Hello Maisie, has there been a scene so far in Game of Thrones that was particularly difficult?
There's actually a scene in the coming season... which was my most difficult scene to film. And I think fans are going to be really excited about it. More emotional than we've seen Arya in previous seasons.
Hi Maisie!
Do you have any favourite video games? A while back I saw you were a fan of Hat Films!
Absolutely loved Cyberbully and really looking forward to seeing The Falling.
Me and my brothers enjoy playing a computer game called "Amnesia" which is really scary!
We haven't completed it yet, but we're close.
Hi Maisie, thanks for doing this AMA. What's been the biggest change in your life since starting Game of Thrones? Also, which cast member is most like their character on the show?
Being recognized in the street. I used to enjoy being quite anonymous, and now I have to kind of be aware that people know who I am sometimes.
Rory is quite similar to The Hound before breakfast, in that, if he hasn't eaten, he's kind of grumpy! haha! But I love 'im regardless.
Hi Maisie, big fan.
In the event of a "cheeky Nandos" what spice do you have on your chicken?
Cheers and have a nice day!
I go with Lemon & Herb, but I get the medium sauce.
And occasionally, if I'm feeling daring, I go with the Wing Roulette, and burn the mouth!
What would your personal house sigil and house words be?
Edit: Prob'ly shoulda realized that there is no way this is the first time anyone's asked this, and I probably could have just Googled the answer. Oh well.
Maisie Williams answered me!!!
I've answered this question before! My sigil would be a tortoise, and my saying would be "Go hard or go home" because your shell is hard, and it's also your home, so...
If you were a pizza, what kind of toppings would you have?
Um... pepperoni with some extra pepperoni, and then sprinkle it with some pepperoni. Yeah! My absolute favourite.
How do you managae to work school/college around your acting? Also, what is your favourite subject?
My favourite subject when I was at school (apart from the usual drama and english) was mathematics, and it was really hard to juggle school & work. And... I sort've... this is a tricky question - school took a bit of a back-seat, and I took my opportunities in live, and hopefully in the future, if I go down a different back, I can go back, get my grades, my certifications, and go and do something else if I want to.
Hey Maisie, I'll ask what everyone on /r/thelastofus has been talking about.
Will you play Ellie in The Last of Us Movie?
Did you do a table read of the script?
Do you want to play Ellie?
Thanks!
THE LAST OF US movie is in very early days. I have spoken to powerful people who are getting THE LAST OF US on its feet. And I'm hopeful that I can play Ellie in the future, but we'll all have to wait and see.
Hi Maisie! Thanks for doing this! Watching you and Rory McCann play my favorite duo on the show has been a dream come true for me. I would go so far as to say you guys did it even better than I pictured in the books, so thanks for being so awesome! I have a couple questions (feel free to ignore if these have been asked already)...
1) If you could trade roles with anyone (male or female) on Game of Thrones, who would you want to play and why?
2) Who would YOU want to sit the Iron Throne?
3) If you could have any superpower, what would you pick?
4) If you could have a career other than acting, what would you pick?
5) What's your favorite colour?
Thanks again! You are such a fantastic performer to watch, and I really look forward to seeing what else you do in the future =D
1.) I would love to play... Cersei, because she's badass.
2.) Ehm - I think... Bronn (Tyrion's left hand man) would do a really good job? Cuz he's funny!
3.) Ehm...oooh! If I had a super-power... I can't think of anything? Oh! Probably shape-shift.
4.) Dancing. That was kind of my career path before acting, but yeah. Things change. And now I'm acting.
5.) Green!
Hey Maisie! Greetings from California at around 6 am. I stayed up all night to make sure I could get a couple questions in. I love how you portray Arya Stark, you're amazing! I love your vines as well they're pretty funny! Now onto business:
What would you like to move on to after Game of Thrones?
How great is Sophie Turner in real life?
How was it like not fainting around Pedro Pascal?
Now the obligatory reddit question:
Would you rather fight one Hound sized duck or a 100 duck sized Hounds?
