Top 10 Actors Who Improvised Nude Scenes

“The Witcher” (2019-)
Netflix’s “The Witcher” was a huge hit when it premiered in 2019. One of the biggest breakout stars from it has to be Anya Chalotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg. And no, it’s not just because Chalotra opted to film her nude scenes. The female lead and love interest to the title character, Yennefer naturally had multiple revealing scenes in the first season. In an interview with the British newspaper Metro, Chalotra admitted to using a body double in the character’s first intimate moment. However, she quickly became “[un]comfortable [with] anyone else portraying Yennefer,” deeming it all “still acting.” From there, Chalotra stepped up to film her nude scenes, and we’re sure certain viewers did not complain.

“Parks and Recreation” (2009-15; 2020)
In a Season 2 episode of this fan-favorite sitcom, Chris Pratt’s Andy Dwyer misreads a signal from his ex Ann after she invites him over to her house. Thinking they’re getting back together, Andy arrives completely naked. It’s a funny moment as Amy Poehler’s Leslie is the one to open the door, but Pratt didn’t feel like he was getting the best response from Poehler and Rashida Jones. Instead of another take with the approved “nude boxers,” Pratt opted to do the stunt for real. One reaction Pratt didn’t anticipate was that of NBC, which wrote him a very stern rebuking of his actions for not getting consent from cast and crew. While there wasn’t much behind-the-scenes fallout, we have to agree with the network.

“Ammonite” (2020)
Since as far back as the ‘90s, Kate Winslet has shown her dedication to her roles, even if it means doing things other actors would find uncomfortable. So it comes as no surprise that she reportedly turned down using a body double for this 2020 romantic drama. In the film, Winslet plays real-life palaeontologist Mary Anning, depicting Anning’s supposed relationship with geologist Charlotte Murchison. Winslet naturally had multiple intimate scenes with co-star Saoirse Ronan, and jumped at the chance to be her “real forty-something self, post-children.” In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she also said that she “didn’t shrink or change [her]self for the sake of being naked,” but rather “the opposite.” We for one can definitely respect that.

“Titans” (2018-23)
Actors often work hard to get into shape for a role. And if part of that training is for a nude scene, why shouldn’t they get to show off if they want to? Actor Joseph Morgan stepped into some big shoes when he joined the live-action “Titans” series in Season 4 to play the iconic villain Brother Blood. Midway through the season, the character has a dramatic and fitting appearance as he steps out of a pool of blood with nothing covering him but the red substance. Morgan told TVLine that he was offered a double, but turned it down to make his training all the more worthwhile and do the comics moment justice on-screen. Let’s just hope for him, though, it was corn syrup.

“X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014)
While “Titans” is a streaming show, you really don’t expect nudity in a big-screen superhero adaptation. But thanks to Hugh Jackman, we got it. In this generation-bridging sequel, Jackman’s iconic Wolverine has his consciousness travel back in time to 1973, precisely to a moment where he awakes next to a beautiful woman. Jackman was asked by producers whether Wolverine would be wearing boxers or briefs to bed. But Jackman explained that if the mutant had done the dirty deed the night before, he’d be all natural. So, they filmed the scene of Wolverine looking at himself in the mirror with Jackman bearing it all. Well, technically Jackman wore a green sock, in case they had to digitally erase… well, you know.

“Red Sparrow” (2018)
For some actors, nude scenes can unfortunately make them feel objectified and boxed in. For others, it can conversely be liberating, which is thankfully what Jennifer Lawrence experienced while filming “Red Sparrow.” In 2014, Lawrence and several other celebrities had their privacies breached when nude photos made their way online, which Lawrence called “unbelievably violating.” When Lawrence was offered the lead role in the spy film “Red Sparrow,” she leaped at the opportunity. Director Francis Lawrence (no relation) gave her final say about any sexually explicit material, but Jennifer Lawrence left it all in. In fact, the latter Lawrence later stated how the experience had her feeling “empowered.” If there’s any actor’s enthusiasm regarding nudity we can get behind, it’s Lawrence’s.

“The Hangover” (2009)
Physician-turned-actor Ken Jeong already had a few film roles prior to 2009’s “The Hangover.” But his infectious energy ensured that this would be the one he’d be remembered for, and it all started with this scene. At one point, the Wolfpack opens a car trunk hoping to find their missing friend, only to be attacked with a crowbar by a naked stranger. The scene wasn’t originally written with nudity in it. But seeing a golden opportunity, Jeong suggested it to director Todd Phillips, whom Jeong later recalled responding, “You don’t have to tell me twice.” Just like that, one of the most hilariously surprising movie moments was born. A few scenes later, and Jeong’s portrayal of Mr. Chow made him a bona fide comedy star.

“The Favourite” (2018)
It doesn’t get any more improvised than Emma Stone’s decision while shooting “The Favourite.” In Yorgos Lanthimos’s historical comedy, Stone plays Abigail Hill, who vies with her cousin Sarah to be the titular favourite to Olivia Colman’s Queen Anne. The film plays on the speculation that Anne had affairs with both women, and at one point Rachel Weisz’s Sarah catches Abigail sleeping in bed with the Queen. As Stone later recalled, they’d done a few shots with the sheet covering her, at which point she thought being exposed would work as Abigail’s dig against Sarah. Colman tried to dissuade Stone from doing it, but Lanthimos trusted her instincts, marking the actor’s first ever nude scene. And as far as the story is concerned, it works.

“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” (2008)
Male nudity is far less common than that of the female variety. And it’s the expectation not to see the whole package that makes this scene so funny. In the film’s opening sequence, Jason Segel’s Peter greets his TV star girlfriend with a little show. But she isn’t there for fun times - she’s there to break up with him. Just when we’re used to “little Peter” being off-screen, big Peter drops his towel and we see everything. Segel - who also wrote the movie - based the sequence on a real-life dumping he experienced that he really was naked for. While Segel said he unlike Peter did put on clothes, he knew right then and there that it’d make for some choice comedy. And he wasn’t wrong.

“The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013)
One of the biggest names in Hollywood today, Margot Robbie was actually one of the cast’s smallest come “The Wolf of Wall Street’s” release back in 2013. But couple a tremendous performance with a jaw-dropping sex scene, and it’s no wonder that she stood out among the high-profile cast. In a movie that’s wall-to-wall excess, Naomi and Jordan’s first tryst is no different. When Naomi wants to make clear her intentions, she presents herself to Jordan wearing nothing more than stockings and heels. Director Martin Scorsese reportedly offered to scale back the nudity, but Robbie insisted, claiming that’s exactly what Naomi would do in that situation. It’s a testament to Robbie’s acting prowess that this moment already ranks relatively low among her career highlights.