Maisie Williams’ performance of Arya’s amazing dagger trick was achieved with skill, not CGI

The latest episode of Game of Thrones’ “Game Revealed” series focuses on one of the best moments of last season: that epic sparring session between Arya and Brienne. It was a fight that few of us knew we wanted to see until it was suddenly happening, and the behind-the-scenes footage is fascinating.

One of the tidbits revealed is that the ground leg twist, which leads into a standing ready stance, was actually performed by a stunt person whose face was digitally replaced by that of Maisie Williams.

Here’s the shot as it actually appeared, and how the pre-CGI image looked in-camera:

The coolest thing revealed in this video, however, is the fact that the final dagger twirl is a very real thing that Maisie Williams was able to learn. Not only that, but she’s naturally right-handed, and she trained to use her left hand while fighting. It’s a small detail, but welcomed by fans of the books.

Anyway, check it out. The move is beautiful, even in the gym.

I’ve watched this a few dozen times, and it still makes me happy. Even the actors look like they’re having fun doing things that look and feel like they should be impossible.