First of all, thank you for staying up so long, that's really really nice of you!
And after Game of Thrones, I'd love to continue in television, and I'd love to move on to movies as well. I don't really know what I want to do? But I think that's quite cool, because I'm only 17 and I don't have to decide yet. But definitely staying in performing.
She's absolutely fantastic. She's probably one of the funniest girls I know. And I'm so glad that I met her.
It's very difficult. I'm madly in love with him. And it's quite - everybody has a crush on him. But I'd never tell him. Oh well, now the internet knows.
Hahahaha! Oh!
I would love to fight 100 little duck-sized Hounds. Because I'd never in my life looked down on Rory, and that would be an interesting situation.
What are your biggest struggles while on the set of the show Game of Thrones?
Very long hours. Because I love to sleep. I like sleeping more than most of my siblings. So staying awake and working long, long hours is very difficult.
Hey Maisie. Love your performance as Arya, GoT is hands down my favourite show on the air, and the amazing cast is to thank for that!
My question is, how has the experience of portraying the character development of Arya been like, do you feel any similarities or differences between you and her? ...and also, do you ever look at chickens the same way anymore?
Heheheehee!
I think as I've grown up, as Arya's growing up, there's definitely similarities between us. And it's been really helpful for her personality to change as I've gotten older. And it's been great for me to make the transition into being an adult actor with the same character. And I still look at chickens and think they're delicious, haha!
Do you like crunchy peanut butter or smooth?
Crunchy! People who like smooth peanut butter are just aliens.
What TV shows do you secretly enjoy?
Secretly enjoy?
Oh! Well it's not much of a secret, but I really enjoy The Great British Bake-Off. It's like a competition show, but they all bake it, and it's very funny, because they all cry over techniques. Like if they get their cake wrong, they're just sobbing over a spongecake, and I find it hilarious.
Hi Maisie! Nothing groundbreaking with this one, but what is your favorite movie?
My favourite movie - THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. And my serious favorite film is called LIKE CRAZY.
Have you read the books? Had you heard of them before you got the role?
I haven't read the books. And I didn't read them before I got the role.
I do want to read them but I'm going to wait until the season is finished. But I can't wait to see what really happens to Arya! Yes!
At what point did you realize that Game of Thrones was becoming a huge deal?
Season 3. At the season 3 premiere, we went to the Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, and stepping out of the car, with hundreds of people screaming my name, is when I realized that this show completely changed my life. It was very, very daunting - I found it quite scary - but it happened gradually, so I had time to get used to it.
Hi Maisie! If you were somehow elected as supreme queen of Westeros, what would be the first law you would pass as ruler?
Ehm... oooh, if I was the queen of Westeros, the first rule... I would make everyone a Wildling, because I think their costumes are really cool!
It's probably the most shallow answer ever, but it's true.
Favourite cartoon / show when younger?
Dexter's Lab was ace.
I used to watch Pingu religiously and it's about a little penguin, and that's basically it. But then this one episode came along where Pingu lost his mother, and it basically scarred me for life, because Pingu was crying, and I was crying, and then, yeah, Pingu was never the same after that.
If you don't know the words to a song, do you improvise?
All the time. I thought Taylor Swift's new song said "Something-something-Starbucks-lovers" when it actually said "I've got a long list of ex-lovers" and that was news to me. And I realized I'd been embarrassing myself for like 2 months!
Tea or coffee?
Tea! No milk one sugar.
Great work in Cyberbully, I saw it and you really keep the attention of the viewer all through, quite a feat for such a focused one-room movie! I'm curious what is your favorite music and your favorite movies or tv shows at the moment? Cheers
My favourite music... ehm... is probably like drum & bass, and bass lines? And the TV I watch at the moment, I don't have a lot of time to watch TV. So probably as I said earlier, the Great British Bake-Off. I religiously watch that.
What book is on your nightstand?
I am! It's called "How to build a girl" by Caitlin Moran.
what is your favorite guilty pleasure movie?
Oh! JOHN TUCKER MUST DIE. It's like, about 3 girls that fancy this one guy, and it's so cheesy, but I can't stop watching it, ever.
