Kit Harington has opened up about the strange experience of filming intimate scenes with longtime friend Sophie Turner in their new gothic horror film, The Dreadful. The actor, best known for portraying Jon Snow in HBO’s Game of Thrones, described the experience as “gross” — not because of the performance, but because of their deep-rooted history together.
From Thrones to Tension: A Friendship Tested on Screen
Harington, 39, made the candid remarks during a recent conversation with fellow Game of Thrones alum Peter Dinklage for CNN’s Actors on Actors series. Reflecting on his role in The Dreadful, a chilling period horror film produced by and starring Turner, Harington admitted that the idea of performing romantic and sexual scenes with someone he’s known since she was a teenager felt deeply uncomfortable.
“It was weird,” Harington confessed. “She sent me the script and I said, ‘Sophie, there’s a lot of us getting it on.’ She hadn’t seen that. She just said, ‘Yeah, Kit would be good for this part.’”
The dynamic between the two actors is layered with years of shared history. Harington and Turner, now 30, spent nearly a decade working side by side on Game of Thrones, where their characters — Jon Snow and Sansa Stark — were initially believed to be siblings. Though later revelations confirmed they were only first cousins, their on-screen relationship remained strictly familial and emotionally complex.
Off-screen, their bond grew into a close, sibling-like friendship. Harington has often referred to Turner as “like a younger sister,” emphasizing how he watched her grow up from a 14-year-old newcomer into a seasoned actress and mother. That deep personal connection made the shift to playing lovers in The Dreadful all the more jarring.
Breaking the Ice: How They Navigated the Challenge
Despite his initial hesitation, Harington ultimately accepted the role. Turner, who served as both producer and lead actress in the film, was determined to work with someone she trusted — and Harington’s dramatic range made him an ideal fit for the mysterious, brooding character of Edward, a sinister figure who reenters the life of Anne (Turner) and her manipulative mother-in-law, Morwen.
The film, set in a fog-drenched 19th-century English countryside, leans heavily into psychological horror and repressed desire. The romantic tension between Anne and Edward is central to the plot, requiring intense emotional and physical performances from both leads. For Harington, stepping into that space with Turner meant confronting more than just acting challenges — it meant overcoming years of platonic association.
“I’ve known her since she was a child,” Harington said. “I’ve seen her grow up, become a woman, become a mother. To suddenly be in that kind of scene with her — it’s just… it feels wrong. It feels gross.”
Yet, he was quick to clarify that “gross” didn’t mean bad. “We did it. It was gross but it was fine,” he insisted. “She’s an amazing actor. I know we all know that, but she was a child when she started on Game of Thrones, and now she’s this powerful, commanding presence. It’s incredible to watch.”
The production reportedly used intimacy coordinators to ensure comfort and professionalism during the more sensitive scenes. Both actors have praised the collaborative environment on set, emphasizing mutual respect and clear communication. Turner, known for her candid humor, reportedly lightened the mood with jokes — though even she acknowledged the surreal nature of the situation.
More Than Just a Reunion: The Evolution of Their Careers
The Dreadful marks a significant moment in both actors’ post-Thrones careers. While Harington has explored a range of roles — from historical dramas to voice work in animated films — Turner has increasingly taken control behind the camera, using her platform to develop projects that challenge genre norms and center complex female characters.
Her involvement in The Dreadful goes beyond acting. As a producer, she helped shape the film’s tone, visual style, and narrative depth. Her vision leaned into gothic traditions — think Rebecca meets The Witch — with a focus on atmosphere, isolation, and psychological unraveling. Harington’s casting was a deliberate choice, not just for his talent, but for the unique dynamic their history could bring to the screen.
Their real-life comfort allows for a nuanced performance — one where the audience can sense an undercurrent of familiarity that blurs the line between fiction and reality. Critics who’ve seen early screenings note that the film’s power lies in this ambiguity: Is Edward truly dangerous, or is Anne projecting her fears onto a man from her past? The history between Harington and Turner subtly feeds into that uncertainty.
For Harington, the project was also a chance to step outside the shadow of Jon Snow. “People still call me Snow,” he joked. “Even my kids’ teachers. But roles like this remind me — and hopefully remind audiences — that I’m more than one character.”
Turner, too, continues to distance herself from her Thrones roots, having previously starred in Dark Phoenix and the Backspot cheerleading drama. She’s vocal about wanting to take on roles that explore trauma, identity, and female agency — themes central to The Dreadful.
Fan Reactions and What’s Next
Fans of the duo have responded with a mix of amusement and intrigue. Social media lit up with memes after Harington’s “gross” comment went viral, but many also praised their professionalism and the boldness of the project. The film is expected to premiere at a major fall festival before a limited theatrical release.
Looking ahead, Harington is set to star in an upcoming Apple TV+ series about the fall of the Roman Republic, while Turner is developing a true-crime limited series about a notorious 1980s cult. Though their paths may diverge, their mutual respect remains strong.
- Kit Harington and Sophie Turner worked together for nearly a decade on Game of Thrones.
- They played Jon Snow and Sansa Stark, characters believed to be siblings.
- The Dreadful marks their first major collaboration since the HBO series ended.
- Harington called filming sex scenes with Turner “gross” due to their close, sibling-like bond.
- The film is a gothic horror story set in 19th-century England.
- Turner served as both producer and lead actress.
- Intimacy coordinators were used to ensure a safe and professional environment.
While the idea of former on-screen siblings turning lovers might raise eyebrows, Harington and Turner approached the challenge with maturity, humor, and artistic integrity. Their journey from Westeros to the moors of The Dreadful is more than a reunion — it’s a testament to growth, trust, and the evolving nature of creative partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kit Harington call the sex scenes ‘gross’?
He used the term to describe the discomfort of filming intimate scenes with Sophie Turner, whom he’s known since she was a teenager and considers like a younger sister.
Are Kit Harington and Sophie Turner related in real life?
No, they are not related. Their characters in Game of Thrones were believed to be siblings, but later revealed to be first cousins.
What is The Dreadful about?
It’s a gothic horror film set in 19th-century England, following a young woman haunted by the return of a mysterious man from her past.
Did Sophie Turner direct The Dreadful?
No, she produced and starred in it but did not direct. The film was directed by acclaimed indie filmmaker Ava Curry.
Will Kit Harington and Sophie Turner work together again?
There are no announced projects, but both have expressed openness to future collaborations.
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