The Shame Nun Unveiled: A Deep Dive into Hannah Waddingham's Intriguing Game Of Thrones Character

Summary

Hannah Waddingham's character in Game of Thrones, Septa Unella, had a significant impact despite her small role.

Septa Unella, also known as the "Shame Nun," gained pop culture prominence for her iconic scene with Cersei Lannister.

Waddingham enjoyed playing Septa Unella because of her de-glammed appearance.

Hannah Waddingham's character in Game of Thrones may have had a limited role, but she left a lasting impression on the hit HBO series. Adapted from George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series, Game of Thrones weaves a complex tale of power struggles, featuring notable characters like Daenerys Targaryen, Cersei Lannister, and Jon Snow, all vying for control of Westeros. Amidst their battles, they also face a formidable threat from the White Walkers, commanded by the Night King, intent on annihilating the realm.

Within the grand tapestry of the Game of Thrones narrative, numerous secondary characters emerge as crucial figures, and one such role was portrayed by the talented Hannah Waddingham. Renowned for her stage performances in London's West End and Broadway, Waddingham gained further acclaim with her Emmy-winning portrayal of Rebecca Welton in Apple TV's Ted Lasso. However, even prior to her Ted Lasso success, Waddingham's Game of Thrones character captured the hearts of audiences and became a cultural sensation, particularly for her unforgettable scene with Cersei Lannister.

Hannah Waddingham Played Septa Unella The Shame Nun In Game Of Thrones

Introduced in season 5 of Game of Thrones, Hannah Waddingham portrays Septa Unella, a devoted follower of the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce) and a member of the Faith of the Seven clergy. However, Unella has gained widespread recognition as the "Shame Nun" in popular culture due to her notable scene in which she humiliates Cersei by stripping her naked and making her walk through King's Landing while being shamed for her adultery with her cousin, Lancel.

However, Cersei eventually exacts her revenge by destroying the Sept of Baelor and reclaiming her position as the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. She swiftly imprisons Unella and subjects her to torment, reminding her of the promise she made regarding being the last thing Unella would see before her death. To intensify the torment, Cersei brings in Ser Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane (Hafþór Júlíus "Thor" Björnsson). With Cersei leaving the room, a sinister smile crosses her face as the screams of Unella echo, leaving the viewer to only imagine the horrors inflicted by The Mountain.

Waddingham Liked Septa Unella's De-Glammed Game Of Thrones Look

Waddingham found pleasure in portraying the character of Unella, despite the horrific fate that awaited her. The character's unappealing appearance was what appealed to Waddingham the most. She expressed her preference for staying true to the character rather than looking glamorous all the time, stating, "It needs to be whatever suits the character. I liked the fact that in Game of Thrones, I had the appearance of someone who had just been unearthed, like I had been exhumed from somewhere" (via CinemaBlend). Waddingham's exceptional acting skills are further evident in her portrayal of Unella, a somber and devoted nun, which contrasts her previous role as the confident and fashionable Rebecca Walton on Ted Lasso. As a memento, Waddingham was even allowed to keep the shame bell after her time on Game of Thrones came to an end.