Director explains Kit Harington Sophie Turner romance in The Dreadful amid Game of Thrones fan reaction

Variety reports that director Natasha Kermani has addressed fan reactions to the unexpected on-screen romance between Kit Harington and Sophie Turner in the film The Dreadful.

The pairing quickly became a major talking point following the film’s debut, largely due to the actors’ previous roles in Game of Thrones, where their characters were raised as siblings. For many viewers, that history made their romantic storyline in The Dreadful feel unusual.

In an interview with Variety, Kermani explained that the relationship was always intended to stem from a shared past between the characters. She described them as childhood friends whose bond evolves as they grow older, emphasizing that the story explores how people reassess relationships over time. According to the director, the characters are not related in the film, despite audience associations carried over from their earlier roles.

Kermani added that the narrative incorporates a love triangle, which introduces what she described as a “forbidden fruit” dynamic. Rather than relying on shock value, she suggested the romance is meant to reflect themes of maturity and changing emotional perspectives.

The director also acknowledged that audience reactions have been shaped by the actors’ history in Game of Thrones. She noted that viewers bring preconceived notions from that series, which can make the relationship feel more provocative. Instead of avoiding that response, Kermani said the film leans into the tension, using it to enhance intrigue and emotional complexity.

By recontextualizing familiar on-screen pairings, The Dreadful aims to highlight the contrast between past roles and new narratives, turning audience expectations into a key element of its storytelling.