Understanding The Shame Nun: A Deep Dive into Hannah Waddingham’s Character in Game of Thrones

Hannah Waddingham’s portrayal of the infamous “Shame Nun”in Game of Thrones may have been a brief one, but it left an indelible mark on fans and the broader cultural landscape. The HBO series is renowned for its ensemble of compelling side characters, and Waddingham’s role stands out among them. She is not only a skilled theater performer with accolades from London’s West End to Broadway but is perhaps best recognized for her Emmy-winning performance as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV’s Ted Lasso.

Even prior to her remarkable success in Ted Lasso, Waddingham’s character in Game of Thrones became a pop culture icon, particularly for her dramatic encounter with Cersei Lannister. Known for her ruthless cunning, Cersei represents one of the series’ most formidable characters. Waddingham played a pivotal role in exposing Cersei’s vulnerabilities, making her character both impactful and memorable. The fate of Waddingham’s character, however, also highlights the darker themes prevalent in the series.

Hannah Waddingham as Septa Unella – The Shame Nun

Unella’s Defining Moment with Cersei Lannister

First appearing in Season 5, Waddingham’s Septa Unella serves the Faith of the Seven and remains a devoted follower of the High Sparrow, portrayed by Jonathan Pryce. However, she is predominantly recognized as the “Shame Nun”for a notorious moment where she publicly humiliates Cersei by stripping her bare and forcing her to parade through King’s Landing while ringing a bell and chanting “shame”due to her adulterous scandal involving her cousin Lancel.

Ultimately, Cersei avenges her disgrace by annihilating the Sept of Baelor and reclaiming her throne, thus imprisoning Unella and meting out brutal retribution. Cersei ominously recalls her promise that Unella would see her face just before her demise, enhanced by the chilling presence of Ser Gregor “The Mountain”Clegane, leaving viewers to ponder the excruciating fate that awaits Unella in her cell.

Waddingham Appreciated Septa Unella’s Unadorned Look

Waddingham Transformed: Unrecognizable as Unella

Despite the grim arc of her character, Waddingham relished the opportunity to inhabit Unella, particularly appreciating the character’s stark and unembellished appearance. Reflecting on this choice, Waddingham stated (via CinemaBlend):

“I’m not interested in looking dolly all the time; it needs to be whatever suits the character. I liked the fact that in Game of Thrones, I looked like I’d just been dug up, exhumed from somewhere.”

This role also allowed Waddingham to showcase her range as an actress; the austere, fanatical Unella contrasts sharply with the more self-assured and stylish Rebecca Welton of Ted Lasso. Remarkably, Waddingham even retained the iconic shame bell as a memento after concluding her time on the show.

Waddingham’s Rise to Stardom Post-Game of Thrones

An Emmy Winner and Rising Star

Although Waddingham’s role in Game of Thrones was relatively obscure at the time, her career trajectory shifted significantly in subsequent years. Following her stint as Septa Unella, she took on roles in various projects, including 12 Monkeys and Krypton. However, it was her standout performance as Rebecca Walton on Ted Lasso that truly catapulted her into the limelight. Her portrayal of the complex and charming AFC Richmond owner showcased her versatility and earned her an Emmy Award.

Movie	Role
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)	Mother Witch
The Fall Guy (2024)	Gail Meyer
The Garfield Movie (2024)	Jinx
Lilo & Stitch (2025)	Grand Councilwoman

While many might view Game of Thrones as Waddingham’s initial break, it was her engagement with Ted Lasso that truly marked her emergence as a star. She has since pursued several high-profile projects, including Hocus Pocus 2, the upcoming Garfield revival, and The Fall Guy. Furthermore, she is set to appear in the highly anticipated Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch.

Other Rising Stars from Game of Thrones

Notable Actors Transitioning from Game of Thrones to Stardom

Reflecting on Waddingham’s early role in Game of Thrones underscores a broader trend: numerous actors transitioned to significant careers following their appearances on the series. Many have taken up leading roles in popular superhero franchises and blockbuster films.

For instance, Nathalie Emmanuel, who played Missandei, went on to star in the Fast Saga and collaborate with film legend Francis Ford Coppola in Metropolis. Similarly, Joseph Quinn garnered attention with his roles in Stranger Things, Gladiator II, and A Quiet Place: Day One after a brief appearance in Game of Thrones as a guard at Winterfell.

Additionally, even though the Sand Snakes received mixed reviews, Jessica Henwick transcended her role as Nymeria Sand, achieving success in projects like Iron Fist, Glass Onion, and Cuckoo. However, the most notable transformations belong to Jason Momoa and Pedro Pascal. Both actors made lasting impressions as Khal Drogo and Oberyn Martell, respectively, quickly securing lead roles in major franchises such as Aquaman for Momoa and The Last of Us for Pascal, with the latter also featuring in the upcoming Fantastic Four movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Source&Images