MGoT: The Favored Hand

A delightful post from Bryan Cogman today over at Making Game of Thrones, where he talks about a day on set in Malta. They are filming scenes from Episode 8 that take place in the Red Keep, with the presidential estate of San Anton Palace doubling as the Red Keep. After narrowly avoiding a flooding disaster, we get this amazingly awesome anecdote from the set:

Today’s work features Arya Stark (Maisie Williams). As always, she’s in terrific form. And here’s an exchange I witnessed which should illustrate why she’s such a joy to work with. Dan Minahan is working with Maisie on a bit of action involving Arya’s prized blade (Needle):

DAN: Wait, are you left-handed or right-handed?

MAISIE: Well, I’m right-handed. But Arya’s left-handed.

My eyes widen. Indeed, Arya is described as left-handed in George’s books. I just assumed we had lucked out and found an actor who happened to be left-handed. But, no! Upon further investigation, I discover Maisie expressed early on that she wanted to learn her sword fights left-handed to honor the description in the original novels. She’s already shot a sequence involving some complex choreography that would challenge any actor, not to mention one not using her favored hand. What a kid!

Winter Is Coming: This is something Bryan Miltos first related to those in attendance at the Belfast moot. But it is great to hear again and to get more details on how it all went down. Talk about dedication to your role. Great job Maisie!

• Published on 12/01/2010 at 4:34 PM CDT
• Last updated on 12/01/2010 at 4:34 PM CDT