Game of Thrones fans are in for a unique experience as former on-screen siblings Kit Harington and Sophie Turner reunite for their first film collaboration in The Dreadful, a gothic horror thriller arriving in theaters on February 20, 2026.
This time, however, the two play passionate lovers rather than family members, creating an intriguing dynamic both on and off screen. Directed by Natasha Kermani and distributed by Lionsgate, The Dreadful promises to deliver unsettling supernatural scares set against the backdrop of 15th-century England during the Wars of the Roses. The film marks a bold creative choice for both actors and explores themes of fear, desire, and regret through a haunting medieval setting.
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The Story Behind The Dreadful
Set in medieval England, The Dreadful follows Anne, a woman who lives a solitary and harsh life on the outskirts of society alongside her domineering mother-in-law, Morwen. When a man from their past suddenly returns, he sets off a sequence of transformative events that challenge Anne’s existence and threaten to unravel everything she knows. The narrative draws inspiration from the Japanese horror classic Onibaba, reimagined within a medieval English context complete with supernatural elements and psychological terror.
Anne and her mother-in-law Morwen live a solitary, harsh life on the outskirts of society, but when a man from their past returns, he sets off a sequence of events that become a turning point for Anne. The film explores how isolation breeds desperation and how forbidden connections can ignite danger. With ominous warnings about curses and demonic forces, the narrative weaves together romance, horror, and moral ambiguity into a compelling tapestry of dread.
Kit Harington and Sophie Turner: A Peculiar Reunion
Kit Harington and Sophie Turner are reuniting for the first time since playing siblings on HBO’s Game of Thrones together for eight seasons, but their new movie The Dreadful makes for an awkward family reunion as the two play lovers. Both actors have been candid about the unusual transition from playing Jon Snow and Sansa Stark to becoming romantic leads.
Turner personally selected Harington for the role and sent him the script. Turner said that when reading the script, she realized “Kiss, kiss, sex, kiss, sex,” and thought “Oh, shoot, that’s my brother.” Harington responded with similar hesitation but ultimately embraced the creative challenge. He noted it was “slightly embarrassing, having to get on an apple box to kiss her because she’s about a foot taller,” but added that on set their friendship “completely ignited again” and “felt like being with family.”
Production and Cast Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Film Title | The Dreadful |
| Release Date | February 20, 2026 |
| Distributor | Lionsgate |
| Writer/Director | Natasha Kermani |
| Lead Cast | Kit Harington, Sophie Turner |
| Supporting Cast | Marcia Gay Harden, Laurence O’Fuarain, Jonathan Howard |
| Setting | Medieval England, 15th Century |
| Genre | Gothic Horror Thriller |
| Inspiration | Japanese film Onibaba |
| Producers | Sophie Turner, Luke Daniels, Patrick Muldoon, Patrick Hibler, Greg Lauritano |
| Themes | Fear, Desire, Regret |
Director Natasha Kermani praised the cast for their dedication, noting that they braved challenging filming conditions with “rain, mud and cold winter nights in the English countryside.” Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden plays Morwen, Anne’s controlling and menacing mother-in-law.
Turner serves as both lead actress and producer, underlining her significant investment in the project. The supporting cast, including Laurence O’Fuarain and Jonathan Howard, rounds out the ensemble with seasoned performances that enhance the film’s atmospheric tension.
The Gothic Atmosphere and Horror Elements
The Dreadful operates within the resurgence of rural British horror, following recent successes in the genre. The film combines medieval atmosphere with modern horror sensibilities, creating a uniquely unsettling experience. Ominous talk of a curse surrounds the narrative, with unexpected throat-slitting and the two actors getting flirty and furtive in the trailer.
The film’s imagery and sound design work in concert to establish a pervasive sense of dread. Medieval England becomes not just a historical setting but a claustrophobic prison where supernatural forces may or may not be at work. The ambiguity between psychological horror and genuine supernatural occurrences creates an unnerving viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
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FAQs
When is The Dreadful released in theaters?
The Dreadful releases theatrically on February 20, 2026, through Lionsgate, with availability across digital platforms starting the same date.
Who plays the lead role of Anne in The Dreadful?
Sophie Turner plays Anne, a woman living in isolation with her controlling mother-in-law in medieval England who becomes emotionally entangled with a man from her past.
What is Kit Harington’s character name in The Dreadful?
Kit Harington plays Jago, a man who returns from the Wars of the Roses and becomes involved in a dangerous romantic connection with Anne, setting off supernatural events.
Is The Dreadful based on an existing story?
Yes, The Dreadful is loosely based on the Japanese horror classic Onibaba, reimagined and set in medieval England with original characters and a new narrative perspective.
Who directs The Dreadful?
Natasha Kermani writes and directs The Dreadful. She is known for her work on horror films including Lucky and V/H/S/85, bringing her distinctive vision to this gothic thriller.
