In the contemporary landscape of popular culture, few transitions from child stardom to seasoned adulthood are as closely watched or as critically vindicated as that of Maisie Williams. Rising to international prominence at the tender age of 12 as Arya Stark in HBO’s monumental fantasy epic Game of Thrones, Williams established a high-water mark for young acting talent that few of her peers have managed to match. Rather than resting on the laurels of a career-defining television monolith, she has spent the subsequent years deliberately dismantling expectations. She has cultivated a sprawling resume that spans gritty historical dramas like Pistol, independent cinematic features like 500 Miles, philanthropic endeavors, app development, and high-fashion experimentation.
Now, Williams is stepping into yet another cultural touchstone: Practical Magic 2. Set to hit theaters amidst a wave of high-anticipation marketing, the sequel to the 1998 cult classic places Williams alongside powerhouse veterans Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, as well as contemporary peer Joey King. Playing Antonia Owens—the career-driven, magic-resistant daughter of Bullock’s character, Sally—Williams bridges generations of cinematic royalty.
In an exclusive interview with PAPER magazine, photographed by Danielle Levitt and styled by Kris Fe, Williams reflects on the weight of stepping into a beloved cinematic universe, the nuances of "method dressing," the mentorship of industry titans, and her vision for the future of modern creativity.
Detailed Chronology: From Westeros to Witchcraft
To understand Maisie Williams’ current artistic trajectory, one must look back at the foundation she built over a decade and a half ago. Cast as the fierce, sword-wielding Arya Stark in Game of Thrones, Williams spent her formative years on one of the most demanding television sets in history. While many child stars struggle to find their footing once their breakout series concludes, Williams deliberately chose the road less traveled.
She bypassed predictable commercial projects in favor of complex character studies and genre-defying roles. Her performance as Jordan Baker in FX’s Pistol showcased her punk-rock versatility, while her indie film credits demonstrated a granular commitment to character over spectacle. This dedication to craft was formally recognized in July when Bath Spa University awarded her an honorary Doctorate in the Arts, acknowledging not just her onscreen output, but her commitment to the broader creative ecosystem.
The chronology of her career has now led her directly to Silver Lake Boulevard, where posters for Practical Magic 2 line the streets, and into the center of a massive press tour. Portraying Antonia Owens required Williams to lean into a unique dynamic: playing the skeptic opposite a lineage of powerful practitioners of magic.
"It’s amazing being with these women for the last push of press," Williams shares, discussing the whirlwind days leading up to the film’s release. "I’m soaking it up from a personal perspective. It’s such an incredible film. I hope it finds the right audience. I’m a little nervous, but there’s nothing we can change. We put our hearts and souls into it. Now it’ll be out in the world."
Supporting Context & Metrics: Fashion, Mentorship, and Method Dressing
The press tour for Practical Magic 2 has proven that Williams is not only a force on screen but an emergent icon within high fashion. Throughout the promotional circuit, Williams and her styling team have utilized "method dressing"—a conceptual approach where red-carpet ensembles pay explicit homage to the historical work of co-stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
For the film’s premiere, Williams wore a custom Ellie Misner creation directly inspired by Sandra Bullock’s iconic gown from the 1999 premiere of Forces of Nature.
"The first film is special because it isn’t an inherently witchy film," Williams explains. "There’s magic! But the fashion and sisterhood are more integral. I wanted to pay homage to Sandra and Nicole and the looks they’ve given us. They’re such fashion icons. It felt like an extension of method dressing."
This deep respect for her predecessors extended behind the scenes, where Bullock and Kidman offered invaluable counsel regarding longevity in an unpredictable industry. According to Williams, the overarching lesson imparted by the veterans was simple yet profound: the journey will not be linear, but a genuine love for the work will always prevail.
Furthermore, the collaborative environment fostered by director Susanne Bier allowed Williams to navigate the high-stakes project with grace. "I’d wanted to work with Susanne for so long," Williams notes. "Working with her on this was a dream come true. On the days I felt nervous, I had someone to turn to for answers. She brought out the best in me as an actor."
Official Statements & Industry Reflections
Williams’ recent commencement speech at Bath Spa University offered a window into her philosophy on art, success, and the next generation of creators. Speaking to a room filled with aspiring filmmakers, actors, and designers, she emphasized the importance of internal validation over external metrics of success.
"The main takeaway I wanted to give was to connect with your inner voice and be gentle with yourself," Williams states. "We’re all looking for success. But success can bring lots of opinions, some that matter and others that don’t. This should be for ourselves first."
Her perspective on the industry is mirrored in her growing interest in philanthropy and humanitarianism. Drawing inspiration from contemporaries like Olivia Rodrigo—who has leveraged artistic platforms for large-scale social impact—Williams envisions a future where the lucrative nature of the entertainment industry is directly channeled into global activism.
"Whenever it comes to the intersection of career and philanthropy, beautiful things happen," Williams observes. "I work with organizations all around the world, and I like the idea of fundraising through art. This industry is so lucrative. Sometimes, it’s hard to know where that money’s going."
Future Outlook: The Next Chapter for Maisie Williams
As Practical Magic 2 introduces Williams to a new generation of filmgoers, her future points toward an eclectic mix of multi-medium artistry, social advocacy, and selective cinematic exploration. Rather than boxing herself into a single category of performance, Williams continues to draw inspiration from disparate sources—ranging from immersive nature walks in the countryside to reading artist memoirs and experimenting with painting and writing.
When asked to categorize her affection for the different pillars of her craft via a tongue-in-cheek game of "Kiss, Marry, Kill," Williams offered an answer that cemented her status as a true devotee of the arts:
Kiss: Film, because "movie snobs are my favorite actors to watch on screen."
Marry: Television, because "it’s been such a huge part of my career."
Kill: Theatre, because "some of the best deaths have appeared onstage."
With her role as Antonia Owens now entering the global cultural zeitgeist, Williams remains grounded, resilient, and relentlessly authentic. Whether she is walking a red carpet in archival-inspired couture, advocating for philanthropic causes, or guiding the next generation of creatives, Maisie Williams has proven that her magic extends far beyond the silver screen.
