Summary
Britt Ekland was "devastated" to learn that her nude scene in The Wicker Man was body-doubled without her knowledge or consent.
Ekland felt deceived and upset when she realized that the body double in The Wicker Man was a stripper who bore no resemblance to her. However, this daring and noteworthy nude dancing scene challenged societal norms, playing a crucial role in establishing the film's status as a fundamental pillar in the horror genre.
The star of The Wicker Man, Britt Ekland, has expressed her reaction to having a body-double for her nude scene. In the 1973 horror-thriller, Ekland portrays Willow McGregor, a young and sexually liberated islander who is seen dancing nude in a pivotal scene. The film, known for its influence on cult-based movies such as Midsommar, is widely regarded as a significant horror-thriller.
In a tweet by John Walsh, filmmaker and author of the book Wicker Man: The Story of the Official Film, it is revealed that Ekland was surprised to discover that her nude appearance had been replaced by a stripper. This substitution took place during Ekland's two-day break from filming The Wicker Man, during which the production made the switch. The news reportedly left Ekland feeling "devastated."
Following Ekland's prior approval to appear partially nude in the dancing scene, the studio ultimately disregarded their agreement and simply placed a blonde wig on a different individual. Ekland expressed her dismay and sense of deception as the body double did not bear any resemblance to her. See the complete statement below:
While I had a break during the shoot, the studio took the opportunity to film certain scenes featuring a stripper from Glasgow.
The Nude Scene Played A Significant Part In The Wicker Man
They simply placed a blonde wig on the stand-in. I was in disbelief as Robin had assured me that such an act wouldn't occur. Furthermore, the physique of the model bore no resemblance to mine. It left me utterly disheartened.Upon its release, speculations arose regarding Ekland's absence of nudity in The Wicker Man. One theory suggested that rock star Rod Stewart, whom Ekland was romantically involved with during the film's production, reportedly paid off the movie to prevent Ekland from being widely seen in a provocative context. Nevertheless, Ekland swiftly rebuffed these notions, labeling them as "preposterous."
The dance scene in The Wicker Man, where Ekland's character undresses while singing and dancing, is a crucial element of the film's boldness. In the 1970s, nudity on screen was not as common or accepted as it is now. The combination of nudity and pagan themes in The Wicker Man was therefore unusual for its time, making these scenes significant in challenging societal norms.
Understandably, the actor was upset about the use of a body double in such an important scene. The betrayal of trust in this pivotal moment undoubtedly contributed to the actor's negative reaction. Despite the controversy, The Wicker Man has been praised as a pivotal work in the horror genre and continues to be a major influence today.
Source: John Walsh/Twitter