They Called Her the Witch – Years Later, Alexandra Daddario Has Become the Witch on Screen With Her Distinctive Blue Eyes

Alexandra Daddario’s rise in Hollywood is a fascinating story of transformation, persistence, and a touch of serendipity. Though she began her career in the early 2000s with several supporting roles that highlighted her striking looks, it wasn’t until a series of well-timed appearances that she truly broke through. One of the most intriguing moments in her journey was her guest role on the hit sitcom New Girl, which, in a curious twist, seemed to “predict” her later iconic role as a witch in the supernatural drama Mayfair Witches.

Early Career: Alexandra Daddario’s Journey Before Stardom

Alexandra Daddario’s career started modestly, with roles that often emphasized her physical appeal rather than her acting range. She appeared in Noah Baumbach’s The Squid and the Whale, playing the quintessential “pretty girl,” and later in Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience as a “girlfriend.” These early parts served as stepping stones rather than breakout moments.

Her notable early role as Annabeth Chase in the 2010 fantasy film Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief introduced her to a broader audience, especially fans of young adult fiction. Alexandra’s portrayal of Annabeth, daughter of Athena, showed promise but didn’t yet catapult her into the spotlight.

A different genre showcased her leading role in Texas Chainsaw 3D, a horror film where she demonstrated that she could carry a movie. But her real explosion into fame came in 2014, after a supporting role in the critically acclaimed crime series True Detective. Alexandra has been open about how this role changed her career trajectory, leading to numerous offers and wider recognition.

The New Girl Connection: A Surprising ‘Prediction’

Around the same time as her breakthrough on True Detective, Alexandra took on a guest role in the third season of the beloved Fox sitcom New Girl. The show, starring Zooey Deschanel as the quirky teacher Jess, revolves around her moving into a loft apartment in Los Angeles with three bachelors: Nick, Schmidt, and Winston (played by Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, and Lamorne Morris).

In the episode titled “Mars Landing”, which aired on March 25, 2014, Alexandra Daddario played Michelle, one of two attractive women moving into Jess’s building. The episode centers on the antics of Nick, Schmidt, and Winston as they try (and fail) to impress the new neighbors Michelle and Laurie, played by Stevie Nelson.

In one memorable scene, Winston humorously refers to Michelle as having “crazy witch eyes,” a nod to Alexandra Daddario’s famously striking blue eyes. While the line was meant as a lighthearted joke, fans now find it amusingly prophetic considering Alexandra’s later casting as a witch on Mayfair Witches.

Mayfair Witches: Alexandra Daddario’s Most Challenging Role Yet

Fast forward to 2023, and Alexandra Daddario’s portrayal of Dr. Rowan Fielding in Mayfair Witches marked a significant shift in her career. Based on the novels by Anne Rice, Mayfair Witches follows Rowan, a neurosurgeon who discovers she belongs to a powerful dynasty of witches. This supernatural drama explores themes of family, power, and mystery, with Alexandra’s character navigating complex emotional and magical landscapes.

Daddario’s role in Mayfair Witches demands more than just physical presence—it calls for depth, intensity, and a nuanced performance. Rowan Fielding is a harder-edged, cynical character, infused with a sense of righteous bitterness that showcases Alexandra’s evolution as an actress. The show initially received mixed reviews but has gained traction, with a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its second season, signaling growing critical appreciation.

From ‘Crazy Witch Eyes’ to Witchcraft: A Fun Coincidence

The coincidence between the New Girl reference and Alexandra Daddario’s current witch role in Mayfair Witches has sparked delight among fans and observers. While Winston’s comment in the sitcom was purely comedic and unrelated to any real-life casting, it now reads like a fun foreshadowing of Alexandra’s future in supernatural drama.

In New Girl, Alexandra’s character Michelle reappeared briefly in the fourth season, but she remained a lighthearted subplot focused on Winston’s affections. There was no magic or mysticism involved—just a charming sitcom role. Contrast that with her powerful presence in Mayfair Witches, where magic and mystery are central.

Alexandra Daddario’s Career Growth Between New Girl and Mayfair Witches

Between her guest spot on New Girl and her starring role on Mayfair Witches, Alexandra Daddario steadily built a diverse portfolio. She appeared in multiple episodes of American Horror Story, showcasing her ability to handle horror and psychological thriller genres. Films such as Baywatch, We Have Always Lived in the Castle, and We Summon the Darkness further broadened her range, with the latter earning particular praise.

In addition to live-action roles, Alexandra lent her voice to Lois Lane in animated Superman movies and appeared in the acclaimed series The White Lotus, solidifying her status as a versatile performer.

Continuing Momentum: What’s Next for Alexandra Daddario?

With the success of Mayfair Witches and the critical reappraisal of her performance in recent years, Alexandra Daddario has firmly established herself as a leading actress capable of carrying a series. But what lies ahead for this versatile performer? Industry insiders have hinted at her involvement in several high-profile projects across both film and television, including a potential period drama and a suspense thriller. Beyond her acting commitments, Daddario has also become more involved in production, expressing interest in developing content that challenges genre boundaries while highlighting strong, multidimensional female leads. Her growing presence behind the scenes suggests that she may soon transition from in front of the camera to shaping stories behind it—further proof of her evolution in Hollywood. As the entertainment landscape continues to change, Alexandra Daddario remains not just relevant but essential—a talent whose next chapter is as eagerly anticipated as her last.

Final Thoughts: A Career Full Circle

It’s rare for an actor’s early roles to so whimsically “predict” their future success. Alexandra Daddario’s guest appearance on New Girl, with its playful nod to her “crazy witch eyes,” is now viewed as a charming precursor to her defining role in Mayfair Witches. Her journey from supporting roles to leading lady showcases the importance of perseverance, timing, and talent in Hollywood.

As Alexandra continues to take on challenging roles, fans eagerly anticipate where her career will lead next. One thing is certain: from her early days to her current stature, Alexandra Daddario’s star continues to rise, enchanting audiences along the way.