Former Game of Thrones co-stars Kit Harington and Sophie Turner have embarked on a dramatically different kind of on-screen relationship, and the transition from siblings to lovers has proven to be a uniquely awkward experience for the pair.
From Winterfell Siblings to Gothic Lovers
The actors, who are forever etched in the public consciousness as the noble Stark siblings Jon Snow and Sansa Stark, are reuniting for the upcoming British Gothic horror film, The Dreadful. Directed by Natasha Kermani, the film stars Turner, 29, as Anne, a woman living with her mother-in-law on the fringes of society. Her isolated existence is thrown into chaos with the unexpected arrival of a man from her past, played by Harington, 38.
In a candid interview with E! News, Harington revealed that it was Turner herself who sent him the script. "[Turner] was one that sent that movie to me and somehow didn't see what I saw in it," he admitted. "I was like, 'These guys, these are lovers, right?' I felt very odd about that." This initial reaction set the tone for what was to become a professionally challenging, yet ultimately rewarding, reunion.
Navigating Awkward Kisses and Apple Boxes
The practicalities of filming their new romantic dynamic brought their own set of comical hurdles. Harington openly discussed the "embarrassing" logistics involved in shooting their intimate scenes, playfully teasing his co-star about their height difference.
"It was slightly embarrassing, having to get on an apple box to kiss her because she's about a foot taller than me," Harington shared. "But other than that, my dignity was pretty intact."
Turner's perspective on the experience was equally, if not more, visceral. During an earlier appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, she recalled Harington's initial response to the script. He reportedly messaged her back saying, "Yeah, I'd love to, but this is going to be really f***ing weird, Soph." It was only then that Turner fully processed the script's requirements.
"And it's like, 'Kiss, kiss, sex, kiss, sex…' And then I'm like, 'Oh, shoot, that's my brother,'" she said. The awkwardness culminated on set during their first kissing scene. "We are both retching. Like, really, it is vile. It was the worst," Turner confessed.
A Familial Bond Rekindled
Despite the initial discomfort, both actors emphasised the profound value of working together again. Harington was quick to highlight the positive outcome of their collaboration, stating that any weirdness was overshadowed by the chance to reconnect.
"It was a good chance to be with her again and work together," he emphasised. "What was lovely is that we got on set together and our friendship completely ignited again. It felt like being with family. It really did."
While The Dreadful, which also features Marcia Gay Harden, Jonathan Howard, and Laurence O'Fuarain, does not yet have an official release date, fans of Harington have something more immediate to look forward to. He will next appear in The Family Plan 2, a sequel to the 2023 action comedy. The film, led by Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan, follows a former government assassin whose family holiday is interrupted by an old enemy. The Family Plan 2 will be available to stream on Apple TV+ from November 21.
