When you think of Kit Harington’s journey through Westeros, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s Jon Snow’s daring sword fights, or the chilling battles against the Night King. But for Harington himself, the most challenging scene of all didn’t involve weapons or White Walkers—it was a moment that tested his emotional endurance, a scene so intense that it nearly made him walk away from Game of Thrones entirely.
The Scene That Almost Broke Kit Harington
In the brutal world of Game of Thrones, where dragons and political intrigue reign supreme, the actors behind the characters often faced immense physical and emotional demands. Kit Harington, who brought the stoic Jon Snow to life, was no stranger to these pressures. However, there was one particular scene that pushed him to his limits—a moment he would later reveal as the toughest he ever had to film.
Emilia Clarke, who portrayed Daenerys Targaryen, had warned Harington about the grueling nature of filming dragon scenes. For years, she had endured the complexities of acting opposite non-existent creatures, relying on elaborate rigs and green screens to bring her scenes to life. But when it was Harington’s turn, he wasn’t prepared for just how difficult it would be.
“Emilia had been moaning about it for seasons, and I was like, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah. Whatever. You have not been through the mud in Northern Ireland,’”
Harington confessed during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. But as he soon discovered, Clarke was right. The dragon scenes were, in his own words, “horrific.”
“It’s Not Acting”: The Challenge of Filming with Dragons
Unlike the epic sword fights or the chilling night shoots in the freezing landscapes of Northern Ireland, acting with dragons was a different kind of challenge. It wasn’t the physical demands that Harington found overwhelming, but the sheer discomfort and emotional toll of filming with the complex rigging and green screens.
“It is not acting; it never will be acting, and it is not what I’d signed up for. It is very uncomfortable as a man.”
The scenes required him to suspend his disbelief entirely, reacting to creatures that weren’t there, and placing his trust in the visual effects team to bring the dragons to life in post-production. It was a far cry from the gritty realism that had defined much of his experience on the show.
Nearly Quitting Game of Thrones
The discomfort was so intense that Harington seriously considered quitting the show altogether. It wasn’t just about the physical strain—it was the realization that this wasn’t the kind of acting he had signed up for. However, despite the challenges, Harington pushed through, remaining with the series until its final episode in 2019.
Reflecting on this experience, Harington’s story serves as a reminder that in the world of Game of Thrones, the toughest battles aren’t always fought on the battlefield. Sometimes, they’re the internal struggles that test an actor’s endurance and commitment to their craft.
The Controversial Finale: A Result of Exhaustion?
Beyond the challenges of filming with dragons, Harington also opened up about another controversial aspect of Game of Thrones: the much-debated series finale. For many fans, the ending of the show felt rushed, leaving them disappointed and craving more. Now, Harington has shed light on why that might have been the case.
In a candid interview with GQ Hype, Harington acknowledged the backlash against the final season but also revealed a surprising reason for the perceived rush—exhaustion. After years of grueling work, both the cast and crew were simply worn out.
“I think if there was any fault with the end of Thrones, is that we were all so f***ing tired, we couldn’t have gone on longer,”
Harington explained.
“And so I understand some people thought it was rushed, and I might agree with them. But I’m not sure there was any alternative.”
A New Perspective on the Finale
Harington’s admission offers a fresh perspective on the finale, which remains one of the most talked-about endings in television history. While some fans may still feel let down by how the story concluded, it’s clear that the cast, including Harington, gave everything they had to bring the epic saga to a close. The fatigue and weariness that plagued the final season are perhaps understandable given the monumental task of wrapping up such a complex and beloved series.
In the end, Kit Harington’s experiences on Game of Thrones reveal the intense demands placed on actors in blockbuster television series. From the psychological toll of filming emotionally draining scenes to the physical discomfort of acting with non-existent dragons, Harington’s journey was anything but easy. Yet, through it all, he remained dedicated to his role, delivering a performance that has become iconic in the world of television.
As Game of Thrones continues to be discussed and dissected by fans and critics alike, Harington’s insights provide valuable context for understanding the challenges faced by those who brought this epic tale to life. Whether you loved or loathed the finale, there’s no denying the impact of Jon Snow and the actor who portrayed him, both on the screen and behind the scenes.
