Alexander Skarsgård arrived at Manhattan’s Bowery Hotel looking worn after battling food poisoning for the previous 24 hours. The 6-foot-4 actor, known for roles in The Northman and Murderbot, sat down to speak about his latest film, Pillion, despite feeling unwell. This candid conversation took place on a Friday afternoon as Skarsgård detailed the unexpected difficulties he faced, including enduring an eight-hour plane ride spent mostly in the bathroom.
I had breakfast at the hotel. I was just in Zurich at the film festival, and then I was about to board a plane to New York. I felt a little queasy. Then I got on the plane and it was eight hours just on the bathroom floor, the whole trip. Cheek to the floor. This is too much information, but I couldn’t get it up. I was dry heaving. There was like a line of people outside the bathroom. I had to go out so they could come in and then get back in there. It was so rough, so f—ing bad.
— Alexander Skarsgård, Actor
Despite his discomfort, Skarsgård was determined to participate in the interview, showing his commitment to promoting Pillion. He admitted still feeling unwell but maintained a lighthearted tone when greeting the interviewer.
Well, good to see you guys.
— Alexander Skarsgård, Actor
The Story Behind Pillion and Its Bold Portrayal of BDSM
In Pillion, Skarsgård portrays Ray, a rugged motorcycle rider and sexual dominator who guides Colin, played by Harry Melling, into the world of BDSM. The film, inspired by Adam Mars-Jones’ novel Box Hill, intertwines elements of romance, kink, drama, and comedy. Colin is depicted as an awkward parking enforcement officer, living with his parents and singing in a barbershop quartet, navigating this new and provocative realm under Ray’s influence.
While promoting the film across international festivals, Skarsgård and director Harry Lighton have enjoyed witnessing the movie’s growing attention, particularly for its frank and unapologetic depictions of sexuality. The film includes explicit scenes such as a back-alley blowjob and an outdoor group orgy, pushing boundaries in how sex and kink are usually portrayed on screen.
Lighton captured notable moments from their appearances, including a striking Cannes afterparty image shared on his Instagram featuring Paul Tallis from the UK’s Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club wearing leather gear with a dog mask – a rebellious sight at the traditionally elegant festival.
It felt kind of naughty in an environment where you’re told that you have to wear a certain kind of bow tie,
Lighton explained.
Paul sneaked in the mask. It appeals to my sense of…I dunno, rebellion.
— Harry Lighton, Director
The Viral Cannes Exchange with Pedro Pascal
One unintended highlight for Pillion was a brief moment at Cannes involving Pedro Pascal. A video went viral showing Skarsgård, wearing a white T-shirt featuring a bold graphic, embracing Pascal and kissing him on the cheek as the audience gave the cast a standing ovation after their screening.
Skarsgård admitted he had no idea the exchange gained such attention online until asked about it.
Obviously, he was at our premiere. I gave him a little smooch.
— Alexander Skarsgård, Actor
He could not recall the exact words Pascal said but described the intense atmosphere following the credits as overwhelming.
That was quite overwhelming, that whole experience after the credits,
Skarsgård said.
It was just so many people and so much intensity. And so exciting and overwhelming, and also kind of awkward because they kept clapping and at one point you’re like, ‘Should we start juggling or what?’ Your narcissistic side is really lapping it up, but also the humble side, or the fake humble side, is like, ‘Oh no. Stop this.’
— Alexander Skarsgård, Actor
Introducing Pillion to American Audiences
As Pillion continues its tour, its upcoming New York Film Festival premiere marks its first Stateside showing. The movie stands out for its rare and explicit examination of gay relationships and kink, entering territory that few contemporary films explore so openly. Comparisons have been drawn to the Showtime miniseries Fellow Travelers, which also addresses queer themes but in a distinct manner.
Director Harry Lighton emphasized his aim to challenge traditional ideas about romance and relationship dynamics through the film.
There’s a version of disruption, particularly when applied to a subject like BDSM, which could be quite deliberate or trying to shock for shock’s sake. My focus was always trying to bring the kind of complexities of the kink world to the screen…trying to find the warmth in that community rather than be like Prince Albert, whips, chains, and gags. I think by nature of it being about outside culture, it’s gonna be disruptive in a way, but I then wanted to find the ways in which even the outside culture has an affinity with the mainstream.
