In a recent candid interview with Variety in Zurich, Alexander Skarsgård shared his thoughts on the portrayal of BDSM culture on screen, particularly in relation to his upcoming film, Pillion. He reflected on past representations, specifically mentioning the 1980 film Cruising starring Al Pacino, which depicted a dark and menacing view of the BDSM community. Skarsgård noted, “Leather gays are scary. I’m no Ray, but I have a little bit of experience from that world and I know that’s not the truthful depiction.”
Discussing his character Ray in Pillion, Skarsgård emphasized that the story resonated with him due to its unique and authentic portrayal of a subculture he believes has not been depicted with such honesty before. “I found that in this case, it’s not really relevant what my background is,” he stated. He mentioned that while he has personal experiences, it was the authenticity of the narrative that mattered most.
The film, produced by A24 and set for theatrical release in February 2026, follows Ray, the leader of a motorcycle club, who becomes involved with Colin, portrayed by Harry Melling, as his submissive partner. The title Pillion refers to the space behind a motorcycle driver where a passenger sits, adding significance to the dynamics explored in the film.
Skarsgård humorously described Melling’s character as “kind of my boyfriend slash sex slave slash butler,” and hinted that the film includes intimate scenes, including naked wrestling and graphic sexual encounters. As a nod to the film’s authentic representation of queerness, the cast features openly gay biker Paul Tallis, who made a memorable appearance at the premiere in a pup hood, along with members of the U.K.-based Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club.
The project is directed by Harry Lighton, an openly queer filmmaker known for the BAFTA-nominated short film Wren Boys. This commitment to authentic representation is evident in both the film’s cast and its creative direction.
Overall, Skarsgård’s insights shed light on the importance of accurate and nuanced storytelling in mainstream media, especially regarding LGBTQ+ narratives. With Pillion, he hopes to contribute to a broader understanding of a world that has frequently been misrepresented in film.