Sophie Turner & Kit Harington: Awkward Kiss in New Horror Film ‘The Dreadful’
- The on-screen dynamic between Sophie Turner and Kit Harington is about to get a lot more…complicated.
- A video released by Entertainment Tonight shows Turner and Harington visibly reacting with discomfort – even gagging – immediately after completing a kiss scene.
- The unusual reaction isn’t entirely surprising, given the actors’ shared history.
The on-screen dynamic between Sophie Turner and Kit Harington is about to get a lot more…complicated. The former Game of Thrones co-stars, who played half-siblings Jon Snow and Sansa Stark for eight seasons on HBO’s blockbuster series, are now portraying lovers in the upcoming gothic horror film, The Dreadful. And, according to recent behind-the-scenes footage, the transition hasn’t been entirely smooth.
A video released by Entertainment Tonight shows Turner and Harington visibly reacting with discomfort – even gagging – immediately after completing a kiss scene. The clip, taken during filming, captures the moment director Natasha Kermani calls “Cut!” followed by Harington’s exaggerated display of nausea and Turner quickly joining in. The crew’s laughter is audible in the background, underscoring the awkwardness of the moment.
The unusual reaction isn’t entirely surprising, given the actors’ shared history. Turner herself described the kissing scene as “vile” during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers last August, explaining the inherent strangeness of transitioning from playing family members to romantic interests. “Because we played family members on Game of Thrones and now we’re love interests,” she said, as reported by multiple outlets.
Interestingly, the project originated with Turner. She reportedly sent Harington the script for The Dreadful, which is set in 15th-century England during the War of the Roses. Harington initially expressed reservations, acknowledging the inherent “weirdness” of the situation. “She was [the] one that sent that movie to me and somehow didn’t see what I saw in it,” Harington told E! News in November. “I was like, ‘These guys, these are lovers, right?’ I felt very odd about that.”
Despite the initial discomfort, both actors ultimately committed to the roles. The Dreadful follows Anne (Turner) and her mother-in-law Morwen (Marcia Gay Harden), who live a secluded life on the fringes of society. The arrival of a man from their past, played by Harington, disrupts their existence and sets in motion a series of horrifying events. The film, written and directed by Kermani, also stars Laurence O’Fuarain and Jonathan Howard.
Harington also jokingly addressed the physical challenges of filming the romantic scenes, noting a significant height difference between himself and Turner. “It was slightly embarrassing having to get on an apple box to kiss her, because she’s about a foot taller than me,” he said to E! News. “But apart from that, my dignity was pretty intact.”
The release of the behind-the-scenes footage has generated considerable buzz, highlighting the unusual circumstances surrounding the production. While the actors’ reactions are played for comedic effect, they also speak to the complexities of navigating professional relationships and challenging creative choices. The film, which was released on , is already attracting attention for its unconventional casting and the intriguing dynamic between its two leads.
Beyond the on-set awkwardness, The Dreadful represents a significant return to the screen for both Turner and Harington. Following the conclusion of Game of Thrones in , both actors have pursued a variety of projects, but this marks their first major collaboration since the cultural phenomenon that launched them to international stardom. The film’s success could potentially pave the way for future collaborations, though perhaps with less…visceral reactions.
The film’s marketing campaign has leaned heavily into the actors’ shared history and the unusual nature of their on-screen romance. The Entertainment Tonight clip has been widely circulated on social media, generating conversation and anticipation for the film’s release. Whether the awkwardness translates into compelling storytelling remains to be seen, but The Dreadful is undoubtedly capturing the attention of audiences and industry observers alike.
The gothic horror genre itself is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with audiences increasingly drawn to atmospheric and suspenseful narratives. The Dreadful aims to capitalize on this trend, offering a dark and unsettling tale of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of the past. The film’s success will likely depend on its ability to deliver on its promise of psychological horror and to showcase the talents of its ensemble cast.