Six years after the epic conclusion of HBO's "Game of Thrones," fan-favourite actors Kit Harington and Sophie Turner are sharing the screen once more. This time, however, their on-screen relationship takes a dramatically different turn in the upcoming Gothic horror film "The Dreadful." The movie is scheduled for release on February 20.
From Siblings to Lovers: An Awkward Reunion
In "The Dreadful," Turner plays Anne, a woman in 15th-century England whose husband has gone missing in war. She finds herself trapped between her domineering mother-in-law, Morwen (Marcia Gay Harden), and a new romantic interest, Jago, portrayed by Harington. The plot thickens with the arrival of a mysterious knight who brings an evil curse to Anne's village.
For fans who watched Harington and Turner play siblings Jon Snow and Sansa Stark for eight years, seeing them as lovers might be jarring. Turner herself acknowledged this odd dynamic, recalling her initial reaction to the script in an August interview on "Late Night with Seth Meyers." She sent the script to Harington, who responded, "I'd love to, but this is going to be really fucking weird, Soph." Turner then read it and realized, "'Kiss, kiss, sex, kiss, kiss.' And then I'm like, 'Oh shoot, that's my brother!'"
On-Set Chemistry and Quirky Challenges
That initial awkwardness didn't vanish when filming began. Speaking to E! News in November, Harington described acting opposite Turner again as a "weird" experience, though not solely because of their past fictional family ties. He humorously noted a more practical challenge: "It was slightly embarrassing, having to get on an apple box to kiss her because she's about a foot taller than me," he quipped. "But other than that, my dignity was pretty intact."
Despite the initial unease, director Natasha Kermani valued the deep history between the two stars. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, she expressed her thrill at their reunion: "To see Kit and Sophie back together onscreen was a special thrill. Their friendship and chemistry is impossible to miss and one of my favorite aspects of the film."
What to Expect from "The Dreadful"
The film promises a dark, atmospheric tale set against the backdrop of medieval England. Key elements include:
- A Gothic horror setting in the 15th century.
- Complex relationships driven by loss, power, and new love.
- A supernatural threat in the form of a cursed knight.
- The unique dynamic of a beloved acting duo exploring a completely new type of relationship.
"The Dreadful" marks a significant and intriguing career move for both Harington and Turner, allowing them to showcase their range far beyond the world of Westeros while capitalizing on their undeniable on-screen connection.