— Harry Lighton, Director
Rather than include harsher aspects from the book, such as scenes involving sexual assault, Lighton introduced a romantic comedy tone to the story. Colin’s character is portrayed as both alienated from the gay community and heavily influenced by an overbearing mother who sets him up on dates. His immersion into the BDSM world creates awkward, comedic, and meaningful moments.
Lighton described the film’s approach as balancing naivety and genuine exploration.
It became about how to find those actions which would carry that same charge of a naive person entering into a world which he has no understanding of but approaching it as if he’s learning about how to fish rather than learning about how to f—.
— Harry Lighton, Director
Skarsgård’s Views on Portraying BDSM and Intimacy
Skarsgård was drawn to the film’s logline even before reading the script, expressing his appreciation for its warmth and humor, contrasting with the darker or more sanitized portrayals often seen in media.
Sometimes you’re too respectful and it’s too sanitized or it’s like the Cruising version of the film where it’s the dark subculture, but it’s dangerous and it’s a threat,
Skarsgård said.
This was so beautiful ’cause it felt so warm, sexy, funny, awkward, and weird.
— Alexander Skarsgård, Actor
Regarding the numerous explicit scenes, Skarsgård found them enjoyable and distinguished by having emotional depth rather than being superficial depictions of sex.
I thought the sex scenes were fun and great,
he remarked with a smile.
I often find sex on screen boring. Often, the tension, the buildup, the drama is there, but as soon as they hit the sack, it’s like, ‘Well then they’re f—ing.’ What was so great about the sex scenes in Pillion was that there was an emotional arc to them, a narrative. Lots of things happen in those moments.
— Alexander Skarsgård, Actor
He cited Colin’s birthday celebration scene, which escalates into an outdoor group encounter, as a prime example combining emotion and sexuality.
It’s a big, big emotional moment. It’s not just an orgy in the woods,
he said.
I really love that. If I feel that excitement, there’s no trepidation going into it. Then it’s just fun.
— Alexander Skarsgård, Actor
The Challenges of Filming and Skarsgård’s Connection to Previous Roles
Skarsgård also discussed the physical demands of performing scenes in heavy leather motorcycle gear, comparing it to his experiences working on the Apple TV+ series Murderbot.
That space condom was very sweaty and uncomfortable,
he acknowledged, referring to the protective costume worn on Murderbot.
He humorously recounted sending photos of his costume fittings between projects to the wardrobe team, highlighting the cyclical discomfort of wearing restrictive outfits.
They knew how relieved I was when I got to take it off after those six months,
Skarsgård said.
And then a week later, I sent a photo of pretty much the same outfit. I’m like, ‘Here we go again! God damnit.’
— Alexander Skarsgård, Actor
The Cultural Importance of Pillion Amid Political Backlash
The screening at the New York Film Festival will also feature a Q&A with Skarsgård and Lighton, marking a significant moment for the film’s U.S. debut. Despite not intending to make a political statement, the filmmakers recognize the importance of Pillion during a period when LGBTQ rights face challenges and backlash in the United States and abroad.
Definitely on our side of the pond, as well, people who do exist on the margins, particularly queer people, are having their rights rode back. So I’d probably feel more defensive about my desire to portray those people in a complex, human way,
Lighton reflected.
I definitely didn’t set out for the film to be a social issues film, but I did set out to make something which humanized a group of people that I think have been portrayed in a very derogatory way. Take trans people, for instance. At the moment, there’s so much misleading, derogatory portrayals of that group of marginalized people.
— Harry Lighton, Director
Skarsgård hopes the film offers audiences a new perspective on a subculture that is often misunderstood or misrepresented.
I hope that they’ll walk away feeling the way I felt when I was reading the script. I really cared about all these characters. I felt with them and for them, and I was invested in their journey.
— Alexander Skarsgård, Actor
Looking Ahead: Pillion Set for 2026 Theatrical Release
Pillion is scheduled to open in theaters in February 2026, promising to bring a bold, complex portrayal of romance and kink to a wider audience. With its unapologetic depiction of queer intimacy and exploration of marginalized communities, the film is positioned to spark conversations about representation and challenge conventional cinematic narratives.
