Game of Thrones battle scenes left me ‘mentally and physically broken’, says Maisie Williams

The final is coming!
Safeeyah Kazi5 March 2019

Maisie Williams has revealed she was left feeling “mentally and physically broken” after filming gruelling battle scenes for Game of Thrones.

Williams, who plays Arya Stark, said season eight director Miguel Sapochnik warned her that she would need to start training a year before filming began.

The 21-year-old was unconvinced that it would be necessary, but looking back on she admitted she was unprepared for how draining it would be.

She told Entertainment Weekly: “Nothing can prepare you for how physically draining it is. It’s night after night, and again and again, and it just doesn’t stop.

Difficult: Williams opened up on the impact of the battle scenes
Helen Sloan/HBO

“You can’t get sick, and you have to look out for yourself because there’s so much to do that nobody else can do… there are moments you’re just broken as a human and just want to cry.”

Williams is not the only one who has felt the brunt of the show’s ending.

Earlier this year, she told the Daily Mail: “It's over and I cried like a baby on the last day. I felt completely lost. It was very strange and wonderful to get this.

Game Over: The show will air next month
Entertainment Weekly

“This part couldn't be more opposite, because dragons ain't funny (sic).”

Kit Harington also admitted he battled with “grief” on his final day as staple hero Jon Snow, adding that he is “not happy but very satisfied” with the way the show ended.

Game of Thrones season eight will air in the UK on Sky Atlantic on April 15

Game of Thrones: Season 8 - In pictures

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