That ‘Outer Banks’ Kiss Wasn’t Supposed to Happen

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Published Apr 7, 2023

Outer Banks season 3 further explored the relationship between Cleo and Pope. It even included a surprise kiss that left fans wondering what’s next for the on-screen couple. But did you know that the intimate scene almost didn’t happen?

Carlacia Grant recently sat down for an exclusive interview with PureWow to promote her partnership with e.l.f. and American Eagle. While discussing Outer Banks, the 32-year-old actress revealed that the steamy kiss between Cleo and Pope (played by Jonathan Daviss) wasn’t supposed to happen.

outer banks kiss cleo pope carlacia grant

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

“It was supposed to be a cheeky kiss,” she told PureWow. “That’s it. Just a cheek kiss.”

Despite the PG-rated script, Grant and Daviss devised a plan to sneak a real kiss. “Me and J.D. were like, ‘Yeah, we’re not ending the season like this,’” she said.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Although their plan was vetoed by production, they decided to move forward anyway. “We were just going to start kissing,” Grant explained. “We weren’t going to ask because we kept asking, and they’re like, ‘No, we don’t think so.’ So, we were like, ‘OK, whatever. We’re just going to start kissing. And then they’ll have it, and they’ll love it. So, there’ll be no way that they can stop us.’”

Grant continued, “And then that’s what happened. Then they liked it, and they kept it.”

And we’re so glad they did.

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Greta Heggeness

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