Turner describes kiss as vile

Sophie Turner describes the on screen kiss with Kit Harrington in The Dreadful as vile, signaling a bold turn for the gothic drama.

Turner Calls Kiss With Harrington Vile Ahead of The Dreadful

Sophie Turner and Kit Harrington will star as lovers in The Dreadful, a British gothic horror set during the War of the Roses. Turner, who is producing the film, said she recommended Harrington after reading the script, and he accepted the role despite calling the project odd and the kisses scenes tricky. The pair previously played relatives on Game of Thrones, a fact Turner notes adds a layered history to their reunion.

The Dreadful centers on a woman who lives on the outskirts of society with her mother-in-law. A man from their past visits, changing her life and pulling the story into a darker, historic mood. Turner spoke about the casting on a late-night show, explaining how the script led her to propose Harrington and how he reacted to the idea. The first kiss between the two on set was described by Turner as vile, with both actors retching as they acted the scene, a moment she calls the worst in her career.

Reuniting two Game of Thrones alumni gives The Dreadful a built‑in audience, but it also raises expectations about how a modern Gothic tale will be framed. Turning a tense on-screen kiss into a talking point highlights how celebrity narratives can shape a film’s reception before a single frame is shown. The description of the kiss as vile signals a deliberate effort to lean into uncomfortable authentic moments rather than safe romance. Such choices may attract attention from fans and critics alike, while risking distraction from the film’s themes if marketed too heavily on off-screen drama.

Highlights

The Dreadful promises a bold new chapter for a familiar pair in a story that aims to unsettle.