Production hasn't even started yet on the eighth and final season of "Game of Thrones," but many fans already can't bear to think about what life will be like without the hit fantasy series. One person who's excited for a post-"Thrones" world, however, is star Maisie Williams, who says she's itching to begin her the next phase of her career.

In an interview with BBC Newsbeat, Williams, who plays Arya Stark on the HBO drama, discussed her plans for after the series wraps, and they involve immersing herself in her new production company, as well as working in the British independent film industry.

"On one hand it's really nerve wracking to know that I won't have that support blanket and safety net, but on the other hand I'm free," the actress explained of shedding the show that made her famous.

Williams and the rest of the cast recently attended the first table read for season eight, but the actress said she's enjoying her time off from filming for now. And in the meantime, she can't help but think about her future.

"I'm really excited for 'Game of Thrones' to finish and there's going to be time for me to do whatever I want," the actress told Newsbeat. "That's just incredibly exciting and it will be nice to pick roles that I want to do. I can show the world what sort of actress I want to be and shape my career a little bit."

While we're sad to see Williams and "Thrones" leave the airwaves, we're excited to see what's next for her, too. Season eight of "Game of Thrones" doesn't have a premiere date yet, but with production reportedly delayed for star Kit Harington's wedding, it probably won't debut until sometime in 2019.

[via: BBC Newsbeat]