A New Creative Focus
Actress Lena Headey is confronting the historical power imbalances of the entertainment industry through her latest project, Intimacy, a new BBC radio drama. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, the 52-year-old performer discussed the themes of the production, which follows an intimacy coordinator navigating a high-profile film set while encountering a director from her traumatic past. The project, which also features Maisie Williams, Hannah Waddingham, and Alison Steadman, serves as both a creative endeavor and a critique of the environment Headey encountered during her own rise to prominence.
The Evolution of On-Set Safety
Headey, who gained global recognition for her role as Cersei Lannister in HBO’s Game of Thrones, reflected on the “rite of passage” that young female actors were historically expected to endure. She described a culture where actors felt pressured to accept uncomfortable or exploitative situations to secure work, often without the protection of modern protocols. “I didn’t go to drama school so I would just arrive on a set and be, ‘Oh my God, I’ve got a job,’” she said, noting that she often internalized the discomfort of early career experiences.
The introduction of intimacy coordinators—professionals dedicated to ensuring the safety and consent of actors during scenes of physical intimacy—represents a significant shift in industry standards. Maisie Williams, who co-stars in the audio drama, emphasized the importance of this development, stating that being an actor is “inherently vulnerable” and that failing to manage that environment properly can lead to “serious psychological damage.”
Addressing ‘Predatory’ Dynamics
Headey did not shy away from the systemic issues that allowed misconduct to persist for decades. She reiterated her frustration with the “weird protection” afforded to predatory figures in the business, a sentiment she has voiced since her 2017 public account of an encounter with former producer Harvey Weinstein. She noted that the #MeToo movement was a catalyst for a necessary cultural reckoning, allowing for a change in the power dynamics between established industry figures and younger performers.
“I think most young women I speak to now in this business are so savvy,” Headey remarked. “The attitude today is, ‘I’m not f—ing doing that.’” While she acknowledges that her own experience on Game of Thrones allowed her to advocate for herself more effectively than less experienced cast members, she argues that the industry’s shift toward greater accountability is a vital evolution for the next generation of actors.
Reframing Past Controversies
The interview also addressed lingering criticism regarding Headey’s decision to use a body double for the infamous “walk of shame” scene in Game of Thrones Season 5. Headey expressed surprise at the public backlash, emphasizing that her choice was a pragmatic one driven by the logistical challenges of filming with thousands of extras. She framed the criticism as a misunderstanding of the actor’s right to set boundaries, regardless of the high-profile nature of the project.