Maisie Williams’ Unprecedented Transformation for ‘The New Look’: Diving Deep into Catherine Dior’s World

In an industry often characterized by superficial portrayals, some actors delve deep into their roles, undergoing profound transformations that extend far beyond the surface. Maisie Williams, globally recognized for her formidable portrayal of Arya Stark in HBO’s monumental series Game of Thrones, is one such artist. At 26 years old, Williams has once again captivated audiences, not just with her acting prowess, but with the sheer dedication she poured into her latest role: embodying the late Catherine Dior in Apple TV+’s highly anticipated historical drama, The New Look. This new series promises an intricate exploration of the fashion world during World War II, intertwining personal struggles with historical upheaval, and Williams’ commitment to authenticity is a testament to its gravitas.

Williams recently shared candid details of her rigorous physical and emotional preparation during a revealing February 6 interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK. Her insights offered a rare glimpse into the intense demands of bringing a complex historical figure like Catherine Dior to life. The transformation was multifaceted, impacting not only her physical appearance but also her mental and emotional well-being. Viewers familiar with Williams’ dynamic performance as the spirited Arya Stark will undoubtedly witness a stark contrast in her portrayal of Dior, a role that demanded an entirely different kind of resilience and immersion. This deep dive into her character’s reality goes beyond surface-level acting, showcasing Williams’ growth as an actress tackling more mature and challenging narratives.

One of the most striking aspects of her preparation was a significant physical alteration: Williams shaved her distinctive brunette tresses. This visible change immediately signaled her departure from previous roles, allowing her to fully step into Catherine Dior’s shoes, shedding any lingering association with her iconic Game of Thrones character. Beyond the hair, a more profound and medically supervised transformation took place. Williams underwent a dramatic weight loss, shedding approximately 25 pounds, a journey meticulously managed by healthcare professionals who conducted regular blood tests and monitored her heart rate to ensure her safety throughout the process. This level of medical oversight underscores the intensity and potential risks associated with such a demanding physical change for an acting role, highlighting the serious commitment Maisie made to her craft and the integrity of her portrayal.

Describing the arduous process, Maisie Williams recounted to Harper’s Bazaar UK, “I was eating very little, meditating all the time, burning candles and incense in my apartment.” This lifestyle was not merely about calorie restriction but encompassed a holistic approach to prepare her mind and body for the role. Her diet was incredibly restrictive, designed not only to reduce weight but also to achieve a specific physical state that reflected the scarcity and hardship of wartime. She elaborated on a peculiar dietary regimen that involved “dehydrating” foods and beverages, especially in the hours leading up to filming. “The night before, at about 7 or 8 pm I was allowed to have something salty and dehydrating – some smoked salmon and a tiny glass of wine,” the 26-year-old explained, highlighting the precise and almost ritualistic nature of her preparation. This meticulous attention to diet aimed to mimic the historical reality of limited resources and the physical toll it took on individuals during World War II, making her performance even more authentic.

The weight loss was also accelerated by a gruelling “sweating” routine. Maisie detailed the extreme measures she took to shed pounds, stating, “I had to be up at 4 am to start sweating.” This early morning regimen was coupled with intense baths designed to further aid dehydration. “Then I had a boiling-hot bath with lots of salts in it,” she continued. These practices, while effective for achieving the desired physical appearance, took a heavy toll on her body and mind, particularly impacting her sleep patterns. The combined effects of minimal food intake, intense physical activity, and controlled dehydration left her in a state of restless exhaustion, which, ironically, helped her tap into the character’s likely physical and mental state during a time of extreme stress and deprivation.

The profound changes weren’t limited to the number on the scale; her sleep became severely disrupted. Maisie vividly described her struggles: “I sort of levitated to bed and slept for maybe three hours, and woke up and had a handful of nuts. I wouldn’t be able to sleep through the night at this point. I kept waking up and feeling like a marble inside a bottle, rattling around.” This evocative imagery speaks volumes about her fragile state, a feeling of being untethered and unsettled, unable to find true rest amidst the demands of the role. Such experiences underscore the psychological cost of deeply immersing oneself in a character, especially one whose historical reality was marked by immense hardship and constant peril. This raw, unfiltered account offers a rare insight into the mental toll of method acting and the actor’s vulnerability.

