It’s not every day that two of television’s most famous on-screen “siblings” reunite as lovers — but that’s exactly what’s happened with Sophie Turner and Kit Harington.
The pair, who became household names as Sansa Stark and Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, are back on screen together in the upcoming gothic thriller The Dreadful — and this time, their relationship is anything but familial.
In the new film, Turner plays widow Anne, while Harington portrays Jago, a mysterious man from her past. Their characters share intimate scenes, including a kiss that both actors reportedly joked they were “totally dreading” given their long history portraying cousins-turned-siblings in one of the biggest series of all time.
Entertainment Tonight has shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the moment. Director Natasha Kermani said: “In this scene, Sophie and Kit had a big moment together that ended in a kiss — which they both joked they were totally dreading. When cameras rolled? Absolute pros. They nailed it and sold the magic. The second I yelled ‘cut’… poof magic gone.”
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Premiering in 2011, Game of Thrones became a global cultural phenomenon, running for eight seasons and winning dozens of awards. At its peak, it was one of the most-watched and most-discussed series in the world, with its final season drawing record-breaking viewing figures.
Kit Harington’s Jon Snow was arguably one of the show’s central heroes. Introduced as the brooding “bastard” of Winterfell, Jon’s journey from outsider to Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, King in the North and ultimately a pivotal figure in the battle against the White Walkers placed him at the heart of the series’ overarching narrative. His shock death — and resurrection — remains one of television’s most talked-about twists.
Sophie Turner’s Sansa Stark underwent one of the show’s most dramatic character evolutions. Beginning as a naive young noblewoman dreaming of fairy-tale romance, Sansa endured political manipulation, abuse and trauma before emerging as one of the North’s most strategic and resilient leaders. By the series finale, she was crowned Queen in the North, cementing her importance in the show’s endgame.
@binge Happy first day of winter 🥶 #gameofthrones #winterishere #winter #sansastark #jonsnow #kitharrington #sophieturner #got #winteriscoming ♬ original sound - BINGE
Although Jon and Sansa were technically cousins (raised as half-siblings), their bond as Stark children was emotionally rooted in family loyalty. That history makes their romantic pairing in The Dreadful particularly jarring — and intriguing.
The Dreadful marks a tonal shift for both actors. Directed by Natasha Kermani, known for atmospheric and psychologically driven storytelling, the film is described as a gothic romance-thriller set against a bleak, haunting backdrop.
Turner’s character, Anne, is a widow grappling with isolation and grief when Jago re-enters her life under mysterious circumstances. As buried secrets resurface, their reunion spirals into a tense exploration of passion, memory and unresolved trauma. The film reportedly blends elements of psychological horror with period drama, leaning into moody cinematography and emotionally charged performances.
Unlike the sprawling fantasy epic of Game of Thrones, The Dreadful is said to be more intimate and character-driven, focusing on the chemistry — and conflict — between its two leads. Early production notes suggest themes of obsession, identity and moral ambiguity run throughout the story.
For Turner, the role continues her move toward darker, more complex material following projects in both film and television. For Harington, it marks another departure from sword-wielding heroics into morally grey territory — something he began exploring in post-Thrones roles.
Their reunion also taps into a powerful element of nostalgia. Game of Thrones defined a decade of television and shaped both actors’ careers. Seeing them share the screen again — albeit in a radically different dynamic — inevitably sparks conversation among long-time fans.
Still, as Kermani’s behind-the-scenes anecdote shows, whatever awkwardness may have existed off-camera didn’t translate on-screen. The director’s description of the “magic” disappearing the moment she called cut highlights just how professional both actors remain.
Acting may be a strange profession — siblings one day, lovers the next — but for two performers forged in one of the biggest shows in TV history, it seems like just another challenge to master.
