The behind-the-scenes look at Game of Thrones season 7’s best duel is proof you shouldn’t mess with Maisie Williams

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Game of Thrones season 7 had its fair share of scraps and skirmishes but surely one duel will live long in the memory. If you haven’t caught up on all things Westeros then there are mild spoilers below but, go on, you want to see some sword-on-sword action, don’t you?

Taken from a sneak peek at HBO Now’s The Game Revealed series, the 90-second long teaser gives us a glimpse into Brienne and Arya’s semi-playful duel in Winterfell during Game of Thrones season 7, episode 4. Oh, and check out Maisie Williams’ (in real time!) dagger flip at the 38-second mark. Wowsers.

Speaking about training for the scene, Brienne’s actress Gwendoline Christie says, “It was so exciting to train for that fight and we trusted each other.” Trust exercises normally involve catching someone when they fall, not getting the hell out of the way of a sword (prop or otherwise) but, hey, that’s what you’re bound to get on Thrones.

Maisie Williams, though, had a unique challenge because of the height difference, as she explains: “To be fighting Gwen, who is far over a foot taller than me… it’s been a massive challenge.”

The two actors clashing swords is one thing, but the stuntmen had to get really down and dirty, or “to be put in harm’s way” as stunt coordinator Rowley Irlam describes it. One even shows off with a backflip. We get it, you’re amazing. I’m not jealous. Not at all…

The genius of the scene, as Christie is quick to point out, isn’t in the sheer physicality of it all, but in their behaviours and mannerisms: “Every movement tells the story about the character. It tells the story of these two very different warriors.”

For more on the secrets behind this scene (and more) you can subscribe to HBO Now. 

Image: HBO

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.