Imagine your most awkward on-screen kiss, but with someone you played family with for years. That's exactly what Sophie Turner and Kit Harington endured while filming their upcoming horror film, The Dreadful. A newly released clip shows the former Game of Thrones co-stars—who portrayed Sansa Stark and Jon Snow, respectively—gagging immediately after sharing a kiss on set. But here's where it gets controversial: Turner herself pitched Harington for the role, despite their on-screen familial history. Was this a bold creative choice or a recipe for discomfort? You decide.
Published on February 18, 2026, this behind-the-scenes moment has sparked curiosity among fans. Jeff Dodge, a seasoned TV news editor and published author, highlights the irony of the situation. After all, Turner and Harington spent eight seasons navigating the complex relationships of Westeros, only to now play love interests in a 1400s-set horror film. During a recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Turner even described the kissing scene as "vile," given their previous roles. And this is the part most people miss: the film’s director, Natasha Kermani, captures the awkwardness perfectly, with the actors pretending to gag as soon as she calls "Cut!"—a moment that has the crew laughing in the background.
Set against the backdrop of the War of the Roses, The Dreadful follows Turner’s character, Anne, a woman who loses her husband in war and embarks on a secret romance with Harington’s Jago. But it’s not just their on-screen chemistry that’s complicated. Anne must also navigate her mother-in-law’s controlling behavior and a mysterious curse. The film, which also stars Marcia Gay Harden, Laurence O'Fuarain, and Jonathan Howard, promises a blend of historical drama and supernatural horror.
Kermani, known for films like Lucky and V/H/S/85, not only directed but also wrote the screenplay. Turner takes on a dual role as both star and executive producer, alongside a team that includes Luke Daniels and Patrick Muldoon. Since Game of Thrones ended in 2019, Turner has diversified her portfolio with roles in Dark Phoenix, Trust, and the upcoming Tomb Raider reboot for Prime Video. Harington, meanwhile, has appeared in Eternals, Industry, and The Beast Within, proving both actors are far from typecast.
The Dreadful hits theaters and digital platforms on February 20, 2026, with a runtime of 94 minutes. But the real question remains: Can Turner and Harington’s undeniable chemistry overcome the awkwardness of their past roles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is this casting genius or just plain weird?
