Kit Harington’s Hilarious Strategy for Dealing with On-Screen Romance with Emilia Clarke—And It’s Absolutely Priceless!

Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington’s friendship is one of the most enduring and fascinating connections to emerge from the Game of Thrones set. Their bond, formed before the cameras even started rolling on the show’s first season, has weathered the ups and downs of fame, public scrutiny, and the complexities of on-screen romantic entanglements. What makes their friendship even more intriguing is how it has survived the pressures of being in the public eye while remaining genuine and unwavering.

A Friendship That Started Before the Show

Clarke and Harington met at a hotel bar in Belfast, prior to the filming of Game of Thrones Season 1. Harington, who was initially struck by Clarke’s beauty after co-star Richard Madden described her as “gorgeous,” recalls being taken aback by her presence. Madden’s glowing praise, “She takes your breath away,” stuck with Harington, and soon after, the two became fast friends. Their shared experience as newcomers to a major TV production—where they both felt like outsiders—helped cement their bond early on.

Despite limited screen time together in the first few seasons, their friendship remained strong off-set, built on mutual respect and understanding of each other’s challenges. Harington often expressed how no one else, other than Clarke, could understand the intensity of being on Thrones, while Clarke echoed this sentiment, saying, “Kit and I are counterparts in terms of experience.”

Humor and Playfulness

One of the standout features of their friendship is their shared sense of humor. Harington has described Clarke as having a “wicked sense of humor” and a “filthy, filthy mind,” highlighting how they often found joy in playful banter. This humor became evident on social media, where Clarke would post funny photos, including a playful Viking couple pose with Harington in April 2019. These light-hearted moments stood in stark contrast to the intensity of their on-screen roles as Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen.

Romantic Scenes: An Awkward Twist

The “strange story” of their friendship takes an unexpected turn when you consider their on-screen romance. In Game of Thrones Season 7, Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen’s romantic relationship became a central plot point. For Clarke and Harington, who had been friends for years, the transition from platonic companions to romantic partners on screen was awkward. Clarke recalled their first scene together, laughing at the absurdity of it: “Why are you looking at me this strange way and saying these strange lines? You’re my friend!” Harington also found it “bizarre” and “really odd,” a sentiment shared by fans who found the shift in their dynamic jarring.

To cope with the discomfort, Harington adopted a humorous approach, pretending to retch after kissing scenes, a behavior Clarke revealed in interviews. These moments added a layer of weirdness, especially when the trio—Harington, Clarke, and Harington’s on-screen and real-life partner Rose Leslie—spent time together outside of work. Harington joked about how it could get “a little tricky in pubs” due to the attention, but their shared friendship helped navigate any awkwardness.

Public Perception and Dating Rumors

As their on-screen chemistry grew, so did rumors of a real-life romance. These rumors, particularly during Harington’s brief breakup with Leslie in 2014, led fans and the media to speculate about the nature of Clarke and Harington’s relationship. Clarke, however, was vocal in her frustration, telling the press, “it makes me want to cry, it’s so far from the truth.” Despite these rumors, their friendship remained platonic, and the trio maintained a close bond, often seen together outside of work. In August 2019, Clarke, Harington, and Leslie even traveled together, showcasing their enduring friendship.

Emotional Moments and Final Season

The final season of Game of Thrones brought with it a surge of emotion, especially for Harington and Clarke, who had spent almost a decade together on the show. Clarke witnessed Harington’s emotional reaction to Jon Snow and Daenerys’ final scenes, noting that Harington cried when reading the script. Clarke found this moment “great” and a testament to their deep friendship and shared history. This emotional depth showed that their connection went beyond just being co-stars; it was rooted in years of collaboration, mutual understanding, and personal growth.

Post-Show Friendship

Even after Game of Thrones wrapped, Clarke and Harington’s friendship has continued to flourish. Harington has described their post-show connection as akin to leaving school and finding lifelong friendships. He mentioned that Clarke still visits him “all the time” and enjoys spending time with his child. This continued closeness speaks volumes about the strength of their bond, proving that their friendship wasn’t merely a product of their on-screen chemistry but something genuine and lasting.

The strange story of Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington’s friendship is one of shared experience, mutual respect, and unwavering support. Despite the pressures of fame, public scrutiny, and romantic rumors, their connection has stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into the depth of the relationships that can form when two people navigate the world of fame together. As their paths continue to diverge in their post-Thrones careers, one thing remains clear: their friendship is as strong as ever.