A Challenging Professional Reunion

Kit Harington recently shared his thoughts on the awkwardness of filming intimate scenes with his former Game of Thrones co-star, Sophie Turner, for their latest gothic horror film, The Dreadful. The two actors, who famously portrayed Jon Snow and Sansa Stark, share a long history dating back to their childhoods on the set of the hit HBO series.

In a discussion with Peter Dinklage for CNN’s Actors on Actors, Harington admitted the experience felt inherently strange. “It was weird,” he noted, explaining that because their professional relationship began when they were much younger, their bond felt more familial than romantic, often likening their connection to that of siblings or cousins.

The Road to The Dreadful

Sophie Turner, who produced and starred in The Dreadful, revealed that she was the one who initially suggested Harington for the role of the mysterious stranger. She admitted that while reading the script, she hadn't fully processed the romantic requirements until it was too late.

«I’d just got the script for this amazing gothic horror called The Dreadful, and I was reading through all the characters. And I’m producing it, so the director was asking me, ‘Who do you think?’ And immediately, the first person I thought of was Kit.»

Upon receiving the script, Harington pointed out the potential for discomfort. Turner recalled his reaction: “He sent me a message back saying, ‘Yeah, I’d love to, but this is going to be really f*ing weird, Soph.’”

Navigating the Awkwardness

Despite the initial hesitation, both actors maintained their professionalism to honor the quality of the project. Harington noted that, regardless of the discomfort, he has immense respect for Turner's craft, calling her “phenomenal.”

However, the reality of filming remained difficult. Turner described the moment they had to shoot their first kissing scene as particularly testing:

  • The actors had to consciously try to put their history aside.
  • Upon reaching the set, the physical intimacy proved challenging.
  • Both performers joked about their visceral reactions to the scenes, describing them as “vile” and “retching.”

Ultimately, the two concluded that the strength of the script made the professional hurdle worth overcoming. The Dreadful, which was released in February, captures their collaboration in this new, darker genre.