Emilia Clarke Reveals the Hilarious Truth Behind Kissing Kit Harington on ‘Game of Thrones’

Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington’s close friendship, developed over the course of filming Game of Thrones from 2011 to 2019, added a unique layer of complexity to their on-screen relationship as Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow. The chemistry between their characters, which blossomed into a romantic arc in Season 7, was deeply influenced by their personal bond, resulting in one of the most memorable kiss scenes in the show—likely the waterfall kiss in Season 8, following a thrilling dragon ride.

In a recent 2024 interview with FandomWire, Clarke opened up about her feelings surrounding the iconic intimate moments with Harington, revealing that the scenes felt “a little weird.” The pair had known each other for nearly six years before their characters became romantically involved, and their sibling-like friendship added a sense of awkwardness to their transition into lovers. For Clarke, this dynamic created a unique challenge, one she approached with a blend of humor and professionalism.

The Awkwardness and Humor Behind the Scenes

Clarke’s reflections highlight the awkwardness of filming romantic scenes with a close friend, particularly given their long-standing relationship. In the October 2024 interview, Clarke admitted to giggling a lot, especially during the first intimate scenes, as the situation felt somewhat unnatural. A key source of levity came from Harington himself, who played along with the awkwardness by pretending to be sick or gagging after kisses. Clarke found these moments “quite funny,” and they helped diffuse any tension on set.

This lighthearted approach mirrored Harington’s own feelings about the scenes. In a 2019 interview with Variety, he described the love scenes as “really odd,” given the deep friendship they shared. The two actors found solace in their humor, and Clarke’s ability to laugh through the awkwardness helped transform the experience into something more manageable and less stressful.

Behind-the-Scenes Playfulness

Behind-the-scenes footage from 2019 HBO documentaries also gave fans a glimpse into the fun and playful dynamic between the two. In one particularly memorable moment, Harington was seen gagging after a kiss, which sent Clarke into fits of laughter. This behind-the-scenes footage, which was covered by outlets like Elle and Glamour, showcased their ability to handle potentially uncomfortable moments with humor and camaraderie. Clarke’s lighthearted reflections on their sex scene, which she admitted was “almost very awkward,” further emphasized her ability to find humor in even the most intimate moments.

Despite the initial awkwardness, Clarke and Harington’s professionalism shone through. Their longstanding friendship allowed them to navigate the complexities of acting in romantic scenes with ease, and their genuine connection translated into compelling on-screen chemistry.

A Look Back at Their Journey

As Game of Thrones celebrates its anniversary and various cast reunions, Clarke’s reflections from 2024 offer new insights into the personal dynamics that shaped her performances. Her ability to laugh off the awkwardness, rather than let it overshadow the experience, underscores the strength of her bond with Harington. Their friendship, which had evolved over nearly a decade, not only influenced their portrayals of Jon and Daenerys but also offered a unique solution to the common challenge faced by actors in intimate scenes with close friends.

Comparing Clarke’s experience to other famous on-screen couples, such as Harry Potter’s Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who also faced discomfort kissing close friends, reveals that the awkwardness is a common challenge in acting. However, Clarke’s ability to approach these scenes with humor, rooted in her deep friendship with Harington, makes her experience stand out as a particularly adaptive strategy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emilia Clarke’s reflections on kissing Kit Harington in Game of Thrones reveal a blend of awkwardness and humor. Their deep friendship made the romantic scenes feel strange, but their shared ability to laugh through the discomfort allowed them to handle the challenge with grace. Clarke’s openness about the experience adds a new layer to our understanding of the on-screen chemistry between Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, offering a refreshing perspective on how personal relationships can shape professional performances.