Alexander Skarsgård on his gay biker 'dom-com' Pillion: "I think my mum's going to like it"
In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, actor Alexander Skarsgård discusses his latest film, Pillion, a queer motorcycle gang drama that follows the unlikely friendship between two men. The film is a departure from Skarsgård's typical typecast as a rugged leading man.
The story centers around Colin (played by Harry Melling), a timid traffic warden who becomes embroiled with Ray (Skarsgård), a taciturn biker and his gang. To prepare for the role, Skarsgård spent time researching the leather culture scene, including attending a weekend with the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club.
Melling describes the experience of filming Pillion as "surreal", citing an intense chemistry between himself and Skarsgård on screen. The actor notes that the film's writer-director, Harry Lighton, aimed to create a nuanced portrayal of queerness without shying away from raunchiness or shame.
While some have criticized mainstream LGBTQ+ events for being "family-friendly", Lighton argues that kinksters should be celebrated as marginalized individuals, not relegated to the sidelines. The film's message is one of empathy and understanding, with Skarsgård describing it as a "confidently warts-and-all" portrayal.
When asked about his personal connection to the subject matter, Skarsgård jokes that he'd rather have a military title like "Sergeant". However, Lighton reveals that his own brother is a twin with whom he has had a complicated history, including a brief cameo in the film as an amateur footballer – complete with a head-cutting scene.
Despite some controversy surrounding its themes and tone, Pillion appears poised to become a fan favorite. As Skarsgård quips, "my mum's going to like it". The film's release has already generated buzz among LGBTQ+ communities, who are eagerly anticipating a more authentic representation on screen.
In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, actor Alexander Skarsgård discusses his latest film, Pillion, a queer motorcycle gang drama that follows the unlikely friendship between two men. The film is a departure from Skarsgård's typical typecast as a rugged leading man.
The story centers around Colin (played by Harry Melling), a timid traffic warden who becomes embroiled with Ray (Skarsgård), a taciturn biker and his gang. To prepare for the role, Skarsgård spent time researching the leather culture scene, including attending a weekend with the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club.
Melling describes the experience of filming Pillion as "surreal", citing an intense chemistry between himself and Skarsgård on screen. The actor notes that the film's writer-director, Harry Lighton, aimed to create a nuanced portrayal of queerness without shying away from raunchiness or shame.
While some have criticized mainstream LGBTQ+ events for being "family-friendly", Lighton argues that kinksters should be celebrated as marginalized individuals, not relegated to the sidelines. The film's message is one of empathy and understanding, with Skarsgård describing it as a "confidently warts-and-all" portrayal.
When asked about his personal connection to the subject matter, Skarsgård jokes that he'd rather have a military title like "Sergeant". However, Lighton reveals that his own brother is a twin with whom he has had a complicated history, including a brief cameo in the film as an amateur footballer – complete with a head-cutting scene.
Despite some controversy surrounding its themes and tone, Pillion appears poised to become a fan favorite. As Skarsgård quips, "my mum's going to like it". The film's release has already generated buzz among LGBTQ+ communities, who are eagerly anticipating a more authentic representation on screen.
! Did u know that mainstream events have been criticized for being "family-friendly" and pushing away marginalized kinksters? 
The writer-director Harry Lighton is all about celebratin' queerness on their own terms, no apologies 
! According to the film's stats: 
According to the film's trailer stats:
just saw that new biker movie Pillion and I'm not impressed its got some pretty dark themes 
like a head-cutting scene in it dont think its gonna be all sunshine and rainbows like the lead actor is joking about his mum liking it lol mom's always so uptight anyway.
i mean i know its not everyones cup of tea but i think its gonna be awesome 
alexander skarsgard is like the ultimate bad boy lead and harry melling looks so cute in his traffic warden getup 
i love how the writer-director is trying to show queerness without sugarcoating it. its not always easy, but im glad they're tackling this stuff 
my only concern is that some people might find the kink scenes a bit too much 
but overall, cant wait to see it and give it a watch 
but this time he's playing a biker with a heart of gold. And Harry Melling as the awkward traffic warden? Perfect casting! The fact that it's a queer drama that isn't afraid to get real and raunchy? Totally my cup of tea 
. I love how they're not trying to sugarcoat anything or make the characters perfect. It's like, these guys are just trying to live their lives and be themselves, you know? And Skarsgård's mum is gonna be so proud of him for playing this role 
. Alexander Skarsgård's mum might like Pillion because it's a feel-good 'dom-com', but what about those of us who need more depth? It feels like this film is just ticking boxes for diversity rather than genuinely exploring complex themes 
. And can we please not reduce queer representation to 'embracing kink' talk? 
Alexander Skarsgård is really taking a risk with his role in Pillion and I think it's dope that he's not afraid to get a little messy with the kink culture scene 
. I love how the writer-director is pushing boundaries without shying away from the real talk, it's gonna be so refreshing to see an authentic rep on screen 
. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to see Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård's chemistry on screen? 
! I love that Alexander Skarsgård is stepping out of his comfort zone and playing a complex character like Ray, the taciturn biker. The fact that he spent time with the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club to get into character shows how committed he is to telling this story 
. Can't wait to see the film and check out that head-cutting scene 
!
. It's about time we see more authentic representation on screen, especially for kinksters and marginalized folks who are often pushed aside 
. That takes some serious courage, fam 
.
, and that's all that matters right?
.
. And don't even get me started on the way they're framing Ray as a 'taciturn biker'. What's really going on here? Is this some kind of sleeper cell recruitment tool for the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club? 
And I love how Harry Lighton says they want to celebrate kinksters as marginalized individuals, not hide them away. it's like, we need to acknowledge that everyone has their own quirks and weirdnesses. even if they're a little uncomfortable at first 
... my mum might like the movie because she'll be happy to see people being themselves, flaws and all 
Can't wait to see this movie! 
. seriously though, it's rad to see him take on a role that's so different from his usual typecast. and kudos to Harry Lighton for tackling some heavy themes in a way that feels genuine and not too preachy. can't wait to watch it with my fellow queer riders 
But what about all the controversy surrounding this kinkster drama? What's really going on behind the scenes? Is Skarsgård just trying to get in with the cool kids or is there more to it than meets the eye? And have you seen that part about Harry Lighton's brother and his "complicated history"?? 