> At a Glance
> – Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling met only two days before filming their queer romantic dramedy Pillion
> – Their first rehearsal involved a wrestling scene-while wearing “little buttless singlets”
> – Pillion premieres in theaters on Friday, Feb. 6
> – Why it matters: The film spotlights a rarely seen BDSM subculture with authenticity and humor, offering a fresh twist on the rom-com genre
Alexander Skarsgård’s latest role swaps vampires and vikings for leather and laughter. In Pillion, the 49-year-old actor plays Ray, a dominant biker who upends the life of Colin, a meek barbershop singer portrayed by Harry Melling, 36. Their off-screen meet-cute set the tone for the on-screen chemistry: the pair rehearsed a full-contact wrestling scene just 48 hours before cameras rolled.
First Impressions in Singlets
Skarsgård told W Magazine that the wardrobe for their introductory rehearsal left little to the imagination. “It was great to get to know each other in our little buttless singlets,” he quipped, noting how the physical scene broke the ice instantly.
- First rehearsal: wrestling choreography
- Outfits: minimal, singlets sans backsides
- Timeframe: two days before principal photography
From Page to Screen
The actor first cracked the script expecting a straightforward sub-dom narrative, but discovered layers of tenderness. “I thought it was going to be more of a sub/dom story than a rom-com, but it was also sweet and tender,” Skarsgård explained.
Key elements that hooked him:
- Logline: wallflower Colin dates enigmatic biker Ray
- Tone: dark comedy with heartfelt moments
- Source: adapted from Adam Mars-Jones’ 2020 novel Box Hill: A Story of Low Self-Esteem
Red-Carpet Rebellion
Skarsgård leaned into the film’s leather aesthetic during the press circuit. Inspired by real members of the GBMCC (Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club)-who appear in the movie and attended the Cannes premiere in full harnesses-he ditched the classic tux. At the Zurich Film Festival, he even wore a silk shirt printed with dildos, lube, and paper towels.
| Event | Outfit Choice |
|---|---|
| Cannes | Leather gear homage to GBMCC members |
| Zurich | Magliano silk shirt with cheeky illustrations |
Key Takeaways
- Pillion marks a rare mainstream portrayal of U.K. gay biker culture
- Skarsgård and Melling’s quick bonding fueled their on-screen dynamic
- The film blends BDSM themes with classic rom-com sweetness
- Theatrical release is slated for Feb. 6
Expect leather, laughs, and unexpected tenderness when Pillion rides into theaters next month.
