Amanda Seyfried Opens Up About Using a Prosthetic for Nude Scene in Testament of Ann Lee

Amanda Seyfried embraced an unusual costume addition while filming a nude scene for the 2025 drama Testament of Ann Lee.

The actress disclosed on BBC Radio 2 that she wore a "prosthetic butthole" to achieve the graphic realism required by director Mona Fastvoid.

At 40, Seyfried portrays the historical figure who founded The Shakers, and for the film's climactic nude scene, she also wore a merkin, which is a type of pubic wig.

She described how these elements made her feel surprisingly comfortable on set. "I was pregnant and naked, but not truly exposed," she explained. "In the final moments, standing before a burning building wearing only a merkin, I felt incredibly free."

While Amanda has grown comfortable with nudity in her roles, she admitted that early in her career, she had mixed feelings about going nude on screen.

Reflecting on her younger years, she shared in a 2022 interview with Porter, "At 19, walking around without underwear felt surreal. I did it because I didn’t want to upset anyone or lose my job."

Despite this, Amanda looks back fondly on her career milestones, joking that some of her lines from 2004’s Mean Girls might be quoted long after she’s gone. On the Happy Sad Confused podcast in March 2025, she said, "That movie was perfect in many ways and still resonates with people. I’m always happy to discuss it."

Other Stars’ Experiences with Onscreen Nudity

Jennifer Lawrence initially found filming nude scenes intimidating, recalling her discomfort during 2018’s Red Sparrow. She told Vanity Fair, "That film scared me because of the nudity, but I realized it was necessary for the character." By 2025, during Die My Love with Robert Pattinson, she expressed no reservations about nudity, wanting director Lynne Ramsay full artistic freedom.

Jessica Alba admitted discomfort with a nude scene from 2005’s Fantastic Four, calling it humiliating due to her conservative upbringing.

George Clooney revealed that after discussing with his wife Amal, he chose to avoid kissing female co-stars onscreen as he aged, aspiring to follow Paul Newman’s example.

Kate Winslet talked about the awkwardness of sex scenes but noted she has become adept at handling them over time.

Phoebe Dynevor described filming steamy scenes on Bridgerton as more like performing stunts, especially with intimacy coordinators ensuring safety and choreography.

Michael Sheen and co-star Lizzy Caplan created detailed agreements to ensure comfort and clear communication during intimate scenes on Masters of Sex.

Penn Badgley requested fewer intimate scenes on You, prioritizing fidelity and his personal boundaries.

Kirsten Dunst prefers quick shoots for sex scenes and appreciates working with female directors who streamline the process.

Dakota Johnson shared that she feels confident during such scenes, crediting her upbringing and focusing on character motivations.