Maisie Williams, who grew up before a global audience as Arya Stark, is finding that revisiting her past work comes with a specific psychological hurdle. During recent interviews in September 2026, the actress revealed a stark contrast in how she perceives different eras of Game of Thrones, noting that while she enjoys the early years, the later seasons are “too embarrassing” to sit through.
The distinction, according to Williams, stems from her personal proximity to the version of herself on screen. Having been cast at just 12 years old, she explains that watching seasons 1 and 2 feels like looking at a different person. Because she has forgotten many of the specific filming details from her childhood, the experience is akin to rediscovering lost memories. However, as the series progressed toward its 2019 conclusion, the version of herself depicted began to align too closely with her current adult identity, making the viewing experience uncomfortable.
The Identity Gap and “Falling Off”
This sense of personal embarrassment marks a shift from Williams’ previous critiques of the HBO epic. In 2022, she made headlines during a Twitch stream by admitting that the series “definitely fell off at the end,” a comment that aligned more with fan sentiments regarding the narrative quality of the final seasons. Her 2026 reflections suggest a more internal struggle: the difficulty of reconciling her adult self with the teenager she was during the show’s massive cultural peak.
This period of her life was not without its challenges. In a recent profile with The Guardian, Williams described the first half of her 20s as “hell,” citing the pressures of fame and the transition from child stardom. Her recent professional milestones indicate a move toward a more settled career phase, including receiving an honorary doctorate from Bath Spa University in July 2026 and landing a major role in the highly anticipated sequel Practical Magic 2.
Status of the Arya Stark Spinoff
As fans continue to speculate about the future of the franchise, Williams has also addressed the persistent rumors regarding a standalone Arya Stark project. Despite viral reports suggesting a feature film or spinoff series might be in development, the actress clarified that she is not currently involved in any such plans.
Speaking in September 2026, Williams confirmed she has not been contacted by HBO or any producers regarding a return to the role. While she hasn’t entirely closed the door on the character in the past, her current focus remains on new projects, such as her role as Antonia Owens in Practical Magic 2 alongside original stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.