What's your go-to cure for a rotten, stinking cold?
Manuca honey, lemon, and hot water! Or just like, loads of green tea. But that's just me every day.
Hello, Maisie! Typical Reddit question: what is your favourite breakfast cereal?
Muesli. But only the special kind from Waitrose. It's like the green stuff. It has to be that one, otherwise I won't eat it. Very specific.
Being a Belfast native, I'd just like to ask what it's like filming here?
FREEZING cold. But the people are lovely, so that makes up for it.
Hey Maisie! If you could only eat one type of cheese for the rest of your life what type would it be and why?
It would be... Halloumi Cheese, because I think it's probably the best thing that has to be invented. But it has to be grilled. It's like rubbery, and squeaky, like cheesy bacon. You should try it. It's really salty. Amazing.
Hi Maisie! I hear you're a dancer. What is your favorite type of dance and why?
I like jazz, because it doesn't matter what shape or size or length your legs are, you can use this dance to benefit you. Yeah. It's good for all shapes and sizes, I guess.
I like jazz, because it doesn't matter what shape or size or length your legs are, you can use this dance to benefit you. Yeah. It's good for all shapes and sizes, I guess.
You can modify it to benefit your body type.
Was it ever difficult to distinguish which end was the mysterious “pointy end” that Jon’s cryptic first lesson covered?
No? Hahaha!
Cats or Dogs?
Dogs. We used to have 13 dogs. That's quite a lot of dogs. And I'm never had a cat. Dogs are awesome.
Are you and Rory McCann really good friends still? I hope we have not seen the last of the Hound!
We are very close friends. I saw him when I was at the SAG awards at the week-end, and it was really nice to see him again, and I hope that's not the last I see of him.
Is there any actors who you would love to work with?
Um... I would like to work with... I really admire Charlize Theron, but I don't know if I'd want to work with her, because I'd be hugely intimidated, but I think she's a fantastic actress.
What would be in your perfect sandwich?
Perfect sandwich... cold chicken, salt & vinegar crisps, and tomato ketchup.
I actually had it last night, that was my dinner.
How did George R. R. Martin get the idea of casting you as Arya in GoT and why did you accept the role?
Thanks :3
I don't know why he chose me? I guess I was just the right look, and fitted the role, and I'm very thrilled they did choose me. And yeah, now it's kind of blown up and completely changed my life, so thank you George!
Are you a fan of any sports?
I used to enjoy high-jump, although I'm really short, I did beat a lot of kids that were a lot taller than me. I have a very springy jump, I think. I enjoyed high-jump.
Do you speak any other languages, and if not, which ones would you like to learn?
I can really badly speak French and German. I would love to learn French & German more, but I'm just really bad at learning languages.
Like, why do words have genders?
It confuses me. A lot.
Like it's just -- what?! A table? I don't get it. Anyway...
Do you have any strange habits?
Strange habits... not habits, but like, if at the beginning of the day, when I'm getting into my costume for work, if I don't have everything on properly - like my socks aren't underneath my trousers, and my t-shirts not buttoned and tucked in, then I automatically feel like I'm going to have a bad day. It's less a habit, and more an OCD thing.
Hi Maisie! Is there anything you specifically find odd about American culture?
Ehm... I don't want to offend anyone... is there anything I find odd? You drive on the wrong side of the roads, in my opinion.
Will you marry me?
No. Haha. Let's just be friends!
How do you pronounce Adidas?
ah-dee-dahs
or
uh-deed-uhs?
Ah-dee-dass.
Hi Maisie, Do you still have contact with/see/visit the wolf from book 1 of game of thrones (nymeria i think) ?
I don't get to see the dogs anymore. But after my dog (who played Nymeria) finished playing Nymeria, she actually went on to play Shaggy Dog, and they dyed her. She was the best behaved dog out of all of them, so she ended up playing all the other wolves, even though she was mine originally. Yeah. It's cool!
Hey Maisie, what would you name the first city on Mars?
