kit harington and Sophie Turner Reunite in Gothic Horror The Dreadful as On-Screen Kiss Sparks Viral Reaction
Kit Harington and Sophie Turner are back on screen together in The Dreadful, a Gothic horror film set in medieval England that arrives in theaters and on digital platforms on February 20, 2026 (ET). The production — directed by Natasha Kermani and featuring Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden — has drawn attention for its dark, ritual-tinged story and a moment on set that quickly circulated among fans: a passionate kiss followed by the actors laughing and play-acting gagging after the director called cut.
Long road to a period horror reunion
The Dreadful represents a years-long effort to bring a challenging, historical horror script to life. Director Natasha Kermani described the project as one she carried with her through festivals and smaller projects, finally finding momentum when Sophie Turner agreed to sign on. Kermani said the period setting initially made financiers wary, but Turner's attachment opened a path forward. When Kit Harington joined the cast, production gained the momentum it needed.
Kermani has been open about the film’s creative lineage. The Dreadful draws loose inspiration from an old Buddhist tale that was famously adapted in a celebrated 1960s film, a touchstone Kermani admires and revisited multiple times while shaping her own vision. She called that earlier work untouchable and framed her movie as a distinct, Gothic reimagining rather than a scene-by-scene retelling.
The kiss that surprised fans — and the mood on set
One scene has captured particular attention online: Turner and Harington, known to many for playing siblings on a major fantasy series, share a passionate on-screen kiss. The moment took some viewers by surprise because of the actors’ earlier, long-running roles. After the director called cut, the two reportedly broke the intensity of the take by jokingly pretending to gag and laughing — a candid reminder of the strange switch from playing family to playing romantic partners.
The brief, off-camera levity humanized an otherwise intense set, and it underscored the actors’ professionalism in navigating potentially awkward waters. That combination of commitment and humor has become a talking point in early coverage, with fans responding to both the onscreen chemistry and the offscreen camaraderie.
What to expect: story, tone and release plans
The Dreadful is set against the backdrop of medieval England and centers on Anne and her domineering mother-in-law, Morwen, who struggle to survive on the fringes of society. The arrival of a man from Anne’s past — fresh from war — catalyzes a curse that takes shape through a mysterious knight, threatening to destroy those involved. Marcia Gay Harden joins the principal cast, adding a seasoned dramatic presence to the Gothic tableau.
Stylistically, the film leans into somber, unnerving imagery and a slow-burn tension that recalls classic folk horror while leaning on contemporary genre devices. The director has emphasized atmosphere and character-driven dread over jump scares, aiming for an experience that lingers after the credits roll.
The Dreadful opens in theaters and will be available on digital platforms beginning February 20, 2026 (ET). Early reactions highlight the filmmakers’ success in reuniting two familiar faces in unfamiliar roles and in translating a challenging, art-house-inspired premise into a mainstream horror outing.
As the release date approaches, attention will likely focus on how audiences respond to this tonal mash-up of period drama, supernatural menace and the unexpected chemistry between two former co-stars now playing lovers rather than family.
