Top 20 Actors Who Improvised Their Nude Scenes

“Eastern Promises” (2007)


It’s clear that this Scandinavian-American hunk took the role of Russian gangster Nikolai Luzhin very seriously. Not only did Mortensen immerse himself in his character’s culture and even communicate with actual Russian Mafia members, but he insisted on being completely naked to shoot the action-packed bathhouse scene. What begins as a soothing steam culminates in a fight that the actors actually choreographed themselves, in accordance with director David Cronenberg’s desire for authenticity. And for an extra layer of vulnerability, both Mortensen and Cronenberg decided Luzhin needed to be naked throughout. The result is an infamously violent and gritty sequence.

“American Pie” (1999)

In this classic teen comedy, Elizabeth plays Nadia, a foreign exchange student who unknowingly becomes part of a stunt that involves a webcam. Protagonist Jim secretly records Nadia as she explores his porn collection, and a very private moment ensues – for multiple strangers to see. Many years later in 2020, the actress would discuss her part in the film in Danny Wolf’s documentary “Skin: A History of Nudity in the Movies.” Here, Elizabeth revealed (get it?) that she improvised certain movements to add to the scene’s comedic awkwardness. The situation may come across as a bit creepy to viewers today, but the actress’ willingness to bare it all helped drive home the film’s genre-defining status.

“Agatha All Along” (2024)


This MCU miniseries premiered on Disney+ in 2024 to widespread popularity. Kathryn Hahn stars as the powerful and enigmatic witch Agatha Harkness, previously seen in the “WandaVision” series. In the first episode, Agatha realizes she’s lost all her powers. To emphasize that Agatha had been "stripped" of her abilities and identity, Hahn made the bold choice to shed her clothes for this pivotal scene. Although the script had Agatha wear a robe, Hahn believed her character wouldn’t care about being naked in her front yard. This leads to an important yet hilarious moment where a frantic, nude Agatha confronts her bewildered neighbor.

“Scenes from a Marriage” (2021)


In this 2021 HBO miniseries, Isaac and his long-time friend, Jessica Chastain, both deliver intense, raw performances. But Isaac’s on-screen nudity wasn’t as planned as viewers might think. Chastain agreed to go fully nude for the series, but on one condition: she and Isaac had to show the same amount of skin. Isaac agreed without realizing how much the camera would actually make obvious, and it wasn’t until he got a good look at the episode that he discovered just how exposed he was. This unintentional yet daring moment added another layer of realism to the intense marital drama, making the chemistry between the leads all the more memorable.

“Old School” (2003)


Ferrell’s performance in this 2003 comedy classic helped cement him as a household name. One of the most memorable moments comes when his character, Frank “The Tank” Ricard, drunkenly streaks down a busy street, only to be caught by his new wife. Ferrell has explained that his choice to perform the stunt himself wasn’t just for shock value; rather, it had purpose. He was fully committed because the scene fit perfectly with Frank’s downward spiral, and the authenticity of the act added to the impact. Ferrell’s fearlessness in this scene solidified his status as a comedy legend.

“Training Day” (2001)


Mendes may not have had a large role in this 2001 crime thriller, but her intuition made a lasting impact. Her character wasn’t originally meant to be nude during the tense scene between Ethan Hawke and Denzel Washington. However, during filming, Mendes suggested to director Antoine Fuqua that it would make sense for her character to be naked. Mendes later explained that, like many others on this list, she has no problem shedding her clothes if it serves the story and is done for artistic reasons rather than exhibitionism. Ultimately, Mendes’ decision to bare all added a layer of realism to the film.

“National Lampoon's Animal House” (1978)


Sutherland, who passed away in June 2024, was a celebrated and sought-after actor. So when he was cast in “Animal House” as Professor Dave Jennings, he didn’t take the silly, throwaway role too seriously. In fact, he spent a lot of his time on set joking around with co-star John Belushi. During one scene, Sutherland decided to drop his underwear and flash his bare bottom, assuming the gag wouldn’t make the final cut – but it did. Sutherland’s playful improvisation paid off, becoming one of his favorite on-screen moments and even helping co-star Karen Allen feel more at ease with her own nude scene.

“Memory” (2023)


This Juilliard alumna has enjoyed phenomenal success, earning an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and more for her immersive acting style. In 2023, Chastain starred opposite Peter Sarsgaard in Michel Franco’s “Memory,” which received excellent reviews (as well as an epic eight-minute standing ovation at the Venice International Film Festival). The script originally called for a gripping encounter in a bedroom, but Chastain suggested moving it to a bathtub instead. From there, she and Sarsgaard improvised a passionate and emotionally charged sequence, which they completed in a single take. It beautifully showcased two great actors delving into their characters’ complex relationship.

“Girls” (2012-17)


As both the creator and star of this HBO series, Dunham aimed to portray real women in their twenties with honesty and vulnerability. Her character, Hannah, is impulsive, narcissistic, neurotic, and – on many occasions – nude. By frequently appearing naked, Dunham defied Hollywood’s conventional standards of who “should” or “shouldn’t” be shown nude on-screen. Her portrayal promoted body positivity and challenged the industry's narrow definitions of beauty. Dunham also emphasized the importance of sexual expression, giving herself the freedom to depict Hannah authentically, with all her flaws and imperfections. Her bold choices helped redefine on-screen nudity, fostering a more inclusive and realistic view of beauty.

“Saltburn” (2023)


As an actor, when you get an instinct, sometimes it’s best to just go with it. Even when that instinct is a little…well, unusual. 2023’s black comedy/thriller “Saltburn” features Keoghan as Oliver Quick, an Oxford student who befriends the more popular Felix Catton. Near the end, Quick visits a graveyard and performs a rather puzzling ritual there – one that involves the removal of clothing. Keoghan improvised this racy scene, wanting to explore a dark, twisted, and lustful place within his character’s psyche. This brazen choice paid off, and the film (as well as Keoghan himself) ended up enjoying several accolades.

“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 baring 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.


Which of these spontaneous streaking sessions did you find the most shocking? Let’s talk about it in the comments!