Pffffffbbbbbbt.
Ehm. What would I name the first city on Mars?
Mar-zipan!
I find marzipan quite disgusting, but that was the first thing that came into my head.
How is your day going?
Really well! I've actually been up since 4 AM, so I'm a little bit wired, I drank loads of coffee. But it feels like I should be going to sleep, and it's 3 in the afternoon, so a bit long.
Where in the world would you most like to visit?
Ehm... I wanna go back to Iceland, but in the winter. It looks so beautiful.
Masie, when you came to Indianapolis, a guy in the con asked if you could read his name in the death prayer. After a bit of a laugh and doing it you said that was the strangest request? Has anything topped that yet?
And could you put my screen name in one? A little bit of irony, i know.
NO, that is still definitely the weirdest fan encounter that I've had.
I tell people about it all the time, it was so funny.
Hi Maisie! Do you play any musical instruments?
Ehm... no. I can play, like... one song on the piano that goes like "Do-do-do-do-do-do-do" but that's the only bit I can do. So no.
Hey Maisie.. Batman or Superman? (I really couldn't think of a better question!)
Batman! Because he's got a cool car.
Hi Maisie! On your quest to become a Pokemon master, which starter Pokemon do you pick? Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander?
Charmander.
Why are you so obsessed with the Lion King intro song?
Because... it's kind of the only song that anyone can sing, no matter how good or bad their musical talent is. And it's just really catchy.
And I just like doing it to animals. And they quite hate me for it, but it's funny.
Like, I did it with a ladybird in a Vine. And immediately afterwards, it flew away. Which was very sad.
I follow you on Twitter, you're super cool. What's the funniest thing your turtle has done?
I came in, like 2 weeks ago, and one of my baby tortoises - one of the youngsters, if people follow my account, they'll know I had 3 little ones being born - and one of 'em was upside down in his dish, and I thought he'd drowned, cuz he was so little, and I went over and picked him up, and he was just in his waterfowl! I don't know how he did that, they're pretty study, but he was just floating around upside-down in his dish. And his head was out of the water, so he was fine.
I nearly cried, and then I realized he was fine! I was like "Goddamnit Stevie, don't do that to me!"
What one thing really pisses you off?
Patronizing adults, saying "back in my day, blahblahblah" because I'm sure they found it annoying in their day when adults said back in MY day - I don't know what it was like in your day, I was only born 17 years ago, so stop being patronizing about it!
Do you have any interest in doing theater work in the future?
I'd love to work in the theater! I was recently talking to Emilia Clarke, who's another actress on the show, about what it was like being onstage, so yeah, in the future, I hope that crosses my path.
Hot pie or hot cake?
PIE!
I like savory pies, like meat pies.
I don't really like sweet food.
If you could meet any famous person or historical figure dead or alive who would it be and what would you do with them?
Audrey Hepburn. And I don't know if I'd even want to do anything? I'd probably just want to sit and stare at her for a bit, because I think she's really cool.
I'd be starstruck. Embarrassing stuff, really. But it'd be worth it.
Hi Maisie! Just curious, do you get to keep Needle, or at least a replica of it for yourself?
Not yet! But I'm hoping to steal one in the future, so I can keep it for myself!
Thanks for doing this AMA! This is the first time I've been early enough to ask a question: what's your go to breakfast food?
TOAST. And Marmite. Every day. That's my breakfast every day.
Hello Maisie, Two questions here!
Do you watch Anime? Any favorites?
What is the best song to dance to?
I don't. I'm really sorry.
At the moment, I can't stop dancing to "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars! It's just so dance-catchy, and I can't stop. So...
How did you get your start in acting?
Game of Thrones! It was my second audition. I was completely in the right place at the right time. And now it's completely changed my life, and now I find myself doing a reddit AMA, which is kind of crazy.
Do you believe in ghosts?
No....
How's your left-handed swordplay coming along?
MUCH better. I feel like I've improved a lot. I don't hit anyone, or myself, as much anymore. Still don't know if I could actually kill anyone though.
I could try?
