her experiences in Hollywood and the issues of safety surrounding the filming of intimate scenes. Speaking in a recent interview with *The Telegraph*, the actress reflected on her past career challenges and discussed her new BBC radio drama, *Intimacy*, which she both wrote and stars in.
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In *Intimacy*, Headey explores the complex dynamics of the film industry through the lens of an intimacy coordinator who discovers that the director on her latest project is the same individual who assaulted her years earlier. This storyline, she reveals, is influenced by her own experiences in an industry that has long shielded predatory behaviour.
Headey noted that the conversation around intimate scenes has evolved but is not yet fully realised. “Even today, you can still be on set where no one really cares about the actors,” she remarked. She described how, during her early years in the industry, expectations around female performers often included a variety of sexualised scenes, described as “ingenue parts.” Reflecting on that period, she candidly admitted to accepting uncomfortable situations out of gratitude for being employed. “I just got on with it… Now I look back and feel, ‘Hmm, that was rough,’” she said.
The actress also revisited her allegations against Harvey Weinstein, which she publicly shared in 2017. At the Venice Film Festival in 2005, she claimed he made inappropriate advances and attempted to lure her to a hotel under the pretext of discussing a script. Now, Headey expresses frustration not just about Weinstein but about the systemic protections afforded to predatory men in Hollywood. “A job can be completely soured by one person who, for some reason, is allowed to get away with it,” she lamented.
The #MeToo movement marked a significant turning point for many in the industry and brought the pervasive nature of such behaviour into the spotlight. Headey remarked on the difference in attitudes among younger actresses today, noting, “The attitude today is, ‘I’m not f—ing doing that.’” This shift suggests a growing confidence among newer generations of performers, equipping them with tools to navigate the often treacherous landscape of the film industry.
Reflecting on her time in *Game of Thrones*, Headey mentioned feeling empowered to assert her own needs, particularly when it came to scenes involving nudity. “By that point, I’d been through the wringer,” she explained, indicating that her experience provided her with a level of confidence that some of her younger colleagues lacked. In contrast to their vulnerability, Headey had a clearer sense of agency.
One of the more controversial decisions she faced during filming was her choice to use a body double for Cersei’s notorious “walk of shame” in season five. After the revelation of this decision came to light in 2017, she experienced unexpected backlash from fans, which left her astonished. “I was really shocked by the anger… this idea that I’d duped the audience,” she stated, highlighting the pressure that comes with high-profile roles.
Reflecting on the legacy of *Game of Thrones*, Headey acknowledged that while the series catapulted her into the limelight, it did not solely define her career. “Thrones was mega, and I don’t think anyone expected it, but thankfully it wasn’t my first job,” she said, expressing relief that she had previous experiences that grounded her.
Now in her 50s, Headey has shifted her focus towards storytelling that centres on women, emphasising the importance of creating narratives that resonate with female audiences. “The joy of getting older is that it’s not about being a thing for somebody else,” she noted, highlighting a renewed sense of purpose in her work.
To conclude, Lena Headey’s journey through Hollywood illustrates the daunting challenges women face within the industry. Her commitment to developing projects that address and challenge these issues, alongside her candid reflections on past experiences, contribute to an essential conversation about safety, representation, and empowerment for future generations in the performing arts. Her new radio drama, *Intimacy*, is now available for streaming on BBC Sounds, exemplifying her dedication to telling important stories in an evolving landscape.