For nearly a decade, HBO’s Game of Thrones dominated screens and conversations, but Daniel Radcliffe managed to stay oblivious to the phenomenon—until 2019. During a casual watch party with friends, Radcliffe was introduced to the show through its penultimate episode, The Bells. “I watched my first-ever episode the other night with no context at all.” Entering the rich, sprawling narrative of Game of Thrones at such a climactic moment left him overwhelmed. “I was very confused. [There was] a lot of explaining, mainly of the relationships, who people were to other people.”
Despite the chaos and confusion of being thrust into a complex story midstream, Radcliffe was captivated by Maisie Williams’ performance as Arya Stark.
Maisie Williams: A Scene-Stealer as Arya Stark
Radcliffe couldn’t help but praise Williams’ compelling presence on screen, particularly in the high-stakes episode where Arya Stark faces her most crucial moral decision.
“I could watch Maisie Williams be someone out to kill people for days, she’s awesome. The whole thing was great.”
Arya Stark’s journey has cemented her as one of the most iconic characters in modern television. A fierce and resourceful warrior, Arya’s arc saw her evolve from a rebellious child into a lethal assassin with a single-minded drive for justice—or vengeance. Her list of enemies, featuring some of the show’s most despicable villains like Walder Frey and the Night King, added layers to her character that fans—and Radcliffe—couldn’t ignore.
In The Bells, Arya makes a critical decision to walk away from vengeance and destruction, choosing life over death. This pivotal moment resonated deeply with viewers and left Radcliffe admiring her even more.
A Finale That Divided Fans—And Maisie Williams
While Radcliffe found joy in discovering Arya Stark, Maisie Williams herself harbored mixed feelings about her character’s ultimate fate in the series. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Williams expressed her disappointment with how Arya’s story wrapped up in the controversial Season 8.
“I wanted Arya to kill Cersei even if it means [Arya] dies too.”
The actress had envisioned Arya confronting her mortal enemy, Cersei Lannister, in a dramatic showdown. Her idea included Arya using her face-swapping assassin skills to infiltrate the Red Keep and enact vengeance, even at the cost of her own life.
Instead, Arya’s narrative took her out of King’s Landing just as the city fell to ruin under Daenerys Targaryen’s dragon fire. The absence of Arya in the climactic scenes involving Cersei and Jaime Lannister left Williams—and many fans—feeling unsatisfied.
Radcliffe’s Surprising Connection to Game of Thrones
Radcliffe’s admiration for Williams reflects a broader connection between two of the most beloved fantasy franchises of our time. While Harry Potter and Game of Thrones cater to slightly different audiences, both feature rich character arcs and epic storytelling. Radcliffe’s praise for Arya Stark bridges the gap between the two universes, showcasing his respect for a fellow young star who rose to fame in an iconic role.
Though Radcliffe hasn’t confirmed whether he plans to watch the entirety of Game of Thrones, his enthusiasm for Williams suggests he might. For now, his unexpected dive into the chaos of King’s Landing provided a refreshing perspective on one of TV’s most talked-about characters.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Arya Stark
Arya Stark’s journey remains a testament to the power of character-driven storytelling. Whether slaying the Night King or navigating moral dilemmas, Maisie Williams brought an intensity to Arya that captivated fans—and fellow actors like Daniel Radcliffe.
His praise highlights how even those unfamiliar with the intricacies of Game of Thrones can appreciate the brilliance of Williams’ performance. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer like Radcliffe, Arya Stark continues to leave an indelible mark on television history.