What has been your favorite event to attend?
Well, I had the most amazing time at the SAG awards last week. It was really, really good fun.
Awards shows are difficult. Because there are so many mega-stars there that you get really star-struck - but at the SAG awards, I just feel like I enjoyed it a lot more, and took the opportunity to go and speak to the people I adore.
You have any souvenirs from the show at home?
I have sneakily removed some of the Faceless Man coins from set. And they have gone missing. And I have NO idea where they went!
Yo M, whats your favourite character in GoT? :D
My favourite character is... the scenes I really look forward to watching are scenes with Margaery. I think they're always really intense, and really funny.
Well, not funny, but like, gripping.
So I like those!
Hey Maisie, can you say thanks to Aidan for us?
HEY AIDAN!
He's just gone outside.
AIDAN - EVERYONE SAYS THANK YOU!
He's gone, but we'll come back to it in a minute so we can write his answer.
HEY AIDAN!
He's just gone outside.
AIDAN - EVERYONE SAYS THANK YOU!
He's gone, but we'll come back to it in a minute so we can write his answer.
Aidan's back now.
Everyone wants to say thank you very much.
D'you have anything to say?
FOR REDDIT! I did it for reddit! - Aidan
Who rips the biggest farts on set?
Well, I spent a lot of time with Rory, and he definitely farted a few times when I was in his presence, and it was really, really funny to be honest.
I'm curious how people handle children/minors on the set of a TV series with so much adult content. Is there a lot of separation between the parts you film and other parts? Are you allowed to watch GoT?
I'm allowed to watch the show. I'm not around when they shoot the more adult scenes. But yeah, I watch the show, I enjoy it, and I feel like I'm a bit of a fan of the show.
Have you had one of those "I can't stop laughing" moments on the GOT set? If so, what was so funny???
The one time was in series 3, episode 8, when I was supposed to laugh anyway - when Arya cracked up laughing at the news of her dead aunt - and I was watching funny videos on my phone, so I giggled endlessly, and they liked it, and so did the audience.
What is your hidden talent?
I...can... what are my hidden talents?
I can... go cross-eyed, with like one eye. So I can make one eye go forwards, and one eye go inwards. It's not exactly hidden, as I do it quite often, but it's something that's unique to me.
Favorite internet meme?
My favourite internet meme - the guy that flips the table. Because it's just... he's a meme, right? Because he's relevant in every situation, hahaha!
Hi Maisie Regarding the Last of Us, have you ever played the game? Do you it'd make an impact on your decision playing Ellie? (Personally I think you'd be spot on!)
I've watched a walk-through with my brother, and our next mission is to play the game, and I'm really looking forward to it, because the walk-through was insane.
If you could have Arya kill anyone in the show, who would it be?
It'd be pretty cool to kill a White Walker. But I don't know how much good that would do, because like 6 million of 'em would gang up on her. But that would be on Arya's bucket list - to kill a White Walker.
Do you want the Hound to live?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Yeah, I would love The Hound to live, because I'd love to work with Rory again. So in an ideal world, yeah, the Hound is still alive, in Maisie's opinion.
I wanted to be... well, when I was like really little, i went through my old books I did at school, and on the first page, one of them says "When I grow up I want to be" and there's a little picture of me being skateboarder. Yeah! And then I grew up and wanted to be a dancer. And then I started acting!
Hey Maisie!
If you could time travel, when would you go to?
I would go... to... I'd probably, like, go to the 1960's? So I could've grown up in the 80's. Because that would be fun. So be born in the 1960's.
I've been so afraid to make you my favorite character on GoT, because everyone says that whenever you pick a favorite character, they get killed off.
But, on to a question, out of the Stars, what is your preference, Star Wars or Star Trek?
And have you seen that movie Whiplash? If not, you should. It's pretty crazy.
Star Wars. I used to watch it a lot with my dad, and my siblings. And Star Trek, I just never really got into it, I guess.
And keep liking Arya, because I have a good feeling about her!
Okay, I will add it to my list of films to watch when I'm bored.