How Maisie Williams Used Yoga to Help with the ‘Devastating’ Mental and Physical Impact of Her New Look Role (Exclusive)

The ‘Game of Thrones’ star talks about her role as designer Christian Dior’s sister and how the show’s World War II setting affected her health

Maisie Williams was just 12 years old when she was cast as the sword-wielding spitfire Arya Stark in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones. Over the course of eight seasons, her brave character grew into a hero, while Williams, now 26 off-camera, simply grew up. She’s learned a few lessons, but she’s mostly kept the weaknesses of her teenage years under wraps — especially since she joined Instagram after the show became a hit.

“I never have to look back and say, ‘I can’t believe I posted that!’ Williams says with a laugh.

Maisie Williams.

Rob Latour/Shutterstock

These days, the British actress is feeling a little more comfortable with her social media presence. She’s also a fashion darling, appearing at the Met Gala, sitting front row at fashion shows, and lately she’s been showing her love for ’40s-inspired outfits.

That’s because she’s acting A new look, a new series on Apple TV+ that chronicles the world of Parisian fashion as it faces — and recovers from — the horrors of World War II. All the characters are names (and labels) still very much in business, including Christian Dior, Chanel, Balmain and Balenciaga.

“It’s ultimately a series about creation and survival,” says Williams. “What we’re seeing is these people making something beautiful out of the darkest times in their lives.”

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Maisie Williams as Catherine Dior in ‘The New Look’.

Apple TV

The fashion show was an inspiring experience for Williams, who plays Catherine Dior, the sister of legendary designer Christian. “I knew the brand’s side of the story — I’m a huge Dior fan,” says Williams. “But I didn’t know anything about the people behind it, like most people. It was a real pleasure to learn more about the people behind the story.”

Catherine, Williams points out, was a fighter of the French resistance during the Second World War. She was eventually captured by the Nazis, tortured and sent to various camps before escaping and returning to Paris in 1945.

Game of Thrones Star Maisie Williams brings a dramatic new look A new look Carpet

Williams says she did a lot of preparation for the role. “I was wearing a real pair of Catherine’s shoes that fit me perfectly — we were all a little freaked out when I put them on!” she says. “I also read a lot, including this amazing book by Justine Picardie, Miss Dior, dive into what this time would be like for her.”

Williams also took steps to protect her mental health, given the harrowing scenes in the Nazi-run camps. “It consisted of a lot of yoga, meditation and even isolation. I faced the reality that these things actually happened to many people. I had to acknowledge the darker parts of humanity and history.”

Maisie Williams, Ben Mendelsohn, Juliette Binoche, John Malkovich, Glenn Close, Todd A. Kessler and Claes Bang at the premiere of ‘The New Look’ on February 12, 2024.

Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty

Viewers will notice how Williams’ physical appearance changes throughout the series to accurately portray Catherine’s weight loss at the camps. Williams felt it was important to accurately portray Catherine’s journey and struggle, but she did so very carefully.

“I worked with amazing people to make sure. But it felt like the right thing to do to lose some body mass and muscle in order to portray Catherine who has returned from the camp.” She says she followed a regimen popular among boxers, “like fighters trying to make weight. They release the weight of water. It had a devastating effect on my appearance.”

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For the actress, who spent her teenage years in elaborate costumes on Game of Thrones set, seems to be building a career in costume dramas. “Oh yeah,” he agrees with a laugh. “Now I always ask who does the costumes! Or I won’t even go to the audition.” He reveals, in all seriousness, his next dream project.

“I definitely want to play the ghost of a scary girl in a horror movie,” she says. “I’d like to be unrecognizable. I want to be The Grudge! I think that would be great. Or maybe I could be a monster under someone’s bed, like a child’s bed.”

Maisie Williams/Instagram

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Source: HIS Education