Weight Loss and Intense Preparation
Actress Maisie Williams, known for her role as Arya Stark in Game of Thrones, has undergone a remarkable transformation for her upcoming role as Catherine Dior in an AppleTV+ series. Williams shared the details of her physical and mental preparation for the role in an interview with author Justine Picardie for Harper’s Bazaar UK.
Williams revealed that she went to great lengths to embody the character of Catherine Dior. She adopted a strict diet and intense meditation routine, as well as incorporating candles and incense into her daily life. The majority of her weight loss was achieved through sweating out fluid in the weeks leading up to filming.
“I had to be up at 4 am to start sweating,” Williams explained. “The night before, I would have something salty and dehydrating, like smoked salmon and a small glass of wine. Then, I would take a hot bath with salts. After only a few hours of sleep, I would wake up and have a handful of nuts.”
Williams admitted that her sleep patterns were disrupted during this period, often waking up feeling restless and anxious. However, she remained dedicated to her transformation into Catherine Dior.
Dreams and Challenges
Williams also revealed that she experienced vivid dreams and challenges while preparing for the role. She spoke of feeling restricted, almost like sleep paralysis, with dreams of being trapped and attacked. Horrible visions of men in uniform haunted her during this time.
However, Williams chose to focus on the positive aspects of Catherine Dior’s story. She immersed herself in the character’s world, even growing roses in Provence, just as Catherine’s brother did in her honor while creating the iconic scent, Miss Dior.
An Uplifting Show
Despite the dark themes and challenges surrounding the portrayal of Catherine Dior’s life, Williams and the production team aimed to create an uplifting show. Every day of filming served as a reminder of the capacity for both horror and love that exists within humanity.
“Ultimately, we wanted to make a show that was uplifting,” Williams said.