Arya

Wow, it has been a while since I have done one of these. But with the casting announcements now upon us, I figure I better finish off, at the very least, the POV characters. And I am finishing with what may be the toughest role to cast in the entire series. Arya is a character who goes through a lot during the course of the books and they will need to find an actor that can carry this story arc. Let’s take a look at some of the names being brought up.

Jodelle Ferland – For a child actor, she has a ton of experience. She is probably best known for her role in the horror film, Silent Hill. However she has appeared in dozens of other films and TV shows. I think she has the right look and certainly the experience. But she’s Canadian, so she might not be a part of British Equity. Also she will be 15 by the time the pilot films, which might be just a bit too old for the role of 11-year-old Arya.

Ivana Baquero – A Spanish actress, Baquero is most known for starring in Pan’s Labryinth. She has appeared in other Spanish films, but is able to speak English. Being from Europe means she would have an easier time getting into British Equity than American-based actors due to EU labor laws. That being said she also would be 15 years old at the time the pilot films and unlike Ferland, she actually looks it.

Niamh Wilson – At only 12 years old, Wilson is the youngest actress on this list. She is not however inexperienced, having appeared in a number of TV movies and films, most notably Saw III, IV and V. She is probably right around the age they will be looking to cast this role and I think she looks the part. Unfortunately she is Canadian which means she probably isn’t a British Equity member.

Skye Bennett – Finally, someone that certainly is a member of the British Equity. Born in London, Bennett has appeared in a number of BBC productions, most notably Ballet Shoes. Having just turned 14, she is probably right at the upper limit of an appropriate casting age. Plus I think she looks close to how I pictured Arya. Add all those factors together and you have probably the best candidate out of this, admittedly, weak list of potential Aryas.

Yeah, this one was hard. Not many good suggetions out there to go on and with the recent revelation by David and Dan that all the rest of the characters will likely be British Equity members it really narrows down the list of candidates. I didn’t even get into whether any of these girls have the acting chops necessary to pull off the role. The short of it is, this role will almost certainly be filled by a complete unknown. I just hope they pick the right one.

• Published on 05/13/2009 at 6:53 PM CDT
• Last updated on 10/20/2016 at 4:56 PM CDT