Catherine Dior, the sister of the legendary designer Christian Dior, was a remarkable woman in her own right. She was a courageous French Resistance fighter during World War II, an experience that led to her arrest by the Gestapo and subsequent internment in the Ravensbrück concentration camp. Portraying a figure with such a harrowing past demanded more than just physical transformation; it required a deep dive into historical context and emotional resonance. Maisie Williams recognized this distinction, explaining that this role was profoundly different from her work as Arya Stark in Game of Thrones. While Arya was a warrior forged in fantasy, Catherine was a real-life hero who faced unimaginable atrocities, a distinction that demanded a different kind of emotional and psychological engagement from the actress.

She emphasized that playing Catherine meant “building different muscles.” While Arya Stark’s journey was characterized by physical endurance, combat training, and a hardened exterior forged through violence, Catherine Dior’s story required an internal fortitude, a nuanced exploration of psychological trauma, resilience, and quiet strength. Williams stated that this role “took over what I’m eating and how I’m moving and sleeping and thinking.” This complete absorption into the character’s reality led to disturbing psychological manifestations, particularly in her dreams. Maisie recounted, “There was a lot of feeling restricted, almost like sleep paralysis, dreams of being trapped and attacked, and horrible visions of men in uniform.” These nocturnal horrors vividly reflect the terror and confinement experienced by Resistance fighters and concentration camp prisoners, showcasing the profound empathy Williams developed for her character’s suffering. Such vivid, distressing dreams highlight the extent to which Maisie allowed Catherine’s harrowing experiences to permeate her own psyche, blurring the lines between actress and character.

The gravity of Catherine Dior’s story, coupled with the immersive acting process, created an unforgettable experience for Maisie Williams. The New Look aims to explore not only the personal sacrifices made during wartime but also the resilience of the human spirit and the birth of a new cultural era amidst the ashes of conflict. The series centers around Christian Dior’s rise to prominence and the simultaneous impact of his sister Catherine’s courage. It’s a narrative rich with historical detail, emotion, and the enduring power of human creativity and defiance. The show promises to be a poignant reminder of a period where human ingenuity and courage shone brightest against the backdrop of unimaginable darkness, with Catherine Dior’s story serving as a powerful anchor.

Despite the overwhelming and often distressing nature of her immersion, Maisie clarified that it was still a profound pleasure and privilege to embody Catherine Dior. “Every day of filming was a reminder that we were portraying a story of the horrors that humans are capable of inflicting on one another, but also the magic and the hope and the love,” she added. This statement encapsulates the powerful dichotomy at the heart of the series: acknowledging the darkness of humanity while simultaneously celebrating its capacity for extraordinary light and connection. Williams’ dedication ensures that Catherine’s legacy as a symbol of hope and resistance is honored with integrity and emotional depth, offering viewers a comprehensive and empathetic look at a pivotal historical figure.

The anticipation for The New Look is considerable, promising a compelling watch for fans of historical dramas and those interested in the untold stories behind iconic figures. Featuring a star-studded cast including Ben Mendelsohn as Christian Dior and Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel, the series is set to offer a sophisticated portrayal of a pivotal moment in history. Maisie Williams’ transformative performance as Catherine Dior is expected to be a cornerstone of the show, delivering a powerful and deeply felt interpretation of a woman whose life was marked by incredible bravery and immense suffering. Fans eager to witness Maisie Williams’ latest and arguably most challenging role can tune into The New Look via Apple TV+ on February 14, where it will undoubtedly spark conversations about sacrifice, resilience, and the indelible mark left by history, solidifying its place as a significant contribution to wartime storytelling.

In conclusion, Maisie Williams’ journey into the heart of Catherine Dior for The New Look represents a remarkable testament to her artistry and commitment. Her physical transformation, medically supervised weight loss, stringent dietary practices, and profound emotional immersion paint a vivid picture of the lengths an actor might go to honor a historical figure. Beyond the dramatic personal changes, Williams’ experience highlights the enduring power of storytelling to bring critical historical narratives to a contemporary audience. Her portrayal of Catherine Dior is poised to be more than just a performance; it is a heartfelt tribute to a woman of immense courage, inviting viewers to reflect on the darker chapters of history while holding onto the threads of hope and humanity. This role solidifies Williams’ status as a versatile and dedicated actress, capable of tackling challenging, emotionally resonant characters with extraordinary depth and authenticity, marking a significant milestone in her already impressive career.