"Game of Thrones" producers have run into difficulty executing a pivotal scene involving nudity in a church.
Cersei, a lead character in the HBO series, is supposed to perform a "walk of penance" in the nude from a sanctuary and onto the streets.
But the producers were denied the required permit in Croatia, however, the Daily Mail reports.
Filming was to take place on Stradun, a main street in Dubrovnik. Cersei, played by Lena Headey, was to walk from Dubrovnik Cathedral to Sponza Palace, but the local film commission deferred to the judgement of the church. Allegedly, the Church of St Nicholas has denied the production company's request, citing an aversion to public nudity.
Sources say the scene cannot be cut, as it is critical to the character arc of Cersei.
"Game of Thrones" is a television adaptation of the popular book series "Song of Fire and Ice" by George R. R. Martin. Much of the upcoming fifth season is derived from the novel "A Dance With Dragons", the fifth book in the series.
It is unclear whether producers will seek another church location, or recreate a sanctuary on a sound stage. The latter is unlikely, as the dramatic series is known for choosing stunning locations that intensify the emotion of the storyline, and it is that drama that has made "Game of Thrones" a hit.
Martin discussed the overwhelming popularity of the show, and his newfound fame, in a recent interview.
"A few years ago I came to Edinburgh [with] my wife and we were able to listen to the street musicians and go to plays and comedy performances and the Military Tattoo," he told The Guardian. "And, in the whole week we were here, maybe three people recognised me, and I was happy to sign an autograph for them.
"Now, three or four people recognise me every block. I can't go out any more; I can't walk the streets. And it's great to have all these readers and fans who, for the most part, are very nice people, saying they love the books and the TV show."
"Game of Thrones" season five will begin in April 2015.
