"Game of Thrones" has finally been given the permission to film Lena Headey's "pivotal" naked scene in Dubrovnik, Croatia, but with a catch. The scene apparently plays a major role in the TV adaptation of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" book series.
According to Hollywood Life, Headey's scene as Cersei Lannister was initially denied a filming permit because it involved walking out of a church and into the streets naked, which went against the Church of St. Nicholas' "very rigid laws about the expression of sexuality." This is before the film commissioners allegedly changed their minds and decided to allow filming, but with a little catch. Hollywood Life says that Headey can now walk naked in the streets, "but production will have to construct a set for the church."
Christian Today reports that the denied permission was allegedly "a personal sabotage by Bishop Anthony IV, who disdained the content and the 'public display of sexuality'," which purportedly brought pressure on the Croatian filming commission. However, TMZ states that the film commissioners changed their mind upon realizing the impact of "Game of Thrones" on their town and has green-lit the scene as long as the iron-clad rule that Headey will not be allowed to step inside a church in her nakedness is honored. Mail Online says that Dubrovnik does not want to have a rift with HBO, as the filming of "Game of Thrones" in the area has given job opportunities.
The scene is scheduled to be filmed in a month.
Christian Today shares that the scene is "of vital importance in character development" in the upcoming fifth season and that George R.R. Martin, author of the books that the TV series is based on, and current showrunner, will not be thrilled about it being omitted. Headey's walk of shame is penance for her plans to strike Margaery Tyrell down for adultery, which backfires on the queen regent.
Join the Conversation