Maisie Williams is not shutting the door on a return to Westeros, but she has one major condition. As Arya Stark spinoff rumors build, the Game of Thrones alum says simply bringing back the character audiences remember would not be enough.
The Game of Thrones alum says Arya Stark cannot return as the same character
Williams addressed the Arya Stark spinoff speculation in a new Guardian interview. “I saw that, too! I was like, huh?” Williams said when asked about reports that HBO is exploring another Game of Thrones project involving Arya.
However, Williams did not immediately embrace the idea of stepping back into the role. “She would have to be developed in some way because I feel like I’ve changed so much,” the 29-year-old actor explained.
That caveat gets to the heart of her hesitation. Williams began playing Arya at 12 and spent much of her adolescence on GoT. She also noted that Arya’s appeal came partly from watching a child tackle situations far beyond her years. Therefore, an adult version would need a different emotional and narrative foundation.
Us Weekly highlighted Williams’ response as speculation continues around the possible spinoff. Meanwhile, reports about a sequel gained momentum earlier this year. HBO reportedly brought Drops of God creator Quoc Dang Tran aboard to work on a potential continuation.
The project remains in very early development. Reports have suggested Arya could play an important role and that the story might move to Essos. However, HBO has not announced Williams as part of the cast.
The discussion also follows years of uncertainty around a Jon Snow sequel. Kit Harington previously discussed whether he would play Jon again. Williams, meanwhile, has continued building her post-Thrones career. More recently, she joined Practical Magic 2, which sparked discussion over the sequel’s recast roles.
Still, Williams is not rejecting Arya outright. Instead, she wants any return to reflect the years since Game of Thrones ended in 2019.
For fans, that leaves the door open. However, nostalgia alone may not bring the old Arya Stark back.
